Book Review-Duke Of Midnight by Elizabeth Hoyt

Duke Of Midnight
Maiden Lane (6)
Elizabeth Hoyt
Grand Central Publishing
Paperback
Published October 2013
360 Pages
Regency Romance
ISBN: 978-1-4555-0834-1
Authors Website

Synopsis 
WHEN A MASKED MAN . . .

Twenty years ago Maximus Batten witnessed the brutal murders of his parents. Now the autocratic Duke of Wakefield, he spends his days ruling Parliament. But by night, disguised as the Ghost of St. Giles, he prowls the grim alleys of St. Giles, ever on the hunt for the murderer. One night he finds a fiery woman who meets him toe-to-toe—and won't back down . . .

MEETS HIS MATCH . . .

Artemis Greaves toils as a lady's companion, but hiding beneath the plain brown serge of her dress is the heart of a huntress. When the Ghost of St. Giles rescues her from footpads, she recognizes a kindred spirit-and is intrigued. She's even more intrigued when she realizes who exactly the notorious Ghost is by day . . .

DESIRE IGNITES A DANGEROUS PASSION

Artemis makes a bold move: she demands that Maximus use his influence to free her imprisoned brother-or she will expose him as the Ghost. But blackmailing a powerful duke isn't without risks. Now that she has the tiger by the tail, can she withstand his ire-or the temptation of his embrace?

My Review

Book Review-Lord Of Darkness

Lord of Darkness
Maiden Lane (6)
Elizabeth Hoyt
Grand Central Publishing
Mass Market Paperback
Published February 2013
360 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 1455508306
Authors Website

When Strangers In The Night

He lives in the shadows. As the mysterious masked avenger known as the Ghost of St. Giles, Godric St. John's only goal is to protect the innocent of London. Until the night he confronts a fearless young lady pointing a pistol at his head—and realizes she is his wife.

Become Lovers...

Lady Margaret Reading has vowed to kill the Ghost of St. Giles—the man who murdered her one true love. Returning to London, and to the man she hasn't seen since their wedding day, Margaret does not recognize the man behind the mask. Fierce, commanding, and dangerous, the notorious Ghost of St. Giles is everything she feared he would be—and so much more.

Desire Is The Ultimate Danger

When passion flares, these two intimate strangers can't keep from revealing more of themselves than they had ever planned. But when Margaret learns the truth—that the Ghost is her husband—the game is up and the players must surrender...to the temptation that could destroy them both.

My Thoughts

When This first came out, I hesitated in the beginning to read Lord of Darkness. I had heard some positive and a few negative things. In the past I have enjoyed this series, quite a bit. So I was feeling a bit apprehensive but no worries once I got into the story, with no problem. I enjoyed seeing how this story started off though. As the fifth in the Maiden Lane Series, it does continue on with the "Ghost of St Giles", but I liked how it played out in the end and I have to say I can hardly wait for the next in the series.

It starts out when Margaret has decided to come to London to get familiar with her husband, whom she has only had a marriage of convenience with. She wants more than just living in the country side alone, she wants a child, and her plan is to Seduce her husband, she just has no way of going about it. But she has another motive for coming to London, find the man who murdered her love before she married Godric. Godric also once was married before and madly in love with his wife, until she died very slowly from a disease. He now is the "Ghost of St. Giles" which makes him feel more alive than he has ever felt since his wife's death. But when Margaret suddenly appears on his doorstep, rearranging his life, and turning his world Topsy turvy, he doesn't have a clue how to proceed. Godric is determined to keep his life separate from Margaret's, however he starts to feel again, and knows that she is the last person he wants to let go of.

I found Lord of Darkness a breathtakingly and emotional ride of passion and adventure. I have grown to like this Ghost of St. Giles, and its in this book, that we see the true history behind him. Or maybe I just wasn't paying that much attention in the previous book. However I found the story to be intense and at times too much I was at the edge of my seat in tension. I enjoyed seeing Godric and Margaret together. Both have suffered loss and grief, but it was interesting to see how the author put this couple together and made them come alive through the story. There was also such a beautiful sensuality to Lord of Darkness, that won me over from the start. A action packed filled historical romance that will take your breath away!! Guaranteed to make you fall in love. Another fabulous addition to a thrilling series.

My Grade 
4.5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Other Books In The Series 
Wicked Intentions
Notorious Pleasures
Scandalous Desires
Thief of Shadows
Duke of Midnight (Coming out Oct 2013)

ARC Book Review-Thief Of Shadows

Thief Of Shadows
Maiden Lane (4)
Elizabeth Hoyt
Grand Central Publishing
E Book
Published June 2012
384 Pages
Georgian Historical Romance
ISBN 1455508322

Synopsis
A MASKED MAN . . .
Winter Makepeace lives a double life. By day he's the stoic headmaster of a home for foundling children. But the night brings out a darker side of Winter. As the moon rises, so does the Ghost of St. Giles-protector, judge, fugitive. When the Ghost, beaten and wounded, is rescued by a beautiful aristocrat, Winter has no idea that his two worlds are about to collide.

A DANGEROUS WOMAN . . .
Lady Isabel Beckinhall enjoys nothing more than a challenge. Yet when she's asked to tutor the Home's dour manager in the ways of society-flirtation, double-entendres, and scandalous liaisons-Isabel can't help wondering why his eyes seem so familiar-and his lips so tempting.

A PASSION NEITHER COULD DENY
During the day Isabel and Winter engage in a battle of wills. At night their passions are revealed . . . But when little girls start disappearing from St. Giles, Winter must avenge them. For that he might have to sacrifice everything-the Home, Isabel . . . and his life.

My Review

Summary:
Winter Makespeace, lives a double life, one life during the daylight where he is the manager of Home for lost children of St. Giles, and the other life during the moonlit night, where he goes out looking for the innocent children, but his life becomes threatened when Lady Isabel shows up on the scene. Isabel, is charged by the committee to polish Winter Makepeace and if she is unable to he will be replaced. After seeing the way he cares about the children, she knows its his life's work, and she is willing to do whatever it takes to make him see reason. However Winter is more stubborn than she gave his credit for, and she knows it will take all her iron will to match his stubborness. But when a danger lurks to threaten their future, only their love for each other will see them through to the end....

The Hero (Winter Makepeace)
Winter, has dedicated his whole life to the children of St. Giles, now that they have built up a good and decent roof over their heads, its his job to make sure it stays that way. Even though he lives a life that is secret from everyone, even those who he loves...but he knows its the only way to keep them safe. Winter is a very strong willed, stubborn, but is very protective when it comes to the innocent and will do all he can to protect them.....and when Isabel appears in his life, at first he is very annoyed, but he soon finds she is too irresistable to resist.

The Heroine (Isabel Beckinhall)
Isabel, is charmed when she see's the way Winter is around the children at the home....and she soon see's the type of man he is. A man who is very passionate about everything in his life, including their affair. At first Isabel's desire for Winter is overwhelming and she gives in to the pleasure of his kiss, but when girls start disappearing in St. Giles, she becomes not only his partner in bed but in solving this mystery....

My Thoughts 
Elizabeth Hoyt is one of my favorite authors, I recently discovered her last year, and ever since have just felt charmed by her love stories, and Thief of Shadows was no different. In previous books we have seen Winter and I was thrilled to have the chance to read his story....Winter is both complicated and simple at times. He is a charmer among the ladies, very stubborn and protective over his charges, and has dedicated his life to them even over love and marriage. Isabel is a perfect match for Winter, because she is the only woman that could ever bring him up to scratch. Thief Of Shadows was a beauitfully written story, which was a wonderful mix of romance, mystery, passion, and an exciting plot that will definitely keep the reader on their toes. I think what I loved the most about this book, was how wonderfully woven the characters were sewn into the story, one can't help but be endeared by them. A Charming Love Story!!!!

My Grade On This Book 
4.5 Blossos

Other Books In The Series 
Wicked Intentions
Notorious Pleasures
Scandalous Desires
Lord Of Darkness
Duke Of Midnight 
 

Book Review-Scandalous Desires

Scandalous Desires
Maiden Lane (3)
Elizabeth Hoyt
Grand Central
Paperback
Published November 2011
370 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN 978-0-446-55893-8

Synopsis
Can a pirate learn that the only true treasure lies within a woman’s heart?

“Charming” Mickey O’Connor is the most ruthless river pirate in London. Devastatingly handsome and fearsomely intelligent, he clawed his way up through London’s criminal underworld. Mickey has no use for tender emotions like compassion and love, and he sees people as pawns to be manipulated. Yet he’s never been able to forget the naive captain’s wife who came to him a year ago for help—and spent one memorable night in his bed...talking.

Widowed Silence Hollingbrook is impoverished, lovely, and kind--and a year ago she made a horrible mistake. She went to a river pirate for help in saving her husband and in the process made a bargain that cost her her marriage. That night wounded her so terribly that she hides in the foundling home she helps run with her brother. Except now that same river pirate is back...and he’s asking for her help

MY REVIEW
Summary:
Silence, after losing her husband was at her wits end, until Mikey O'Connor left at her doorstep a little girl, who Silence considered her own, until Mickey enters her life again, and takes Mary from her, so when she goes to confront him, she finds out that Mary is in danger from Mickey's enemies, and the only way to make sure Mary is safe and protected is to stay with her father, Mickey O Connor, and even though he isn't to be trusted, she knows that she has no choice. However what Silence never anticipated was to fall in love with the king river pirate himself, and that theirs is a love and a passion that sneaks up on them.....

The Hero (Mickey O'Connor)
Mickey, was born and grew up in St. Giles, and in order to survive, became a river pirate, and eventually worked his way up to be the King of the slums, and now his nemesis is out to get him through anyone that is close to him. Mickey has never truly loved anyone, until Silence comes into his life, and changes his world, to the point he can't imagine living without her and her goodness in his life....

The Heroine( Silence Hollingbrook)
Once Silence was forced to save her husband, by sacrificing herself, not knowing that the love her husband had for her would never be enough, and now that he has died, and now a widow doesn't believe in much anymore, until Mary shows up in her life, and Silence finds joy in life again, but when she is forced to live with the one person that ruined her life, she knows she is in over her head, but is willing to sacrifice anything for Mary's sake, but she never though she would fall in love with the King of St. Giles, or that she would see beneath the mask

My Thoughts 
Scandalous Desires is the third installment in this series, I did read the first book but I didn't read the second, so I was glad that when I read this one, that I wasn't totally lost or anything. It did help to read the first book though, and I was thrilled to get my hands on Silence's book...I just fell in love with this character in the previous book, but I never thought she would be paired with Mickey, who is the kind of hero you wonder how could this romance ever work out.....but luckily it did and in the most surprising way...with twists and turns in the plot that will leave you feeling pleased. I really loved getting to know these characters alot more....especially Mickey, and digging a little bit deeper into his past, and I also loved the romance in this story...it was a bit different but this story was full of mystery, adventure and witty interaction that will leave you wanting for more and more....just LOVED it!!!

My Grade On This Book 
4.5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
Wicked Intentions
Notorious Pleasures
Thief Of Shadows

Book Review-The Serpent Prince

The Serpent Prince
Princes Trilogy (3)
Elizabeth Hoyt
Grand Central Publishing
Paperback
Published September 2007
362 Pages
Georgian Historical Romance
ISBN978-0-446-40053-4

Synopsis
WHEN THE DEVIL MEETS AN ANGEL
Country bred Lucy Craddock-Hayes is content with her quiet life. Until the day she trips over an unconscious man -- a naked unconscious man - and loses her innocence forever.

HE CAN TAKE HER TO HEAVEN
Viscount Simon Iddesleigh was nearly beaten to death by his enemies. Now he's hell-bent on vengeance. But as Lucy nurses him back to health, her honesty startles his jaded sensibilities - even as it ignites a desire that threatens to consume them both.

OR TO HELL
Charmed by Simon's sly wit, urbane manners, and even his red-heeled shoes, Lucy falls hard and fast for him. Yet as his honor keeps him from ravishing her, his revenge sends his attackers to her door. As Simon wages war on his foes, Lucy wages her own war for his soul using the only weapon she has -- her love.

MY REVIEW
Summary 
Lucy, while taking a peaceful walk stumbles across a man she assumes is dead, but upon futher investigation finds that he is injured, and takes him back to her home to help heal him back to health. Simon, is bent on revenge, however Lucy startles his sensibilities to the point where he craves her very touch, and aches to hear the sound of her voice. He knows that his life is not what he would have for her, since everything in him vows to take revenge for his brothers death on those that killed him, but Lucy's love will be the one to save him as nothing else could...

The Hero (Simon Iddesleigh)
Simon when he was younger, was a rake and scoundrel, with drinking, gambling and many women, but once his brother was murdered and he was now the heir to the title, who has many responsibilities he vowed that he would get justice on those that killed his brother. However, after surviving a severe beating that almost killed him he is put in the care of a innocent young lady who has no clue on the dark side of things of the world as he knows it. But the more they are in each others company, the more he senses that she could be his greatest weakness...

The Heroine (Lucy Craddock-Hayes)
Lucy,  country bred, and still unmarried has yet to find someone that she loves and would want to spend the rest of her life with. But when she finds a injured and very naked adonis like man at her feet, she can do nothing but help him. However as she helps in his healing and taking care of him, she starts to develop very genuine feelings for him, that she has not felt for another. Feelings that she has been searching for all of her life...and when she discovers what is really tormenting this man who holds her heart she will do everything that she can to help heal his injured soul...

My Thoughts 
The Serpent Prince is the third installment in the series. After reading the first book in the series, I loved it so much that I desperately couldn't wait to read the rest of the books in the series, and I just loved reading The Serpent Prince. From the very first page, I found myself captivated until the very last page, and even though I wasn't totally into the story, there was still a sense of mystery and romance that pulled me in. The characters were engaging, and their interaction with each other scrumptious. I also enjoyed how their was a sense of purpose in the characters and their interaction with each other was fascinating...although there were parts that I couldn't bring myself to like....the other much captivating parts made up for it. The sensuality between Lucy and Simon were intense and can at times leave a reader breathless in anticipation for more to come....Overall a Succulent and juice read that will warm you from head to toe....

My Grade On This Book 
4 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
The Raven Prince
The Leopard Prince
The Ice Princess 

Book Review-To Beguile A Beast

To Beguile A Beast
Four Soldiers (3)
Elizabeth Hoyt
Grand Central
Paperback
Published May 2009
331 Pages
Georgian Romance
ISBN: 978-0-446-40693-2

Synopsis
CAN A WOUNDED BEAST . . .
Reclusive Sir Alistair Munroe has hidden in his castle ever since returning from the Colonies, scarred inside and out. But when a mysterious beauty arrives at his door, the passions he's kept suppressed for years begin to awaken.

TRUST A BEAUTY WITH A PAST . . .
Running from past mistakes has taken legendary beauty Helen Fitzwilliam from the luxury of the ton to a crumbling Scottish castle . . . and a job as a housekeeper. Yet Helen is determined to start a new life and she won't let dust-or a beast of a man-scare her away.

TO TAME HIS MOST SECRET DESIRES?
Beneath Helen's beautiful facade, Alistair finds a courageous and sensual woman. A woman who doesn't back away from his surliness-or his scars. But just as he begins to believe in true love, Helen's secret past threatens to tear them apart. Now both Beast and Beauty must fight for the one thing neither believed they could ever find-a happy ever after.

MY REVIEW
Summary 
Helen, running from past mistakes with her two children, she heads up to Scotland, to be the housekeeper for a beast of a man. Although Helen has no idea what she is really doing, she wants to have a new start for both herself and her children. Alistair, is a recluse because of the scars on his face, where even both children and adults run in fear from him. However Helen is not afraid in the least by Alistair, she is very intrigued by him and despite the scars on his face, finds him mesmerizing. A passion starts to form between these two both in need of companionship, tenderness and love....and right when they think that they might have a future together, the past comes to bite them and only their love for each other, to fight will get them through to help them find a future for each other...

The Hero (Alistair Munroe)
Alistair, is a naturalist and has a affinity for nature and animals, and despite the scars both outside and inside from the colonies, he still has a deep passion for it. When a woman with two children come barging into his castle, claiming to be his new housekeeper, he is enraged at first, for the woman is tenacious to say the least. However he starts to crave her company and that of her two children, and finds he can't resist her....

The Heroine (Helen Fitzwilliam)
Helen, decided to flee from a man she knew only considered her a possession, that didn't truly love her like she did him, and decided to run to a place she thought he would never look for her or her children. Where Helen could once find happiness once again, and despite the hard work ahead of her with Alistair and is crumbling castle, she finds that she can be herself here without revealing her past secrets, and find a tender passion with a man who could be her future.

My Thoughts 
To Beguile A Beast is the third installment in this series. I have just loved this series, and this was the last one of this great series for me to read, and even though I read this one last (when its not the last in the series) it ended great!!! Ever since seeing Helen in the previous book...I was excited to read her story, and I wasn't disappointed with To Beguile A Beast. I found a hard time putting this one down from the very first page. I found the story to be enticing, the characters full of depth and endearing, and the romance riveting!!! Definitely a high rating on my scale!!! I loved it!!!

My Grade On This Book 
5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
To Taste Temptation
To Seduce A Sinner
To Desire A Devil

Book Review-To Desire A Devil

To Desire A Devil
Legend Of Four Soldiers (4)
Elizabeth Hoyt
Grand Central
Paperback
Pub Nov 2009
338 Pages
Georgian Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-446-40694-9

Synopsis
NOTHING IS MORE INTOXICATING

Reynaud St. Aubyn has spent the last seven years in hellish captivity. Now half mad with fever he bursts into his ancestral home and demands his due. Can this wild-looking man truly be the last earl's heir, thought murdered by Indians years ago?

OR DANGEROUS
Beatrice Corning, the niece of the present earl, is a proper English miss. But she has a secret: No real man has ever excited her more than the handsome youth in the portrait in her uncle's home. Suddenly, that very man is here, in the flesh-and luring her into his bed.

THAN SURRENDERING TO A DEVIL.
Only Beatrice can see past Reynaud's savagery to the noble man inside. For his part, Reynaud is drawn to this lovely lady, even as he is suspicious of her loyalty to her uncle. But can Beatrice's love tame a man who will stop at nothing to regain his title-even if it means sacrificing her innocence?

MY REVIEW
Summary:
Beatrice, is shocked when Reynaud drops in, confused and in a rage, expecting to come back and find his title and home ready for him. Beatrice, is the niece of the present Earl, and is amazed that he is alive. Having viewed his portrait many times, she finds him around even hurt, exciting and filling her with such need...Reynaud, only knows of his past and doesn't believe he has any family or friends left that he can trust. The only one he seems to be able to believe in is Beatrice, who is lovely inside as she is out and knows that despite her loyalty to her uncle, she can help him regain his title and lands again and a future...


The Hero (Reynaud St. Aubyn)
Reynaud, has been held captive and a prisoner for many years, and has only recently been able to return to his home, to find his father dead, his sister married and living in Boston, and his only home and land no longer his, and will do whatever it takes to regain them. When a lovely woman, Beatrice, helps nurse him back to health, despite his inability to stay sane, he finds her intoxicating to his senses and wants to keep her for himself as well...


The Heroine ( Beatrice Corning)
Beatrice, although she deeply loves her uncle, the one person who took her in and loved her like a daughter, she still feels a undeniable attraction toward Reynaud. An attraction that she can't deny, even to herself. After admiring him from afar, she now can reach to him, and touch him, and desires him above anyone else.


My Thoughts 
To Desire A Devil is the last installment in the Four Soldier Series. I really enjoyed the earlier books in the series, and even though I found this one a entertaining and sizzling read...it was far from my favorite. I found Reynaud too selfish at times, but I admired Beatrice and for standing up to him and not being afraid of his certain savageness. I did enjoy the plot, and I loved the side story of Beatrice's friend...Overall I found To Desire A Devil to be a heated story filled with heated scenes, intriguing plot full of mystery and suspense, and a tender love story


My Grade On This Book
3.5 Blossoms


Other Books In The Series 
To Taste Temptation
To Seduce A Sinner
To Beguile A Beast

Book Review-To Seduce A Sinner

To Seduce A Sinner
Legend Of The Four Soldiers (2)
Elizabeth Hoyt
Grand Central
Paperback
November 2008
359 Pages
Georgian Historical Romance
ISBN 978-0-446-40692-5

Synopsis
THE ONE THING HE CANNOT REVEAL ...

For years, Melisande Fleming has loved Lord Vale from afar ... watching him seduce a succession of lovers, and once catching a glimpse of heartbreaking depths beneath his roguish veneer. When he's jilted on his wedding day, she boldly offers to be his.

TO THE ONE WOMAN HE MOST DESIRES ...

Vale gladly weds Melisande, if only to produce an heir. But he's pleasantly surprised: A shy and proper Lady by day, she's a wanton at night, giving him her body --- though not her heart.

IS HIS DEEPEST NEED ...

Determined to learn her secrets, this sinner starts to woo his seductive new wife --- while hiding the nightmares from his soldiering days in the Colonies that still haunt him. Yet when a deadly betrayal from the past threatens to tear them apart, Lord Vale must bare his soul to the woman he married ... or risk losing her forever

MY REVIEW
Summary:
Melisande, has always had a fascination for Jasper, Lord Vale. She has been watching him from afar for years, knowing that he doesn't even remember who she is or even her name, despite the fact that she was the closest friend to his former fiancee and childhood friend. However, when she hears that he has been jilted from another engagement, she knows that now is the time for her to act upon her feelings, before its too late. Jasper, when Melisande comes to him with a marriage proposal is somewhat shocked, but accepts, hoping that he won't have a fourth jilted engagement. Jasper, desires to know Melisande, for who she really is, and goes about in a effort to woo her, even though they have already married. Although there is danger lurking around the corner, Jasper knows giving himself up to this woman he has married will be his only hope to heal his battered soul...


The Hero (Jasper, Lord Vale)
Jasper, although his outer appearance communicates that he loves life and has forgotten the past, inside he is tormented. Jasper is determined to find the traitor, no matter what. After all the suffering he has gone through, he wonders if he will ever be able to heal back together again. When Melisande boldly offers him marriage, he accepts, knowing it couldn't get much worse. Even though she doesn't have gorgeous looks, he see's a inner beauty that shines and is desperate to only know more...


The Heroine ( Melisande Fleming)
Melisande, has always been the one to be in the background when things happen, but not on the day she asks Jasper to marry her. She decides to be the center of things for once, and is amazed that he doesn't laugh at her, but agrees. For six years, she has loved him, even knowing he didn't know her like she knew him. But he continually surprises her once they get married, and awakens a desire in her that longs for his touch, and knows that she will never be truly happy until she receives his love in return...

My Thoughts 
To Seduce A Sinner is the second in the Legend of Four Soldiers series. In the previous book we were able to see Jasper, and I was excited to read his story... I loved all of the elements that were portrayed in this story. I think I just fell in love with the hero, although he has suffered much inner pain, he still manages to find a bit of joy in life. And even though we see his focus on trying to locate the identity of the traitor, we all see how attentive he is toward Melisande. There were some aspects I liked about Melisande, but throughout the book I felt like there was something missing about her, but one aspect I loved about her was that when she believed in something she didn't back down. I enjoyed the little side story involving the heroine in the next books as well. Overall a very beautifully crafted story with a touch of mystery and mix of romance, wit, and deep characters, to keep you enchanted....

My Grade On This Book 
4 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
To Taste Temptation
To Beguile A Beast
To Desire A Devil

Book Review-To Taste Temptation

To Taste Temptation
Legend Of The Four Soldies (1)
Elizabeth Hoyt
Grand Central Publishing
Paperback
Published May 2008
362 Pages
Georgian Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-446-40691-8

Synopsis
EVEN THE MOST REFINED LADY
Lady Emeline Gordon is the model of sophistication in London's elite social circles, always fashionable and flawlessly appropriate. As such, she is the perfect chaperone for Rebecca, the young sister of a successful Boston businessman and former
Colonial soldier.

CRAVES AN UNTAMED MAN
Samuel Hartley may be wealthy, but his manners are as uncivilized as the American wilderness he was raised in. Who wears moccasins to a grand ball? His arrogant disregard for propriety infuriates Emeline, even as his boldness excites her.

TO RELEASE HER PASSION...
But beneath Samuel's rakish manner, he is haunted by tragedy. He has come to London to settle a score, not to fall in love. And as desperately as Emeline longs to feel this shameless man's hands upon her, to taste those same lips he uses to tease her, she must restrain herself. She is not free. But some things are beyond a lady's control...

MY REVIEW
Summary 
Lady Emeline, a widow and a single mother, lives among the Elite among the Ton. Emeline then meets Samuel, who has a wildness that draws her in a way she would have never expected.  Against her aunt's wishes, she finds Samuel irresistable, even with his wild ways, a man who isn't afraid of anything, and could care less what others think about him or what he wears. Samuel is here in England for one thing, and it isn't to make sure his sister has a fun time. Samuel is out to find the traitor that betrayed them in the Colonies, and where he lost many of his friends, and those that survived have all suffered scars of their own. However, although once he is put in the same room as Emeline, he decides that despite his true reason for being here, he can't resist Emeline, and knows he will never be content until he has claimed her as his...

The Hero (Samuel Hartley)
Samuel, has made himself financially prosperous through his own intellect in Boston, but has come to London for a purpose. Samuel reluctantly decided to bring his beloved sister, Rebecca. Even though Samuel loves her, his real reason for coming to England is hidden from her, for he must find the one who betrayed both himself and every innocent man that was tortured and/or killed violently. Samuel has suffered his own scars and inner turmoil, however has a strong will and will not rest until the true traitor is found.


The Heroine (Emeline Gordon)
Emeline, although things in her life seem to be going pretty well for her, she hides it well. After losing her beloved brother in the colonies, and then her husband, she is now conflicted. As a mother, her son is everything to her, however Samuel stirs up a passion in her that is more intense that she could have ever realized. And knowing that there can be no future for them...she still aches for his touch and to hold a piece of his heart...


My Thoughts 
To Taste Temptation is the first in the 'Legend of the Four Soldies' series. I was way excited to get most of this series from the library, and I started with To Taste Temptation. I have heard many good things about this author, and I wasn't disappointed with this one. I found it to be a stunning start, and I just found I fell in love with the characters the more I got more into the book. Who can resist a man who wears mocassins to a ball just because they are comfortable LOL I found his certain disregard for everything proper entertaining to say the least. Emeline, is the kind of heroine who can relate with on some level. She has such a tender heart, even though it sometimes is hidden beneath her proper facade, when you can see she just can't wait for a opportunity to shed all of it to bare the true woman within. Such a delicious read, I had such a grand time reading this!!!!


My Grade On This Book 
4 Blossoms


Other Books In The Series 
To Seduce A Sinner
To Beguile A Beast
To Desire A Devil 

Book Review- The Raven Prince

The Raven Prince
Princes Trilogy (1)
Elizabeth Hoyt
Warner Books
Paperback
Published 2006
356 Pages
Georgian Historical Romance

Synopsis
THERE COMES A TIME IN A LADY'S LIFE

Widowed Anna Wren is having a wretched day. After an arrogant male on horseback nearly squashes her, she arrives home to learn that she is in dire financial straits.

WHEN SHE MUST DO THE UNTHINKABLE...

The Earl of Swartingham is in a quandary. Having frightened off two secretaries, Edward de Raaf needs someone who can withstand his bad temper and boorish behavior.

AND FIND EMPLOYMENT.

When Anna becomes the earl's secretary, it would seem that both their problems are solved. Then she discovers he plans to visit the most notorious brothel in London for his "manly" needs. Well! Anna sees red-and decides to assuage her "womanly" desires...with the earl as her unknowing lover.

MY REVIEW
Summary:
Anna Wren, a widow, is in search for a job that could help with their financial needs, and miraculously finds a job as a secretary to the Earl of Swartingham. At first Anna is overjoyed but knows that it won't be a easy task to be a secretary to a man who hold a temper. Edward, is shocked when he comes home to see that a woman is his secretary, a woman that stands up to him and isn't afraid of his temper. Edward is physically drawn to Anna but knows that she is a lady and knows that he can never make an advance toward her, but the more time they spend with each other, he starts to realize she is the first woman he is comfortable with, someone to talk with, to walk with and one that see him beneath the scars on his face. But then the unexpected happens, and they will both realize that they will be able to find their ever after if they would fight for it...


The Hero (Edward, Earl of Swartingham)
Edward, has lost every person he has every loved to a disease, and he is the sole survivor. Widowed and without a heir he knows he must marry and soon, just in case something were to ever happen to him. Edward has much unresolved hurt and bitterness in his heart but the moment Anna enters into his life, he starts to soften just a bit at a time and he starts to come to the realization how much she means to him...


The Heroine( Anna Wren)
Anna, has always blamed herself for being unable to bear children after being married for four years, and now that she is a widow, she has found someone that she could find herself loving and spending a life with. But then she finds out that he desires children and knowing that it would be unlikely she could be with....she still aches to be with him any way that she can....even knowing that it could end in heartbreak.


My Thoughts 
The Raven Prince is the first in the Princes Trilogy, and as the first book I have read from this author, I just fell in love....I found myself not wanting this one to ever end. I loved Anna and Edward and even the mutt 'jock' was a hoot throughout the book. I immensely enjoyed the interaction between the characters, especially Anna and Edward. Anna is not afraid of Edward, despite the fact that pretty much everyone else is....and she stands up to him like a spitfire not afraid of a thing, which only increases the heat and passion that builds between them. At first it took me a little bit to get into the books, but once I did I couldn't put it down, I was totally immersed into a unforgettable romance, that had my full attention!!! A Keeper for sure! Looking forward to reading more from Elizabeth Hoyt.


My Favorite Quote 
"All this time I've been restraining myself because I thought you were a respectable lady. All this time when you only this," He swooped in then and devoured her mouth, ravishing her softness, making no allowance for her smaller size, her femininity. " This is what you crave. What you traveled all the way to London for," he whispered against her mouth. 


My Grade On This Book 
4.5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
The Leopard Prince
The Serpent Prince
The Ice Prince