Duke of Pleasure (Maiden Lane)

This is the 11th book in Elizabeth Hoyt’s fabulous Maiden Lane series and it still amazes me that she can consistently enthral me with her fascinating characters, engrossing plots and sensual romances.

Ms Hoyt excels in writing unconventional heroines, none more so than Alf who first appeared in Lord of Darkness where it was revealed that this young street urchin is in fact a woman. Alf survived the dangerous streets of St Giles, where she was born and bred, by disguising herself as a boy. Bold, tenacious and quick-witted, she had made a living as an informant. Godric St John (hero of Lord of Darkness and retired Ghost of St Giles) saw her potential and trained her to become the Ghost of St Giles. During the day, she is Alf, but at night she is the Ghost of St Giles, willing to put her life on the line to protect those weaker than herself.

I was pleased to see the return of the Ghost especially as Ms Hoyt chose a woman for the role. I had this wonderful vision of Alf gracefully “darting, wheeling and spinning” whilst wielding her two swords.

Hugh is the illegitimate son of King William but had been formally acknowledged by his father and granted the title of Duke of Kyle, together with considerable land, money and an education befitting a duke. The King has now charged Hugh with destroying the Lords of Chaos, a secret club committing terrible acts of debauchery.

Hugh suffered emotionally in the past. A man of deep passions, he married Katherine with whom he was besotted, but it wasn’t long before he realised that he a had made a terrible mistake. Desperate to get away, he took a commission in the army and went abroad; his only regret was leaving his two young sons, Christopher and Peter. When news reaches him that his wife has died after falling from her horse, he resigns his commission and returns home. He has vowed never again to be swept away by passion for a woman.

I like how Hugh’s relationship with his sons is explored because it gives his character greater depth. It is obvious that he loves them but both boys are still coping with the recent loss of their mother and he doesn’t know how to reach out to them. The eldest, Christopher, hates his father for not being there for them, while the youngest, Peter, suffers from terrible nightmares. Some of the scenes where Hugh tries to comfort Peter are heart-rending to read.

In this series, Ms Hoyt always pairs the most unlikely hero and heroine but she makes the romance work beautifully. A duke and a street urchin shouldn’t work on many levels but it does, and I was rooting for Hugh and Alf to find the happiness they deserve.

I understood why Hugh fights his feelings for Alf but it is a lost cause because…

'She made his heart beat fast. Freed all those wild emotions he thought he’d safely locked away when he’d left England three years ago'.

and Alf’s feelings are just as potent…

'She wanted him with every breath she drew, a painful longing inside her lungs, until it felt as if she’d break apart and shatter into tiny pieces of glass if she could not touch him.'

The air positively sizzles when these two are together and there is a particularly erotic scene where Alf has a rather inventive way of evading capture when they are being chased by members of the Lords of Chaos!

I love the scenes between Alf and Hugh’s children. She connects with them in a way that he hasn’t been able to, but she also paves the way for Hugh to reconcile with his children. It also gives Alf something she has never had before – a family.

'It was as if her heart had been a tiny seed, alone in a dark box, and Hugh and his boys had shone light on it.'

Murder, kidnapping and code-breaking – there’s plenty of action, danger and mystery to keep the story moving as Hugh and Alf work to track down the Lords of Chaos.

Godric St John and his wife, Megs, make an appearance and two new characters are introduced. The widowed Iris Daniels, Lady Jordan, a friend of Hugh’s who takes Alf under her wing when plans require Alf to dress as a woman for the first time and the mysterious, scarred Raphael de Chartres, Duke of Dyemore

After reading the Epilogue, I can’t wait to read their story in Duke of Desire!!

MY VERDICT: Another highly recommended addition to this outstanding series.

**I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. **

I always find historical romances a fun escape for a few hours. I hadn't read anything by Elizabeth Hoyt before, and while this is part of the Maiden Lane series, it works well as a standalone book - I think each story follows a different pair, so while there is probably some overlap in characters, I didn't feel like I was missing out.

Hugh quickly realises that the Ghost of St Giles, Alf in disguise, is female, although he is fooled into thinking Alf is a boy for much longer. When he puts the two together, he keeps the information to himself, protecting her identity and safety. But knowing that the Ghost, whom he has been fantasising about, is actually working with him puts him in an interesting position!

The romance in this book is quite sexy, I think partly because unlike in a lot of historical romance novels, the heroine is not part of respectable society. So there is no expectation or assumption that sexual activity will lead to marriage. They are both able to be more free with their affections than in many cases, and it leads to some very steamy scenes!

While the romance is of course a big part of the story, the intrigue of trying to uncover a secret society who are known to do awful things is also a big focus. I really enjoyed the mystery, and following the various characters as they put clues together.

Overall I really enjoyed this book - it was a lot of fun! I don't know if I'll go back & read earlier books in the series, but I do want to read the sequel as it focuses on a character who we see a lot of in Duke of Pleasure. A fun historical romance with a dangerous plot to uncover, I'm giving Duke of Pleasure 7/10.

Rating ~ 4.5 stars
This was such a fun book! Filled with hidden identities, masquerade balls, an evil cult, adorable children and two great protagonists.

Duke of Kyle, Hugh Fitzroy, has returned from abroad five months ago after the death of his wife to take care of his children (Kit and Peter) and as a agent under the King, he has a mission to complete. The mission is to find the members of the Lord of Chaos cult, the members being all high ranking and most of them aristocrats of the society who are involved in some extremely corrupt and evil acts.

Alf aka Ghost of St. Giles, Alf was abandoned as a child in St. Giles and she was taken in by Ned who helped her survive the harsh realities of St. Giles. One of the way that Ned protected and helped her was by disguising Alf as a boy. So in the past 16 years or so Alf has lived or atleast presented to the outside world as a boy and more recently disguised as the Ghost of St. Giles, protecting the street of St. Giles. She isn’t really sure where she fits anymore and meeting the Duke of Kyle and feeling attraction towards him only confuses her more.

Hugh and Alf met in the last book Duke of Sin, when he tries to bribe her to spy on the Duke of Montgomery, for whom Alf was working for during that time. Hugh has no idea that this cocky boy is actually a woman. They meet again when Alf as the Ghost of St. Giles saves Hugh’s life and later when Hugh wants a spy.

Their falling in love is quite gradual at the same time it’s seamless, you see their emotions and how attracted they are to each other. Not to mention when they both fight together and try to protect each other. They made a great team fighting bad guys, finding information and saving people and they made a great couple because they both understood each other so well. They were perfectly balanced! (social status not withstanding).

Hugh, I believe, was attracted to Alf not just because she was so unique and different from other women he knew but because while Alf could be cynical and practical she had this hope shinning from her. I don’t think Alf herself realised how many people loved her because of the way she touched their lives. She had been so achingly lonely before because she couldn’t let people know her identity but those who did know, cared a lot for her even though she didn’t let anyone completely in. Alf was such a great heroine, she was a ruthless and cunning fighter but caring and loving towards children, all in all a great protector.

I just really enjoyed it, it made me immensely happy to see Hugh and Alf get their Happily ever After!

Side Note: I CAN’T WAIT to read Duke of Desire; Iris and the Duke of Dyemore’s story, he fascinated me in this book not to mention Iris, seems like an exceptional woman. After reading this book, it now has the spot of my second favourite of the series (Previously Wicked Intentions), my favourite of course being Duke of Sin!

ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Elizabeth Hoyt's Maiden Lane series gets another great book. We've encountered Alf many times throughout the series and I am so glad she finally got her own book! It was also good to have a visit with Godric and Megan as well.

One of the prevalent themes in these books seems to be aristocrats marrying inappropriate partners and this one is a doozie. Alf doesn't have some hidden secret that she was born into a noble home and was kidnapped at a young age or something. Nope -- she was born poor and raised herself (always dressed as a boy) in St. Giles. So the duke (son of the king) marries a guttersnipe. Way to go!!!

I love the dukes children, especially little Peter. He is so sweet, smart and very brave. They love Alf and make no bones about letting their father know it.

Alf is now the Ghost of St. Giles and she saves the duke one night when he has been set upon by more than a dozen thugs. She's intrigued with him - he is intrigued with her. However, he doesn't know that the Ghost is also Alf when he hires him/her to gather information for him.

I like our duke. He is really a romantic at heart, but doesn't think so and refuses to believe in love again since his wife was such a slut (my word not his). Their love burned bright for just a little while and then flamed out. After she dies, he returns to care for his sons and loves them unconditionally.

There is a great set-up for the next book and it looks great. I can't wait to read it!!!! I really liked Iris in this book and the next book is hers.

Duke of Pleasure continues the story of the Ghost of St. Giles, a pseudonym used by the heroes of the previous eleven books in the Maiden Lane series. The Ghost is a do gooder, who protects against the unsavory element in St. Giles, a fictional ‘hood in the projects of 18th century London. This time the Ghost is a young woman, disguised as a boy named Alf. Alf has grown up on the streets of St. Giles, and as a boy, is able to investigate and overhear many things that a well dressed Duke of Kyle cannot. The Duke, Hugh Fitzroy, has been tasked to find out everything about a mysterious group of men called the Lords of Chaos. Very unsavory characters who don’t want their identities found out. Which is how Alf and the Duke meet. The Duke is being attacked in an alley by a group of men intent upon murder and the Ghost of St. Giles leaps in to his rescue. I loved that the Ghost was a woman, and her backstory and training in swordsmanship provided great insight into her character and why she chose that disguise.

I have read most of the Maiden Lane series, and it’s always a fun leap into a world of ball gowns, tea, and sword fights. A world where the men are Alphas, not necessarily by their attitude but by birthright. This novel was refreshing in that Alf, as a female, took this era’s hierarchy by the horns and made her own way. Not living well, but at least not being led around by a man. One of the greatest leaps in this novel was that Hugh, a Duke, once finding out Alf was female did not think of her station except for her lack of safety. It is through their investigation into the Lords of Chaos that she realizes that she rather likes being a woman, and considers giving up her disguise as a boy. Yes, there is a bit of Henry Higgins from my Fair Lady, but it’s not Hugh that plays that role, which is a refreshing change.

A regency romance is read for pure pleasure and fun, and Duke of Pleasure is definitely that! If you haven’t read this series, you can easily read each book on its own, and I’d recommend jumping in with Duke of Pleasure.

I totally adore the Maiden Lane series, even though I’ve only read the latest three and a half books (I swear I will catch up on the past books one day!). I still consider this series a historical romance favorite of mine, and with each installment I read, the more I love it. Duke of Pleasure is the eleventh and second-to-last book of the series, which makes me bittersweet because I’m not ready for it to be over! But even though I’m sad that it’s almost the end, I still highly enjoyed Alf and Hugh’s story. Elizabeth Hoyt swept me away with a romance full of passion and adventure. If you’re a fan of the series, you definitely need to get on reading this latest Maiden Lane book!

In Duke of Sin, we were given a glimpse at Hugh’s story, and we also found out the stunning revelation that Alf is actually a woman disguised as a teenage boy. So to say I was intrigued and had high expectations would be an understatement, and luckily, I wasn’t disappointed. While Alf pretends to be a teenage boy to protect herself, she is also the new Ghost of St. Giles, a being meant to protect the defenseless in her city. Alf is a fascinating character, for sure, and the more I read of her, the more I loved her and wanted to know more of her.

Hugh is a widowed father who is struggling to help his two young sons deal with the death of their mother. Hugh didn’t love his wife, but she was a good mother, and her absence has made the gap between him and his children grow even wider. He loves Kit and Peter more than anything, but underneath his stoicism, he’s hurting for his children. So when the opportunity to take his mind off the pain for just a little while comes along in the form of a street urchin named Alf, he seizes it. And when he discovers Alf’s true gender and that she’s the Ghost of St. Giles that he can’t stop thinking about, all bets are off and Hugh takes what he wants… which is the fierce, independent, mischievous Alf.

I loved all the characters in this book, and how each one contributed to the story. Alf and Hugh’s heartfelt romance that was full of longing had my heart aching for them. Hugh’s sons are absolute delights – at first, full of hurt over their mother, but once Alf enters the picture, they start to open up. Then there’s Hugh’s late wife’s best friend. I was a bit confused when her POV was included in the novel, but she plays somewhat of a big role in Duke of Pleasure – and she’ll play an even bigger, more important role as the heroine in the next and final book!

If you couldn’t tell, Duke of Pleasure is another fantastic installment to this wonderful series I’ve come to love so much. There’s always something so magical in the books I’ve read from Elizabeth Hoyt – I fall head over heels for the characters and the romance, while the plot puts a fun twist to everything. If you love historical romance and you haven’t experienced the Maiden Lane series, I highly recommend it! Although you should probably read in order, unlike me ;)

5 "Secret Identities & Societies Collide Resulting in a Love Alliance" Stars!

Being a fan of the Maiden Lane Series, but not necessarily a fan of the woman masquerading as a boy trope in romance, I nonetheless knew I had to give the Duke of Pleasure a chance based solely on my past good experiences with Ms. Hoyt's works. And boy am I glad I did! Ms. Hoyt has really outdone herself on this 11th book in the Maiden Lane Series. Not only is the romance (and in fact the heroine's endearment to the hero's entire family, including his two young children) incredibly well developed, such that by the time the inevitable rolls around you're rooting for the HEA, but the suspense is also top notch, making this a must read for historical romance/romantic suspense lovers!

The Duke of Kyle is used to doing unspeakable things all in the name of his country and his King (who he faithfully serves as one of Britain's top secret spies). But when his wife dies, and he returns home, he finds two young sons who would rather he had stayed away and imminent danger as it becomes increasingly clear that someone wants him dead. But he has been tasked with discovering the identity of the evil and clandestine society of the Lords of Chaos and he is determined to both complete his mission for the King, as well as remain alive for, and win over the love of, his sons. So he enlists the help of Alf, a young boy from the wrong side of tracks who deals in the information gathering business to help him discover who the Lords of Chaos truly are.

Abandoned by her mother at a very young age, Alf had to learn to survive on the mean streets of one of the toughest neighborhoods in London, St. Giles, any which way she could. For Alf that meant she learned how to fight better than most boys--indeed men--and convincingly disguise herself as a boy. Her alliances also lead to her assuming the role of the legendary, Ghost of St. Giles, a hero (or in her case heroine) that helps those that are less fortunate to be able to defend themselves against St. Giles' evil street thugs. However, when her nightly activities as the Ghost of St. Giles lead to her defending a most unlikely of characters, Hugh Fitzroy, the Duke of Kyle, her life takes a life altering turn. The question is will it be for the better or ultimately lead to heartbreak?

Can Hugh and Alf discover the identity of the Lords of Chaos before the danger that is stalking Hugh catches up with him? Moreover, with such disparate backgrounds could there ever possibly be a HEA in the cards for this unlikely duo?

So many aspects this story were well done, but I think what I liked the most was how the Duke of Pleasure dispels the myth that there is huge insurmountable divide between the higher and lower classes. In fact, as the story went along, you begin to realize that there are actually a lot of similarities between this Duke and the lowly born heroine. Moreover, it was bonding over this commonality that ultimately allows each to heal from the misfortunes of their pasts.

All in all, the pages just flew by making it impossible to put the Duke of Pleasure down until I had reached its conclusion. I can't wait to read more by Ms. Hoyt!

Source: Review copy provided for honest review purposes.

There is something about this series I cannot put down. It is one of the few historical series i salivate for. Elizabeth Hoyt has put a fun and unique twist to this series and it keeps you coming back for more. I love how woman are strong individuals and although this is in the historical setting it doesn’t feel like it.

Here we have a bold, caring family man who is proud to show his family his love and give them his time. Hugh Fitzroy is one sexy man and not just because of his looks. His love for his children and how he is there for them makes this gorgeous man sexy. His respect for Alf and how to him it doesn’t matter if she is female only that she is capable and his equal matters. He sees beyond the superficial layers and sees who Alf is and that makes him sexy. He finds her to be strong and yet vulnerable and an equal in every way. She intrigues him and allures him. watching these two dance around the attraction while fighting there inner most feelings and themselves due to their pasts is fascinating and entertaining but not as entertaining as the whole story.

Hugh is after the lords of chaos and seeing how dangerous they are you root for him to win this battle. With Alf on his side he finds out more about them but also finds a way to take them down. At the same time he sees a new side to Alf and begins to fall in love. He has an internal struggle due to his deceased wife and the pain she left him to feel. their marriage wasn’t a great one and he lost so much in that time. He comes back to try to heal the rift with his children who he loves with his life, dismantle the lords of chaos and heal his heart. He didn’t expect to fall in love with a sexy, wild imp of a woman who helps his children feel safe and happy and heals all of their hearts. Alf is the girl who tries to hide. She protects those she loves but mainly protects herself. She respects Hugh and loves how he isn’t afraid to show his love and devotion to his children. She works with him to bring down the lords of chaos and while doing this finds her inner goddess and love. These two are so entertaining. they treat each other as equals but also with love and kindness. they make mistakes and misinterpret things as well which does cause some moments of indecision and pain but in the end they get the bad guys or do they completely hmmm…and a HEA. The ending was sweet but also a segue into the next book that I can’t wait to read. HOyt captures you for the beginning with her entertaining story, fantastic writing and romance that keeps your heart warm and fuzzy.

The Ghost of St Giles is back! Elizabeth Hoyt never ceases to amaze me, with her riveting storytelling, elegant writing style, richly drawn setting and wonderful characters. She once again delves into Georgian England and the dangerous world of one of the poorest areas of London, St Giles. Her vivid and detailed descriptions really bring the world of Maiden Lane to life. And I never can get enough of it!

Hugh Fitzroy, the Duke of Kyle, has been tasked to bring down the Lords of Chaos, a secret club of powerful and corrupted aristocrats meeting to revel in debauchery. Searching for information, he makes a foray into the dangerous world of St Giles and is attacked by ruffians. Trapped in a desperate position, he is rescued from sure death by the Ghost of St Giles. And this time around the Ghost is none other than Alf, a street urchin and... a woman. During the day, Alf makes her living as an informant, disguised as a boy and at night, she is the Ghost of St Giles, protecting the people.

Hugh is broken. He was recently widowed and his marriage ended as a disaster, with two young boys devastated by their mother’s death. He hires Alf to find out who sent assassins after him. Although she is an enigma to him, he trusts her instinctively. They come from different worlds, Hugh is wealthy, Alf has nothing and nowhere to go. As the story unfolds, their emotional connection can’t be denied. Hugh is stern, abrupt, and used to being in control, but he is a good man. He is fascinated by Alf’s boldness and disarmed by her close relationship with his kids. I enjoyed their battle of wills. Alf has lived by herself in St Giles, she is tenacious, strong and brave. She refuses to let Hugh dictate what she can or can’t do, although he only intends to protect her and truly cares for her.

I loved this beautifully written story combining witty dialogue, emotionally charged, steamy scenes and two very different characters who together complete each other perfectly and are the best allies in the face of danger. Not to mention a breathtaking, nail-biting ride of suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat! “Duke of Pleasure” is a great addition to the Maiden Lane series and I can’t wait for the next installment featuring a very intriguing character. This book can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend Elizabeth Hoyt’s signature series as a whole!

An advance copy of this book was provided by the publisher, via Netgalley.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Una

Elizabeth Hoyt has to be one of the best historical romance writers. Not only does she give the reader a steamy romance but she incorporates a riveting story to go along with it.

Alf has never been allowed to be a girl since she was 5. Surviving the worst area of London meant she has lived her life disguised as a boy giving information to those who will pay for it during the day and lately she has learned to fight and to scale the rooftops as the Ghost of St Giles (a masked vigilante).

Hugh Fitzroy works for the King and is set to defeat the Lords of Chaos. Hiring the best informant in Alf is a start. When he meets the Ghost of St Giles as he is ambushed in a London alley he knows immediately from her body that she is a woman. It takes a while for him to connect Alf and the Ghost as one and the same. Hugh also is a single father of two boys, both who have been traumatized by their mother’s death. Having been away a lot of his married life not wanting to deal with his wife’s affairs he finds it hard to have a relationship with the two boys. One resents him for not being there and the other is still having nightmares at losing his mother. Alf develops a relationship with the boys and Hugh finds that he is more and more dependent on the steadiness Alf brings to the home.

When one of the boys is kidnapped Hugh and Alf must work together to get him back alive and to finally dissolve the Lords of Chaos. The transformation of Alf into a woman is well written and believable.

Again this is a fast moving and delightful story , I know I am always on the lookout for other Elizabeth Hoyt’s books.

the latest in the maiden lane series, duke of pleasure, tells the story of the duke of kyle and a street urchin named alf. hugh is intent on disbanding and unmasking the notorious lords of chaos, and he hires alf, in her street urchin garb, to help him investigate and attack he believes was instigated at the command of the lords. hugh doesn't know alf's secret, he thinks she is a teenaged boy. alf has many secrets in fact, because she is also the current ghost of st. giles.

alf has had run-ins with hugh in both her guises, she saved hugh from a nasty attack on the streets of st. giles as the ghost. an encounter that ended with a heated kiss and his realization that the ghost of st. giles was a woman. and as a street urchin/informant who barters information for coin, they first crossed paths when alf was working for valentine, and again when hugh asks alf to look into the nasty attack and suss out who hired the gang of thugs to take hugh out.

working with hugh puts her life in danger, and when he insists that she stay in his home, her secrets start to unravel. because there is an attraction between hugh and alf, one that is undeniable. and even though alf has always had to be a boy, she suddenly finds herself wishing more people knew her true self.

all too soon hugh knows she is a woman, and there is no way they can keep apart. eventually the case requires alf to take on her womanhood. and once she makes these changes for hugh there is no going back. they belong together and it's just a question of figuring that out.

the threads that link this book to its sequel start to come together in this book, and i can't wait to see where duke of desire will take us as the series concludes. elizabeth hoyt has created such a rich world with the maiden lane series, it will be so sad to leave it behind. but we have at least one full length novel and a holiday novella in the works before that actually happens. in the meantime, we get to see hugh and alf figure out their thing. fun fact: it involved lots and lots of chemistry. and time in bed.

**duke of pleasure will publish on november 29, 2016. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/forever (grand central publishing) in exchange for my honest review.

Dark, sexy, and thrilling! Duke of Pleasure was everything I've come to know and love about Hoyt's romances. Passion, danger, and characters that'll leave you addicted.

So, basically, Hugh has made some enemies while trying to take down a secret society. Which kinda led to an ambush in a dark alley and kinda being saved by a mysterious masked...woman. Who vanishes just as quickly as she appears. Yeah, that'll catch a man's attention for sure. Her joining in on the hunt for the villains? Yeah...he's hooked.

Hugh and Alf. Oh my. I adored them. A duke with connections to the King and a former street urchin hiding a secret identity...or two. They were an absolute trip! And each others perfect match. They're both so...unconventional. She's basically a vigilante who protects the innocent people in the slums...he's a titled gentleman that truly cares for the people around him and putting everything he is into eliminating a horrible group of men. He's also a single daddy and yall know I'm a sucker for them. Mmhm. I really loved seeing them slowly become a family. His little boys. Gah they got my heart.

There's a little heat but things lean to the side of suspense and danger. And that did keep one on her toes. I loved watching them work as a team to piece things together. And that he loved how capable she was and really saw her as his equal. Well paced and with a thrilling spot of danger it was quite the adventure.

All in all, Duke of Pleasure was simply captivating. Dark, edgy, suspenseful and topped off with a romance that left me sighing. Hoyt kept me eagerly flipping pages and easily falling for two charmingly unique characters and the people who love them.

(Library loan. Not a Verified Purchase.)

I borrow now and don't buy Hoyt's books. Sometimes they're good. Sometimes they're not so good. And never are they HRs I'd like to read again. Perhaps her most interesting recent entry in this never-ending Maiden Lane series was DUKE OF SIN: A psychopathic duke finds love with his housekeeper. Can't beat that one for unusual, romantic and creepy at the same time.

Hoyt has a very readable writing style. She's creative with her characters and has a cast of thousands waiting in the wings. She has a huge following. She's clever. I just wish somebody would calibrate her GPS so she could find her way out of St. Giles and Maiden Lane and move on to another place and time. Shouldn't she be running out of dukes by now? Weren't there only about 20 or so at that time? And that's counting the royal ones.

In this, entry #11, we have handsome widower and father of two young boys, Hugh Fitzroy, bastard son of the king and a lower-class actress. He's a duke (of Kyle) with a title created just for him by his daddy. Although rich and well placed in society, he's not a pure blue-blood so he apparently can have his romance here with that street urchin Alf we have known and loved for ages. Behaving and dressing as a boy for protection on the streets of St. Giles, Alf is now a 21-year-old woman. She's got lots of street creds, is even the reigning Ghost of St. Giles, but is sadly lacking womanly graces.

So Alf, when out and about dressed as the Ghost of St. Giles, comes upon Kyle being attacked by a gang of thugs and rescues him. When her breasts accidentally come into contact with Kyle he's a goner. It's love at first feel. Of course, at first he still hasn't twigged on to Alf's identity, even though he hires her often for investigative work in St. Giles. Eventually our booby Kyle will figure out about Alf's boobs and we're set on the course of true lurve.

There's a mystery and more here. Is there a question about how Kyle's wife had died? What does that degenerate club, Lords of Chaos, have to do with Kyle's recent problems? Will Kyle develop a good relationship with his young sons? And: Can Alf learn to wear dresses, dance, speak like a toff and give good BJs? All will be answered here.

Elizabeth Hoyt continues to amaze with her Maiden Lane series. The story is a well written, free flowing story that has quick-witted, snarky heroine and a gruff, sometimes vulnerable hero. Alf grew up in the streets of St. Giles, survived by dressing as a boy and living by her wits and intelligence. She works as an informant by day and the Ghost of St. Giles by night protecting the weak. She saves the Duke of Kyle one night when he is attacked by several thugs and is later hired by him to find out who hired the thugs. Hugh Fitzroy, the Duke of Kyle, is working for the king to bring down a notorious group known as the Lords of Chaos. Danger ensues, secrets are revealed and an unlikely love blooms.

4.5 stars
The Maiden Lane series continues to be one of my favorite historical romance series, that I simply cannot get enough of. Duke of Pleasure brings back the Ghost of St. Giles and I couldn't be more excited for not only the return but for the character behind the mask. What a wonderful twist to the legend and myth behind the Ghost. While the Duke of Kyle, Hugh Fitzroy, chases down the members of the notorious Lords of Chaos, Alf is picking up the torch of keeping the streets and it's people of St. Giles safe. When their paths cross, Hugh and Alf find an ally in each other and so much more. I loved these characters. Alf was simply, perfection. All the twists kept me engaged and wanting more.

I have been eagerly awaiting this book since Alf's first appearance. Alf is all the things I love best in a heroine: smart, witty, caring, honourable, compassionate, capable, and independent. It stood to reason, based on the previous books in the series, that Duke of Pleasure would have a hero to match.

Instead we got dry toast. And not even good toast, like cinnamon raisin, no, this was dry, white bread. Like sawdust and ashes in the mouth. Every time he began to brood again I wanted to scream. How could Alf debase herself to love someone so utterly selfish and self-absorbed? The man brags (admittedly, to himself) how he didn't take on mistresses when is wife was unfaithful, and he accepted another man's child as his own, and didn't he leave to spare them the fighting, and kept in touch with letters? Isn't he a golden splendor of male godliness?! BAH!

Alf deserved a thousand times better, and I know have to say something I never dreamed I would say, this series has run its course and needs to be drawn to a close before any more characters have their HEA horribly butchered in such a terrible fashion.

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

Duke of Pleasure by Elizabeth Hoyt
Book Eleven of the Maiden Lane series
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publication Date: November 29, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

IN THE ARMS OF DANGER

Bold. Brave. Brutally handsome. Hugh Fitzroy, the Duke of Kyle, is the king's secret weapon. Sent to defeat the notorious Lords of Chaos, he is ambushed in a London alley—and rescued by an unlikely ally: a masked stranger with the unmistakable curves of a woman.

IN THE HEAT OF DESIRE

Cocky. Clever. Courageously independent. Alf has survived on the perilous streets of St. Giles by disguising her sex. By day she is a boy, dealing in information and secrets. By night she's the notorious Ghost of St. Giles, a masked vigilante. But as she saves Hugh from assassins, she finds herself succumbing to temptation.

ONE KISS WILL CHANGE THEIR LIVES FOREVER

When Hugh hires Alf to investigate the Lords of Chaos, her worlds collide. Once Hugh realizes that the boy and the Ghost are the same, will Alf find the courage to become the woman she needs to be—before the Lords of Chaos destroy them both?

What I Liked:

This book is yet another stunning addition to a wonderful and heartwarming historical romance series. Elizabeth Hoyt is one of my favorite authors, and this series is one of my favorites. It's no surprise that I loved this book, because Hoyt has yet to disappoint me. I know I can count on her to deliver a sweeping romance, adventurous plot, and lovable, well-rounded characters.

In previous books of the series, we find out that Alf, the street urchin of St. Giles, is actually a woman. She's disguised as a teenage boy, but she's actually a twenty-one-year-old female, orphaned sixteen years ago. She also happens to be the new Ghost of St. Giles. One night, as the Ghost, she saves the Duke of Kyle from certain death. The next morning, the Duke calls on her services as Alf the urchin to find out who wanted to kill him. The pair work together when they realize that the Lords of Chaos are behind the attempt of the Duke's life, as well as for another crime that never went punished.

I liked Alf as a street urchin, doing odd jobs for the aristocracy. Godric St. John took her under his wing, and has been training her properly as the Ghost. Alf is fierce and brash and loyal, honest and stubborn and a little mischievous too. She comes from nothing, with no secret past. Sixteen years in St. Giles by herself has taught her how to survive, and endure.

Hugh Fitzroy, Duke of Kyle, is quite an interesting man. He seems detached and immovable, but underneath, he is in pain. His wife died months ago, and the gap she left has not grown smaller. Hugh did not love her, but she was a good mother, and his two sons are not the same without her. The older boy, Kit, hates Hugh (Kit is seven), and the younger boy, Peter, has nightmares and terrible tantrums (Peter is five). Hugh is gentle and patient with his sons, but you can tell how much Hugh is hurting, and how badly he needs something bright shining in his life.

Usually I don't love stories that involve children, especially children not from our main couple. But I adored Kit and Peter (especially Peter). Kit is a lot like his father - silent, brooding, admonishing at times, and rather lordly for a seven-year-old. Peter is more rambunctious and playful. Both boys are adorable, even as they are hurting from the loss of their mother.

So, a significant part of this book was about Hugh's relationship with his sons, and how it changes at this point in time. Kit thinks he hates his father, but this changes gradually. Peter's tantrums and nightmares lessen. Hugh makes himself more and more present in his children's lives, and this makes a difference.

Of course, Alf's presence makes a difference too. At first, no one knows that she is a woman. Peter and Kit become comfortable with her (she's living in Hugh's home while she is an informant for him). But then Hugh finds out that she is a woman, and the boys do, and the boys start to love her. Hugh as well, for that matter.

I love how, in every book of Hoyt's, she makes her protagonists (and secondary characters!) so unique. There is always something (or things) that sets the pair apart. In this book, Hugh is the son of the King and has two children and he's a widower, and Alf is an untitled street urchin who disguises herself as a boy. Different, I tell you.

I loved watching these two fall in love. The first third of the book (a little more, perhaps) has Alf still known to be a boy, and then before the halfway point, Hugh finds out. Keep in mind, Hugh has kissed the Ghost several times (knowing the Ghost is a woman), but he had no idea that the Ghost was Alf and that Alf was a female. Then he finds out and... things get steamy really quickly. Hugh was taken with the Ghost, and when he realizes that the Ghost and Alf are one and the same, he is all in.

I like how drama-free their relationship was. They wanted, they took, they had. Neither of them is concerned about one being a Duke, the other a poor orphan who is disguised as a boy. These two are really hot together, but they're also really good together. Alf is what Hugh needs, and Hugh is what Alf needs, and they are perfect for each other.

At first I thought it was strange that the author included another perspective in this book - the perspective of Hugh's wife's best friend. Initially, it looked like she and Hugh were unofficially planning to become engaged (because in this society, a widower with children would kind of have to get remarried), but Iris (Lady Jordan) shuts this down really quickly when she realizes that Alf and the Duke have a connection. There are no feelings involved, between Hugh and Iris. Iris is incredibly intelligent and astute, and one of my favorite characters in this book.

Aaaaand, on that note, she's the protagonist of the next book! I am SO intrigued. As soon as this one particular man was introduced in this book, I KNEW he would be her love interest. And goodness! I am so intrigued.

I think I'll wrap this up here! This book was a beautifully written story about a broken man and a lost woman who needed to find each other and find their way. I loved reading about Hugh and Alf. This story had me going through so many emotions, and I loved it.

What I Did Not Like:

I can't think of anything specific that I didn't like, though I would have loved to see more cameos from other Maiden Lane couples. We see Godric and Megs, but no one else. I hope the next book features some more pairs!

Would I Recommend It:

If you like historical romance novels, then this book - and series - is one not to miss. I can't recommend this series enough. Some of my favorite historical romance novels have come from this series/author, such as Duke of Midnight and Duke of Sin. Hoyt's romance novels have such good depth to them, and the stories are all so intricate and well-written. It would be criminal not to read this series!

Rating:

4.5 stars -> rounded down to 4 stars (simply because it's not a new series favorite, though I do love the book). I am incredibly excited to read Duke of Desire! Iris and Raphael are going to be an extremely unconventional couple, I can feel it.

4.25 stars--DUKE OF PLEASURE is the eleventh full length installment in Elizabeth Hoyt’s MAIDEN LANE historical romance series. This is the Duke of Kyle, Hugh Fitzroy, and street urchin/Ghost of St. Giles Alf’s story line. DUKE OF PLEASURE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although Alf’s story has been building for several installments.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Alf and Hugh) DUKE OF PLEASURE focuses on the hunt for the notorious and secretive Lords of Chaos-a well to do group of politically appointment men whose crimes are evil and notorious. After a late night attack by a group of thugs, the Duke of Kyle-Hugh Fitzroy- hires a young street urchin whose ability to ferret out information is well known in and around the streets of London and St. Giles. Enter Alf-a young woman who by day disguises herself as a young boy but by night is the infamous masked vigilante the Ghost of St. Giles. What ensues is the building relationship between Alf and Hugh, and the search for the people who have marked Hugh Fitzroy for death.

The relationship between Hugh and Alf is slow to develop as our heroine has presented herself as a young boy for most of her life. It is only with the accidental discovery of Alf’s true self does the Duke of Kyle begin to look at Alf in a different light.
Alf is a loner; a young woman whose independence was forged at an early age but a woman whose desire for love and a family finds our heroine on the outside looking in. Hugh Fitzroy is a widower with two young boys who struggles to raise his family without the benefit of wife and mother. His attraction to Alf is visceral as the young woman calls to his lonely heart.

DUKE OF PLEASURE is a story about family and survival. The premise is a mix of mystery and intrigue; the characters are charismatic and entertaining; the romance is seductive and tangible. As a single father Hugh Fitzroy battles the demons from his past including the death of his wife, and the years he was absent from the young boy’s lives. We are introduced to Hugh’s late wife’s best friend Lady Jordan aka Iris whose story will be told next in DUKE OF DESIRE. Hoyt’s DUKE OF PLEASURE is an enchanting and spirited tale of opposites attract and second chances at love.

I highly enjoy Elizabeth Hoyt as a writer, however there are always a few entiries that will fall short for any novelist with this many stories under their belt, and unfortunately I have to add this newest entry to that list. The main issue for me is that both the hero (Duke of Kyle) and the heroine (Alf) never progressed in their characterizations beyond their introductions in Duke of Sin. Sure there was more backstory added with the occasional inner musing, but nothing surprising or interesting that added more dimension to the H\h. For example the Duke of Kyle has fellow soldiers who continue to live and work with and for him; but beyond name, brief physical descriptions, and choice of weapon we don't learn any more about them like: what battles where they in? what were their roles? why do they remain so close? why are they loyal to him? etc. As far as the heroine Alf, we get some brief tales about her childhood but nothing interesting about her personality or motivations are ever revealed. For both the hero and heroine everything remains blandly superficial, which is not the kind of writing I've come to expect from this Author. Overall, if you are a fan of Hoyt and specifically the series, I recommend you read it for completeness sake but mainly for the introduction of the hero and heroine of the next novel. However I wouldn't recommend it for new readers of this novelist as it is part of a series, and also she has done much better work and I'd hate for this to be their introduction.

***I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review, which was first posted on book blog Will Read for Feels.

Elizabeth Hoyt is an author I’ve been hearing about for the past few years, but I’ve never read any of her books until I picked up a copy of book 11 of her Regency-era Maiden Lane romance series, Duke of Pleasure. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, apart from what I’d read in the blurb, which told me that I wouldn’t be getting the usual ballroom-and-drawing-room love story typical to the genre.

For one thing, the heroine is no pampered Society miss; she’s lived as a boy in the slums of London pretty much all her life, and she hasn’t always been on the right side of the law. By day, she makes her living as an information broker of sorts, while she walks the roofs by night as a legendary masked vigilante. She’s tough, snarky and streetwise, as you might expect, but she is also a romantic with a heart that goes to marshmallows over little kids. And she more tha holds her own against the dangerous Duke of Kyle. When I first heard her name, Alf, it made me think of a crazy alien puppet from a childhood TV show, but very soon I’d forgotten all about alien life forms and was officially a fan of hers.

Hugh Fitzroy, the Duke of Kyle, is on the surface your typical Regency hero; he’s handsome and dangerous, he definitely possesses that alpha protective streak, and he can handle himself in a fight and in the bedroom. But apart from his alphaness, he’s also a loving and protective father and a man with surprisingly modern attitudes toward women and class in an era not known for feminism or social equality. Despite this, he’s not exactly a clued-in ladies’ man, judging from his social and romantic fumbles. All in all, it makes for a pretty lovable package.

Together, Alf and Hugh are endearing; they are opposites in class and temperament, but somehow they seem to fill the blanks for each other. It’s not quite an Eliza Doolittle and Henry Fitzroy situation because Alf takes care of much of her own education, and they both kind of stumble into love like they can’t believe it’s happened, even though any reader worth her salt would know that that’s where they’re headed even without knowing this was a romance. The couple isn’t just sweet and frustratingly clueless, though, they also do a pretty good job of lighting the pages on fire, and when they make love—well. Whew.

I was so enthralled by Duke of Pleasure, I immediately resolved to backread and learn more about the other characters in this series. Fortunately, the publisher has set book 1, Wicked Intentions as free on all ebook channels for a limited-time. Keep scrolling for more deets on this offer. And here’s to hoping I’ll be all caught up by book 12.

It's difficult to believe that Elizabeth Hoyt has managed to keep interest in this series alive for so long, with readers continuing to eagerly await each new book. And surprisingly - because this has not always been my experience with other long running series - the stories seems to be getting stronger. I really enjoyed Duke of Pleasure, and in fact I think it is my favourite so far.

I loved the main protagonists - Hugh Fitzroy, Duke of Kyle is a charismatic, gorgeous man although perhaps Duke of Pleasure is an inappropriate moniker because he is actually quite a vulnerable and serious man. His main concern is to win the love and trust of his motherless sons but he has also been tasked, by his father King George II, with bringing down the Lords of Chaos. This secret society of depraved aristocrats is an evil force to be reckoned with, and as well as their nefarious activities, they wield immense power within the upper echelons of society. Then there's Alf - street urchin/information dealer/gatherer by day, Ghost of St.Giles by night. Normally the trope of a girl passing herself off as a boy does not appeal to me but Elizabeth Hoyt pulls it off admirably here, and I adored the cheeky, cocky, girl/boy character who was tempted to kiss her duke.

Hugh had left England for the continent after his marriage - which had started out as a passionate love match - fizzled out, to be replaced by a soul destroying hatred, with fierce rows and his wife's perfidy driving them apart. He left in order to preserve his sanity and only returns when he hears of his wife's death and in order to comfort the small sons who barely remember him and are hurting and grieving for their mother. He has returned an embittered man, vowing never to allow love to cloud his judgement again. Mindful of his duty to his little boys, however, he has already chosen his wife's replacement - that is until a tiny phantom throws a spanner in the works.

Alf, abandoned by her mother at the age of five, has learned to take care of herself. She was fortunate enough to be rescued and cared for in the early days by the leader of a street gang, who reasoned that she would be more likely to survive if she dressed and acted like a boy. Consequently, this is the only life she has ever really known and now aged twenty-one, her cohorts and people around her in the slums of St Giles know her only as Alf - the boy. She has left the gang, and has an extraordinary talent for climbing and making a quick escape across the rooftops and overcrowded slums where she lives. She has also been taught to fence with much skill and success by a previous - now retired - Ghost of St. Giles, Godric St.John and has regular fencing lessons with him to hone her skills. It is on one of her nightly patrols of the slums as The Ghost that she comes into contact with Hugh Fitzroy who is investigating a lead to the Lords of Chaos and finds himself cornered in the filthy backstreets of St. Giles. She and Hugh fight together and defeat his attackers but before leaving to escape back across the rooftops Alf impulsively kisses Hugh before running off into the night. He feels an immediate attraction to the lithe, slim body that is undoubtedly a woman beneath the mask and costume, and is confused by the stirring of excitement and interest that he hasn't felt in a long while. The next day, by coincidence, Hugh sends one of his men to find Alf - the known information dealer - to see if the street boy can find any information on the Lords of Chaos, never guessing that she is the phantom fighter - and kisser - who saved his life.

From then on it is only a matter of time before the ghost and Alf are revealed as the lovely young woman she is beneath the boys trappings and Hugh is in a dilemma. On the one hand he relishes the excitement she stirs in him and which he thought was long gone, but on the other hand he wants peace and security for himself and his boys with the women he has chosen to be his wife.

Elizabeth Hoyt has an immense talent for drawing her readers into the world she has created. She is bold and outrageous, her sexy love scenes earthy but not crude, her storylines well-crafted and intriguing. There seems to be a duke on every street corner and - even more unlikely in this case - one who is seriously attracted to a girl who dresses and acts like a boy during the daytime and runs around in a ridiculous harlequin costume by night, fights like a man and drops her h's! And yet we believe in these characters, love them, root for them and most of all, want them to be happy. This is the attraction in Ms. Hoyt's writing - she doesn't pretend to conform, she's imaginative, her characters larger than life, compelling and likeable. Duke of Pleasure is a thoroughly enjoyable read with lovely characters and I'm eagerly looking forward to Duke of Desire next year.

Duke of Pleasure is Book 12 (!) in the Maiden Lane series. After the daring Duke of Sin, in which Hoyt attempted to make a villain into the hero, this story is much more ordinary. Still, I enjoyed it, as I have most of the Maiden Lane novels.

A secondary character in several of the books, street urchin Alf has been a source of information about the criminal classes of London. It turns out that Alf is actually a young woman who has been masquerading as a boy for years. She now also has a second identity as the masked Ghost of St. Giles, a shadowy figure who protects the poverty-stricken denizens of St. Giles from the worst predators. As both information broker and the Ghost, Alf is drawn into the efforts of Hugh Fitzroy, the Duke of Kyle, to end the criminal activities of the Lords of Chaos. The Lords, a group of high-ranking men who engage in a variety of illegal activities, are not going to go down without a fight, however. Eventually Alf is forced to embrace her identity as a woman in order to continue to help Hugh, and the two become ever closer. Can these very different people find a place in each other’s lives after the hunt is over?

Mostly I’m not a big fan of books that put a woman in men’s clothing and then, miraculously, no one can tell she’s female. I just don’t find that very realistic—most women aren’t that good at acting like men. Hoyt cleverly gets around that here, since Alf has pretended to be a boy since the age of five, which makes her masquerade much more likely to be successful.

Romances where there’s a huge gap between the classes of hero and heroine are also problematic for me. When you have that much of a difference in social station, it’s hard to see how the two characters can achieve enough common ground to fall in love. Alf really is the lowest of the low, a street kid who was abandoned in the worst part of London at a very young age. She would seem to be completely incompatible with a duke, but Hoyt gives Hugh a reason to be more tolerant of her lower class origins than most. (I’m not saying how—spoilers!)

With those two problems taken care of, the story flowed smoothly for me. I liked the two main characters, and I liked the romance between them. All in all, it was a satisfying read that I would recommend for anyone who likes Hoyt and the Maiden Lane series.

That said, I’m kind of tired of the Ghost of St. Giles and now of the Lords of Chaos, and maybe it’s getting to be time for Hoyt to move on from this series. Well, after the next book, because I read the opening chapter provided at the end of this one, and—wow—that’s some set up! The hero seems particularly intriguing, too. So, I guess I’m going to be reading at least one more . . . ;-)

An eARC of this novel was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Elizabeth Hoyt is the Queen of Dark Historical Romance. This book is number eleven in the series and number twelve will be arriving in 2017. That she can continue to keep us poised on the edge of our seat and gasping as we turn pages rapidly to find out what will happen next, is attributed to her fine command of the genre and her expertly rendered prose. Once again we are treated to fabulous entertainment. There is action, adventure and sizzling sexuality. This book will leave you enthralled with these characters for days.

Hugh Fitzroy, The Duke of Kyle is a warrior. He left his unfaithful wife and two sons for 3 years and only returned when she died. He loves his sons and is trying to erase their fear of abandonment. He is also charged, by the King, to unearth the identities of the monstrous cult called the Lords of Chaos.

Alf, has been disguised as a boy all her life. This is the way she has survived in the slums of St. Giles. She is clever, athletic and is known to ferret out the most secretive information. For these reasons Hugh hires her to help find out who attempted to kill him. But Hugh does not know that Alf is a woman nor does he know that she is the celebrated avenger The Ghost of St. Giles. Although Alf looks like a youth, she is a woman of twenty-one and is instantly enamored with Hugh.

“ He turned his face a fraction and then she was drawing from his mouth. Inhaling all his hurts, all his needs, all the hopes he could never dream. This Man. This man she couldn’t have for her own.”
This is a standalone book with characters from previous books in the series as well as characters introduced who will appear in the next book, Duke of Desire. This is an outstanding addition to what has become a classic series of the genre.

I received this book free for review from the publisher.

The Maiden Lane Series by Elizabeth Hoyt:
1. Wicked Intentions (Temperance and Lazarus)
2. Notorious Pleasures (Hero and Griffin)
3. Scandalous Desires (Silence and Mickey)
4. Thief of Shadows (Isabel and Winter)
5. Lord of Darkness (Megs and Godric)
6. Duke of Midnight (Artemis and Maximus)
7. Darling Beast (Lily and Apollo)
8. Dearest rogue (Phoebe and Trevillion)
9. Sweetest Scoundrel (Eve and Asa)
10. Duke of Sin (Bridget and Val)
Once Upon a Moonlit Night (e-book only, novella)
11. Duke of Pleasure ( Alf and Hugh)

In this eleventh installment of the Maiden Lane series, Elizabeth Hoyt seems to still be going strong. Of course, I have been reading this series all catawampus because I was late to the party.

The heroine in Duke of Pleasure was quite unique... she is a street urchin masquerading as the Ghost of St. Giles, vigilante defender of the defenseless. As a relatively young woman, Alf had no problem disguising herself as a teenage boy by day, which helps her collect information and pass relatively unobserved through the streets of the downtrodden part of London. By night, Alf wields her rapiers and swords as she stalks her dangerous prey across the rooftops of the slums. When she finds herself fighting back to back with the Duke of Kyle one night, she finds herself stealing a kiss from the big brooding duke. Call it adrenaline or curiosity, but that kiss changes Alf's life. Alf was a bit of a tortured heroine, and my heart broke when she revealed the sad truth of her childhood. I loved that she didn't let her circumstances discourage her, as she was an independent and self-sufficient woman of the times (even if she had to dress as a boy to keep herself safe). As one of my friends would say, this chick had chutzpah. Her impish behavior and saucy attitude with the Duke were fun to follow. But I do have to say that I hate-hate-hated her name! ALF! I had a very hard time not envisioning her as a hairy little alien with a big snoot. Gah!

Hugh Fitzroy, Duke of Kyle, is broody and formidable... and the result of a somewhat scandalous liaison. He has returned to London after being estranged from his late wife, and must become reacquainted with his sons who are having abandonment issues. Hugh is also carrying out the task of bringing down the debauched and dangerous Lords of Chaos, a sadistic group of evil men and pedophiles. After enlisting Alf's help (and discovering that she is a woman), Hugh becomes conflicted. His unhappy marriage that burned hot and fast before flaming out has left Hugh jaded and scared of his feelings, so he isn't quite sure what to do with the powerful attraction he has toward Alf. But Hugh was a really good guy, a good father, and loyal to his King and country. I liked that he had some life experience and wasn't a titled lord looking to get married for the first time.

These two characters were perfectly matched. Given Hugh's activities on behalf of the crown, Alf could not have fit into his lifestyle any better. I loved that he didn't really try to change her she was as a person, but allowed her to assist him with investigating the Lords of Chaos, and wasn't afraid to admit when she was the better person for the job. This was not a story of instalove, especially given that Alf was disguised as a boy for a good portion of the book. The flirtations and stolen intimacies were sprinkled in at the right times to keep you invested in the romance... and there was a good amount of smutty thoughts and inner monologue to let you know that the steamy bits would be good.

Because I haven't read the entire series yet, I can't say whether the Lords of Chaos have been a continuing theme. I did recognize the moniker, but I couldn't remember if it was from Book 1 or 10 (or both). I think this group makes for a good antagonist... they are easy to hate. The tenor of the series is also a bit darker than the norm for historical romance, which I like for the grit and suspense aspects. I also enjoyed the secondary characters in this installment. Hugh had his own team of men/soldiers that had his back for various reasons which helped boost his character because he was able to instill a sense of loyalty in his men (among other things). I thought that his children added an element of innocence, and I liked that Iris' character offered another female perspective without being catty or jealous. I have a feeling who the next romantic pairing will be and I am excited to see how that turns out!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Grand Central Publishing.

When the Duke of Kyle is ambushed after leaving a dinner, he finds himself cornered by a pack of hired assassins in St. Giles, one of the worst parts of London and the Ghost of St. Giles, a known vigilante, comes to his aid. It is during this episode the Duke discovers the Ghost is a woman…
The following day the Duke engages Alf, a street informant to find out who hired his attackers. Unbeknownst to him, Alf and the Ghost are one and the same and this is how the story unravels.
I should be ashamed to say that despite being a fan of the genre, this is my first read by Ms. Hoyt and how I regret not having picked one of her books earlier.
I really enjoyed this story. The Duke, a bastard son of the King who is now one of the best assets of the crown; Alf, the girl who has spent her whole life disguised as a boy in order to survive and the adventure they embark in together is a perfect recipe for an amazing story. His commanding manner and her incredible sass make for an explosive couple, one you know is going to thrill you at every turn.
Whether you are a fan of the Maiden Lane series or a newcomer, I think you’ll very much enjoy this book.

4 stars
*An ARC was given by NetGalley for an honest review*

Hugh Fitzroy is nothing like Val. Hugh is broody and trying to do his job. However, when he encounters Alf who isn't like any boy he has ever met. Well, Alf isn't like any boy, because she's not. To top it all off, she's also the Ghost of St. Giles. WHAT! He's a girl.

Anyway, we watch these two dance around one another. I mean by day Alf is trying to help Hugh catch the Lords of Chaos, and by night she's still helping Hugh catch them, but Hugh knows the Ghost is a girl. Boy does it start to unwind as Hugh realize that Alf is kind of the girl of his dreams.

Boy these two have chemistry. Their banter is fun. She acts so cocky and he's so staid. They balance one another out. Poor Hugh he's not sure about his feelings through most of the book, but one thing is certain he wants Alf, the question is how badly he wants her.

Overall, Duke of Pleasure is a pretty good read. Hugh was able to get a true happy ending, but now I need to know what is going to happen to Lady Jordan. Blast it I have until August to wait. The agony.

Copy provided by Forever Romance

Adventures, dangers, passions and lots of emotions that keep this amazing book a page turner.
Elizabeth Hoyt wrote another great book and introduced us to her next book's main characters.
I am so looking forward to read the next one in this adventurous and sexy series.
Thank you Elizabeth Hoyt

I just finished this last night. Great continuation of the series! Alf's character is really developed in this book, and it is fascinating to watch her evolve w/o losing her base. I hope she'll show up in future stories even if she's not able to climb across rooftops!

Elizabeth Hoyt has yet another incredible book to be read. I am never disappointed when I open one of her books and Duke of Pleasure was no exception. It has mystery, romance, and passion. You'll fall in love with the characters and wish the book could go on forever. Definitely a must read!

One of my favorites from this series, actually. For once, a woman was the "hero" and the fact that she was disguised as a boy street urchin made it really fun, despite the clichéness of it all. Looking forward to more books from Elizabeth Hoyt!

I have read the whole series and liked every book, some more than others. This is one of the best for me. Alf is kind of a smart aleck, which I enjoyed. Hugh is a stand up guy. They complement each other in many ways. Beautifully written. So looking forward to Iris' story!

The Maiden Lane books are great and somehow just keep getting better and better. Just when I think I've found my favorite, another book comes out and tops it. Love Elizabeth Hoyt and her writing! Suspenseful, interesting stories + romance, what more could you ask for!

The Duke of Pleasure finally tells Alf’s story! If you haven’t read the prior books in the series, you don’t need to, but you should. You’ll benefit by getting a glimpse of Alf, but it is not mandatory homework.

Ms. Hoyt always creates unique and memorable characters, and Alf and Hugh are no exception. Alf grew up as an orphan in St. Giles and has masqueraded as a boy for years to protect herself. She lives alone and is extremely resourceful working as someone who can successfully obtain any kind of information needed. She's also recently taken on the mantle of the Ghost of St. Giles and met the Duke of Kyle, Hugh Fitzroy. While in Ghost disguise, she discovers him being attacked, saves him and can’t help herself from kissing him, which reveals that the Ghost is a woman.

Hugh is a widower, father and bastard son of the King. He's has a strong sense of responsibility to his country and the perfect compliment to Alf. Their adventure in Duke of Pleasure is fun to witness, their chemistry sizzles and their love is undeniable.

Alf's story exceeds my expectations. It is fun and heartwarming to watch this guarded woman who has lived alone without feeling loved or cared for, find love and a family. It's beautiful and satisfying. I can't say enough good things about Ms. Hoyt or Duke of Pleasure.

ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley, but no one made me write this review and my opinions are honest and my own.

I love this series full of forbidden love and intrigue. You are swept into another era and through the slums of London to the uppercrust of society. I listened to the audio and the narrator does a wonderful job. Looking forward to the next in the series.

I liked this book it had sweetness, adventure, suspense. I really haven't liked some of the books in the series. I had to skim a lot of pages because I hate the sex scenes, they're too graphic. But the story was good