Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I started reading the Maiden Lane series with Dearest Rogue back in May 2015, then worked my way backward (then forward with new releases! <3), but had skipped books #1 and #3. Wicked Intentions is the first entry in the series.
The story centers around Temperance Dews, a widow and sister to Winter Makepeace, who runs the foundling home in St. Giles. The male lead is Lazarus Huntington, Lord Caire, who enjoys translating poetry, is frowned upon by society for his sexual proclivities, loathes being touched, and—oh yes—is looking for a murderer.
The good: This is a fast-paced and interesting read with a gorgeous book cover and hot sex scenes. There’s plenty of danger, mystery, and action while they’re out prowling St. Giles. The Ghost of St. Giles makes a first-ever appearance and there’s good introductions to many of the series’ characters. As always, Hoyt writes an excellent chapter intro short story. The subplot with Lord Caire’s mother is interlaced well with the story.
The bad: Temperance and Lazarus are a bit forgettable. I had to look up Lazarus’s name to write this review, and I finished the book just 12 hours ago. Their backstories were drawn out way too long and are flat. I found the whole “touches hurt” thing ridiculous after the first few mentions.
In summary: Even though this is the first Maiden Lane book, if you haven’t read the series before you might enjoy starting with Notorious Pleasures or Duke of Midnight before picking this one up. It’s worth the read, but not the star of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Concordium of Cyliena 