Duke of Desire is the twelfth book in the Maiden Lane series by Elizabeth Hoyt. While ech book can be read as a standalone I highly recommend reading this series in order for the full appreciation of Elizabeth’s magnificent storytelling.
Raphael de Chartres has one goal, to bring down the Lords of Chaos and he will stop at nothing until they are destroyed. The Lords of Chaos have haunted Raphael for decades and just when his goal is in sight, his plan is derailed.
Lady Iris Jordan must trust Raphael when he rescues her from impending harm. A plan is hatched and if she’s to stay alive, she must agree to Raphael’s demands. Can she trust the one man who could ruin her?
Dive into a story that is emotionally satisfying and everything readers expect from the Maiden Lane series. The trauma and tragedy that has plagued Raphael his entire life is what has driven him towards revenge. Will the years of plotting find him at the end of that road alive or dead? Will Iris fall for a man who is damaged or will she look beyond to the man he is today? What will happen when Raphael’s desire for Iris burns so hot that he’s forced to choose? Sometimes you can’t fight love and our dear hero will need to choose.
With the heat and intensity in this book I give it three Peppers as it’s pretty hot and might offend. For mature readers 18+
I received this ARC from the publisher for a fair and honest review.
Check out the Excerpt below and see for yourself.
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Iris held her head high as she stared at Raphael. “Why?”
“I’ve already told you why I choose not to have an heir. My reasons are—”
“Your reasons are patently ridiculous!” She’d raised her voice, but she couldn’t find it within herself to care. “You say you desire women, you kiss me twice, you have no struggle in becoming hard—”
Raphael closed his eyes, and a muscle jumped in his jaw. “Madam. Quit this line of questioning now, I beg of you, for if you do not, I shall not be responsible for the consequences.”
Iris watched him and saw a man with his temper barely leashed, his jaw hard as a rock, the muscles in his arms and shoulders bunched, his entire aspect so frozen he nearly shook.
He’d told her to stop. And she had—twice before. “I cannot quit my questions—I’m married to you. I have no other choice but you if I want to have children—and I do—therefore please explain to me why you won’t bed me. Why you think we shouldn’t make a child together.”
She had known that he could move quickly. Still it was a shock when she found herself pressed against the back of her seat, his face inches from hers.
“God’s blood, woman, how much control do you think I have?” he whispered, his clove-scented breath brushing her face. “You must think me a saint by the way you harangue me despite my warnings. Listen and listen well: I am no saint.”
“But I don’t need a saint,” she breathed, her voice trembling. “I don’t want a saint. I want you.”
“God forgive me,” he snarled, and pulled her mouth to his.
ICYMI: My previous reviews from this must read series…
The Duke of Sin
Darling Beast, Dearest Rogue, and Sweetest Scoundral
Thief of Shadows, Lord of Darkness, and The Duke of Midnight|
Coffee With Elizabeth Hoyt
Wicked Intentions, Notorious Pleasures, and Scandalous Desires
Get your copy of Duke of Desire Here:
Author Info:
Elizabeth Hoyt is the New York Times bestselling author of over seventeen lush historical romances including the Maiden Lane series. Publishers Weekly has called her writing “mesmerizing.” She also pens deliciously fun contemporary romances under the name Julia Harper. Elizabeth lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with three untrained dogs, a garden in constant need of weeding, and the long-suffering Mr. Hoyt.
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