Duke of Sin by Elizabeth Hoyt
Series: Maiden Lane #10
Published by Grand Central on 5/31/2016
Genres: Historical Romance
Pages: 368
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library Overdrive
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A MAN OF SIN

Devastatingly handsome. Vain. Unscrupulous. Valentine Napier, the Duke of Montgomery, is the man London whispers about in boudoirs and back alleys. A notorious rake and blackmailer, Montgomery has returned from exile, intent on seeking revenge on those who have wronged him. But what he finds in his own bedroom may lay waste to all his plans.

A WOMAN OF HONOR

Born a bastard, housekeeper Bridget Crumb is clever, bold, and fiercely loyal. When her aristocratic mother becomes the target of extortion, Bridget joins the Duke of Montgomery's household to search for the incriminating evidence-and uncovers something far more dangerous.

A SECRET THAT THREATENS TO DESTROY THEM BOTH

Astonished by the deceptively prim-and surprisingly witty-domestic spy in his chambers, Montgomery is intrigued. And try as she might, Bridget can't resist the slyly charming duke. Now as the two begin their treacherous game of cat and mouse, they soon realize that they both have secrets-and neither may be as nefarious-or as innocent-as they appear . . .

“I am a duke yet. And not just any duke, but the Duke of Montgomery, and my inheritance is death and mayhem.”

It’s been several years since I’ve read a new historical romance novel and this decadently delightful read has reminded me why I was obsessed with this genre for close to a decade. Nothing sweeps you away quite like a love story set against a backdrop often associated with fairytales: the clothes, the carriages, the language, the society and the sex… I could go on and one. Plus, throw in a handsome duke, and I am instantly interested. Duke of Sin isn’t quite the quintessential bodice ripper for there’s a sliver of darkness, featuring an unconventional historical hero and the woman who brings him to heel (sort of).

A friend recommended this book, as well as the others in this series. She raved about it and its author, proclaiming her love for the writing and all the love stories leading up to this one, book 10. Well, I was intrigued by this book’s synopsis, and didn’t have time to read 9 books before this one, so I shrugged, dove in, and hoped for the best.

“This is who I am, Séraphine. Naked, with blade and blood. I am vengeance. I am hate. I am sin personified. Never mistake me for the hero of this tale, for I am not and shall never be. I am the villain.”

This book is fantastic! I absolutely loved experiencing this and falling back into this world again. It was just what I needed — I’ve been beyond stressed these past few days — and I was, honestly, completely riveted. Elizabeth Hoyt’s writing is just the kind I love: smooth, expressive without being ridiculous, smart, and humorous. Her characters, especially Val, are a joy to read. He’s an anti-hero that’s so arrogant it’s galling, he’s morally ambiguous, but oh-so lovable, he’s infuriating, exasperating, and totally addicting. I would forgive him of all his sins. Bridget is a fantastic counter point for the vibrant Val; she’s a heroine with steel, something that isn’t always typical in this genre. The plot is engaging, quick-paced with a bit of intrigue that I didn’t expect. The romance is sexy and juicy – yes a little “insta” and predictable, but I didn’t care. I loved it. I couldn’t put it down. I couldn’t get enough. All the clichés!

Elizabeth Hoyt delivers a fun read, an instant re-read favorite with an unforgettable duo. Hmm… Maybe I do have time to read those other nine books in this series, or at least something else by this author, because I like her style. I recommend.

Audiobook notes: The audio is awesome, and I don’t have anything else to say about that. 🙂