Duke of Desire

By: Elizabeth Hoyt

Narrated by: Ashford McNab

Length: 10 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

RITA finalist, Duke of Midnight, 2014

RITA Finalist, Sweetest Scoundrel, 2016

RITA Finalist, Darling Beast, 2015

A lady of light

Refined, kind, and intelligent, Lady Iris Jordan finds herself the unlikely target of a diabolical kidnapping. Her captors are the notoriously evil Lords of Chaos. When one of the masked - and nude! - lords spirits her away to his carriage, she shoots him...only to find she may have been a trifle hasty.

A duke in deepest darkness

Cynical, scarred, and brooding, Raphael de Chartres, the Duke of Dyemore, has made it his personal mission to infiltrate the Lords of Chaos and destroy them. Rescuing Lady Jordan was never in his plans. But now with the lords out to kill them both, he has but one choice: marry the lady in order to keep her safe.

Caught in a web of danger...and desire

Much to Raphael's irritation, Iris insists on being the sort of duchess who involves herself in his life - and bed. Soon he's drawn both to her quick wit and her fiery passion. But when Iris discovers that Raphael's past may be even more dangerous than the present, she falters. Is their love strong enough to withstand not only the Lords of Chaos but also Raphael's own demons?

©2017 Elizabeth Hoyt (P)2017 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

2012, RT Book Reviews, Best Historical Romance, Nominated

2014, RITA finalist, Duke of Midnight, Runner-up

2014, RT Book Reviews, Historical K.I.S.S. Hero, Winner

2016, RITA Finalist, Sweetest Scoundrel, Runner-up

2015, RITA Finalist, Darling Beast, Runner-up

It was so dark!

I know some stories should be told but this story was so dark and depressing. I like my romances a little lighter. I am emotionally exhausted and prefer happy elation at the end. Some may really like the complex subject matter but I rather not .

A bit dark but excellent

This is not a frothy little romance, it has some dark themes and violence. I enjoyed this, the reader was excellent and brought the story to life. Iris is a strong character and perfect for the damaged duke.

Horrible Subject Matter!

I loved the first few Maiden Lane books but really could not find interest in the middle part of the series. I was pretty bored when I saw this release and decided to get it. But after hours of stressed listening about a horrid subject, I was really ready for it to end. I did listen to the whole story but it was not a relaxing, enjoyable romance. It left me wrung out emotionally. Be ware before getting this book. It is not a feel good story.

I really, REALLY wanted to love this story....

I absolutely adored this series (although I wish Ashford McNab narrated all the stories) but the latter novels involving the "Lords of Chaos" plot was a bit too dark and frankly was not very believable at times. I'm looking forward to the upcoming novella and hope it follows along the lines of some of the earlier stories (Scandalous Desires). Would love to circle back to the Makepeace clan and HFUIFC - perhaps a grown up Joseph Tinbox and Peach!?! Thank you Ms. Hoyt for an incredible journey!! Audible 20 Review Sweepstakes Entry

Captivating

The Maiden Lane Series is one of my favorites. This books are full of danger, adventure, wickedly delicious romance and a roller coaster of emotions and will hook you up from beginning to end. Elizabeth Hoyt has created it a world where I can get lost in the fantasy and live it like it was my own. This is Lady Iris Jordan and Raphael de Chartres the Duke of Dyemore. Lady Iris has been kidnapped by the Lords of Chaos who are hungry for a sacrifice and vengeance. Her life is a peril. Raphael has his own demons to fight, his vengeance against the lord of Chaos. Will he sacrifice the opportunity to destroy them by saving the beautiful woman who makes his skin burn with desire? Or will he save her and claim her as his own? Their journey is full of obstacles, danger and heartbreak, but this feisty woman will not let the lord of chaos and Raphael’s dark and dangerous past get in the way of their happiness. I won’t spoil the journey of reading this series and finding out for yourself. Hoop in and get lost in this magnificent adventure. The audiobooks are amazing as well. The narrator brings the story to a new label . My hat off to Elizabeth Hoyt for writing such an amazing books.

Sorry to see this Series end !

I have read and/or listen to all the books in this series, and I will continue to listen to them again and again. Whatever comes next by Ms Hoyt you can bet I will send my money for it. I have to say THANK YOU for writing stories that have gotten me through the good and bad times.

Just so you know the Lord of Shadow and the Lord of Sin are my favorite.

Dark but interesting

The horrid things that happened in this book unfortunately are also reality so this book is not recommended for those who want to escape it . The conclusion of Maiden lane was interesting I’m not entirely sure why EH turned to secret Cabals instead of continuing with the Ghost of St Giles which I thoroughly enjoyed but I guess there are only so many stories you can spin that tale

Get a new narrator!

I strongly disliked the narrator, had to slow it down. Much better when not rushing.

Story was interesting, enjoyed “The Rock King” included in the narration.

I’ll have to think about whether I can handle another book by this narrator.

Love EH & the series, but TOO DARK

I feel like the Maiden Lane Series (which I have listened to twice) kinda started to get off track with the last several books. They were still great, but almost more of an off shoot or series within a series.

This is a DARK ONE! A few of the last books w ere dark, BUT this is a bit more over the top. I like the drama and danger and evil EH puts in her books, but this one almost took away from the romance. And let's face it...I'm reading for the romance...not to be repulsed & horrified by the rest of the plot. That's why I had to only give the story 3 stars...the bad evil things over powered the good sweet love story.

Ashford McNab IS Maiden Lane for me...shes GREAT! Just hearing her voice start to read the series feels like wrapping up in my favorite blanket by a warm fire with hot cocoa...perfect!

I am SO SAD this series is over... (I hear there is a novella) I have loved the journey through Maiden Lane and will probably listen again...and again!

Favorite author

Love Eliabeth Hoyt. The whole series is amazing. Sizzling sex scenes, deep plot. interesting and well developed characters. MORE PLEASE! The narrator is excellent.