Elizabeth Hoyt’s Maiden Lane Series never stops giving. This is a perfect example of romance done right. Likable characters, excellent story,good, satisfying sex scenes (except for number one and number two) , and a well thought out excellent conclusion. I really like Godric and Megs , even if I do not like their given names. Like many of the characters in Hoyts books, sometimes I just have a hard time with the names. But that being said, I did enjoy the story and felt that Hoyt’s series has again claimed another star on the walk of fame.
Here is the story:
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.
Both Megs and Godric have lost their one true love, which makes life lonely and sad for Megs and it has made Godric uncaring about what happens to himself. He is the Ghost of St. Giles and he helps the people of the London slums hiding behind a mask and a hat, bearing a sword and fighting for the good people. I have always loved him. I really liked him in book one or two. He had a small roll and I thought he was an interesting character. I wanted to know more about him, and now, here is his story.
I did not get to the third or forth book, so please excuse me if I am missing pieces and parts. I found that it was not at all necessary to read the others, this book was not confusing when it came to the stories from before. It can easily be read as a stand alone.
The cover is beautiful as is the stepback, and I could gush about it, but I already did that in the last review I did and I don’t wish to sound like an idiot , so just know I give the cover a 5. I like it. Mr. Magoo. Yes. I do.
Megs or Meggie or Margaret was difficult for me to like, but that being said, I did like her ways . I understood her determination to find the killer of her lover, I liked how she was not afraid to point and shoot a gun, and I liked that she did take charge and bring herself and Godric out of the dark and into the light, plus, who can dislike someone who saves a tree? I did not agree with the way she did things, like not seeking out the help of a runner or an investigator and risking the lives of not only herself but her lady maid and her footmen. But that does not mean that I dislike her. As a matter of fact, she made the story light up. I love how her family and great aunt took over Godric’s sanctuary and he was okay with it. It said a lot for him and his manners. Plus one for Godric.
I loved the Hellequin verses that began each chapter of the book. They were an enigmatic parallel with the themes opening your mind to “What the heck is going to happen next!” . I found I liked the story within the story as much as I liked the book itself.
These are the only things I can find fault in.
She bites her lip too much.
Roger and Clara. It was difficult after 3/4ths of the book was done and they were still fighting with the loves of the past.
The first two sex scenes. I know that it needed to go this way, but I hated it. I know that Hoyt had no choice, and that the characters demanded this, but i still was unhappy. I frowned.
If you are not sure what I mean, read the book. Read the book anyway. My Husband and I read it together and you know what? He liked it too, and that is saying a lot . He does not do romance. He was sick and that is what I read to him. Both of us thought it was excellent. That is saying something. He does not critic nicely.
When I read Hoyt’s books, there is a certain amount of awe that comes at the end, when she pulls it off, when the characters do not turn into sappy blathering idiots, and when you feel that these people could be real. I like that. I like that a lot.
I am giving this book a well worth it 4-1/2 stars. If you get the chance, do not pass up the Maiden Lane Series. It is well worth your time.
Romancing Myself 