From the New York Times best-selling author of To Desire a Devil comes this thrilling tale of danger, desire, and dark passions.
A man controlled by his desires.... Infamous for his wild, sensual needs, Lazarus Huntington, Lord Caire, is searching for a savage killer in St. Giles, London's most notorious slum. Widowed Temperance Dews knows St. Giles like the back of her hand - she's spent a lifetime caring for its inhabitants at the foundling home her family established. Now that home is at risk....
©2010 Elizabeth Hoyt (P)2010 Hachette
"Bestseller Hoyt brings steamy sensuality...in this engaging series launch.... enhanced by earthy, richly detailed characterizations and deft historical touches." (Publishers Weekly)
"suspenseful!"
This audiobook grabbed me from the first. The plot is actually very interesting, especially if you like period novels. This one is set in London. It has the drama of "aristocracy meets working class," and in this case the woman is lovely, strong and hard working. The aristocrat of the story is a rather handsome, yet unloved/unlovable duke. If you've ever read a romance novel, you can imagine what happens. It's also a murder mystery with all the normal conflicts and plot twists. The dialogue is believable and the narrator is good. One caution, for those not interested in, um, "romantic" scenes. This audio book is full of "romance." They're done well and add to the thrill of the story, so to speak, but if you were to fast-forward through them you'd be left with a pretty quick story. Overall this audio book kept me on the treadmill a lot longer, helped with the housework, and was definitely entertaining, so it gets 5 stars.
"WELL WORTH THE PURCHASE"
This is my 1st review after 154 books on audible, mostly romances. It is an "somewhat dark" (previous review listed) romance but in a good way - different then most historic romances. I listened to it straight threw on a long day and found myself waiting for the 2nd book in the series, I hope I don't have to wait too long. The narrartor was fantastic and I hope the next book is read by her. There was a lot of sex but whats a romance without it. The plot was excellent and you were introduced to several other persons who I am sure will be in the coming series. Also several cliff hangers. I think this a cross between Amanda Quick, Charlotte Featherstone and Sarah McCarty but definatly a writer in her own right! Bravo
Busy mom who loves to read but doesn't always have the time. I enjoy YA, Romance and the occasional Best Seller.
"I don't understand the bad reviews. I enjoyed it!"
I don't understand all the bad reviews. I thought this was a good steamy romance. Most "romance" books these days seem to have very little plot with heavy emphasis on sex scenes. I'm not a prude and I mostly enjoy the adult content but I do like to have a good plot. This delivered on both for me. It had great characters, a good mystery and a HEA. Basically everything I expect in a good romance book.
If you don't care for this genre or you don't like hot sex scenes then this one is not for you (probably the reason for some of the bad reviews).
I thought the narration was good as well. This is set in London in the 1700's why shouldn't the narrator have an English accent? Again, I don't get the negative reviews but narration is a personal preference.
This was a credit worthy listen for me.
"Loved it"
I couldn't stop listening to this book, I finished it in 2 days. Great story and great narrator ( and I am very picky about narrators!).
"Great romance with a better mystery!"
Lazarus needs a guide, someone that the people in St. Giles to talk to him about the murder of his ex-mistress. He finds that guide in Temperance, a brave widow that runs a foundling home in St. Giles, but she needs money. They strike a deal and dive into a mystery of vicious murders as they learn about love.
"One of the best this year!"
I really enjoyed the story and the characters. Elizabeth Hoyt is becomming one of my favorites. I can not wait for the next in this series. Also narrator was good, I have not listened to anything narrated by her before but I did like her voice:) As far as the book yes it has rather explicit love scenes (not untill 70% of the book though) but I like it, if you do not like that, this book is probably not for you.
"Fantastic"
This book and the second book are must reads if you like trashy romance. It's not poorly written and the narrator is good too. The hero is very different from any other hero i've ever read. Hoyt's heros are somehow very human. Also the romantic plot line is unusual for this genre. I won't spoil it for you! It is erotic, but I don't call this erotica. It's hot though, adults only! This series is fantastic.
"Yes it is erotic but what a good story!"
This book took me by surprise. The plot was excellent, dialog caused quite a bit of reflection into each character. And the Narrator was wonderful her accents and tones were perfect for each character, especially Lord Caire
Would like to see her do much more books. I will definatly read book two.
"Wow!"
This book has it all, mystery, adventure, humor, romance, and erotica. It is very well written, has interesting and engaging characters, and a fully developed story line. Finally, a "Romance" novel that has depth, rather than those cookie cutter, formula driven, shallow stories that many of this genre produce.
"UPS AND DOWNS---"
Mystery solved too abruptly and ending became too sappy. However, it was a good story with an unusual background--a seedy part of London along with all the seedy people living there. Not too dark and dreary but not a fluffy light read either. Characters were fleshed out but certain eccentricities were never explained, especially why the hero never wanted anyone to physically touch him. Without an explanation it sort of became a "Huh?" factor. All-in-all enjoyable, but I'm not waiting with bated breath for the next in series. (Narrator was fine. Thrilled to find a Regency-type romance NOT narrated by Anne Flosnik or Justine Eyre.)