Duke of Sin - Book Review by Olivia

Today's review is by Olivia, as Voodoo Bride is on a short review break.


Duke of Sin (Maiden Lane #10)
by Elizabeth Hoyt

What is it about:
A MAN OF SIN

Devastatingly handsome. Vain. Unscrupulous. Valentine Napier, the Duke of Montgomery, is the man London whispers about in boudoirs and back alleys. A notorious rake and blackmailer, Montgomery has returned from exile, intent on seeking revenge on those who have wronged him. But what he finds in his own bedroom may lay waste to all his plans.

A WOMAN OF HONOR

Born a bastard, housekeeper Bridget Crumb is clever, bold, and fiercely loyal. When her aristocratic mother becomes the target of extortion, Bridget joins the Duke of Montgomery's household to search for the incriminating evidence-and uncovers something far more dangerous.

A SECRET THAT THREATENS TO DESTROY THEM BOTH

Astonished by the deceptively prim-and surprisingly witty-domestic spy in his chambers, Montgomery is intrigued. And try as she might, Bridget can't resist the slyly charming duke. Now as the two begin their treacherous game of cat and mouse, they soon realize that they both have secrets—and neither may be as nefarious—or as innocent—as they appear...

What did Olivia think of it:
This book was recommended by Jeffe Kennedy, who thought we might like the hero, as he is more of a villain than a hero.

I will confess I was hooked after reading the dedication:
"This is for everyone who ever fell hopelessly in love with...
the Villain."

Yup, that's totally me! I can clearly remember the time when we were watching a movie, and I leaned over to Sullivan, and said: I think I know who the villain is. His reply: Yeah, because you like him.

And Val is indeed a delicious villain. He's vain, doesn't care about most others, is unapologetic, and a schemer. I loved him from the start. Bridget on the other hand is on the side of Good, and follows the rules of society. Spying on Val to get back the papers Val is using to blackmail her birth mother is as far as she'll go. But then he notices her, she gets under his spell, and a satisfying romance begins.

I love that Val is intrigued by Bridget's spying and instead of just firing her starts playing games with her to see if he can get under her skin. I loved their interactions, the clear attraction, and Bridget's attempts to 'save' the man she is falling in love with.

As the story progresses you discover some about Val's past, and you learn more about what makes him tick. It was so good to see that Hoyt didn't make this a story of redemption, but instead let's Val stay the person he is: he just learns to work around the rules Bridget thinks he should follow if he wants her to stay in his life. There is character growth, but it's in both of them.

There is a more dramatic storyline, but overall this book is fun, sexy, and delightful. I had a great time with this romance and you can be sure I'll be reading more of Hoyt's books. I've already investigated which ones sounded the most fun.

Why should you read it:
It's has the most delicious villain and he doesn't die!


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