Fresh Fiction Blog | Elizabeth Hoyt | Welcome to Maiden Lane

Book Five in the Maiden Lane series: LORD OF DARKNESS by Elizabeth Hoyt

WHEN STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT
He lives in the shadows. As the mysterious masked avenger known as the Ghost of St. Giles, Godric St. John's only goal is to protect the innocent of London. Until the night he confronts a fearless young lady pointing a pistol at his head-and realizes she is his wife . . .

BECOME LOVERS . . .
Lady Margaret Reading has vowed to kill the Ghost of St. Giles-the man who murdered her one true love. Returning to London, and to the man she hasn't seen since their wedding day, Margaret does not recognize the man behind the mask. Fierce, commanding, and dangerous, the notorious Ghost of St. Giles is everything she feared he would be-and so much more . . .

DESIRE IS THE ULTIMATE DANGER
When passion flares, these two intimate strangers can't keep from revealing more of themselves than they had ever planned. But when Margaret learns the truth-that the Ghost is her husband-the game is up and the players must surrender . . . to the temptation that could destroy them both

Excerpt of LORD OF DARKNESS

"I would be grateful if you stayed away from the Viscount d'Arque," Godric said as he led his wife onto the dance floor. He mentally winced at his own stiff tone, but in this matter he could not seem to see reason.

She was his wife and he'd damn well not take her straying lying down.

She cocked her head, looking more curious than outraged. "Is that an order?"

He immediately felt a fool. "No, of course not."

The music began, the movement of the dance drawing them apart before he could explain further. Godric inhaled deeply as he paced, trying to subdue the incredible wrath that had overtaken him at the sight of Margaret with d'Arque.

When the dance brought them together again, he murmured low so the other dancers could not overhear, "I know it's hard for you, wanting a child, but this isn't the way."

"What way do you mean?" she asked carefully. Too carefully.

Nonetheless, he could do naught but answer truthfully. "With d'Arque as your lover."

For a second her eyes flashed with wild hurt before she could shield the emotion, and he realized he'd just dug himself into a hole.

"You think I'm a whore," she said.

A very deep hole.

"No, of—"

But she whirled away, caught in the steps of the dance. This time he watched her anxiously, this wife he knew so little about. Had Clara ever thought she'd been so grievously insulted, she would've wept. Or perhaps stomped off. He truly didn't know because he never would've gotten into a discussion like this in the first place with Clara. The very idea was ludicrous.

Margaret in contrast held her head high, her cheeks flagged with a becoming rose color. She looked like a goddess enraged. A goddess who might, if they were alone, assault his person—the thought of which unaccountably aroused him.

When the dance brought them together again, they both opened their mouths at once.

"I never meant—" he began.

"You convict me without trial," she hissed over him, "and on pathetically thin evidence."

"You were flirting, madam."

"And if I was?" she asked, her eyes widening dramatically. "If every woman who flirted in a ballroom were deemed a slut, then all but nuns and babes would be thus branded. Do you truly think I meant to start an affair with the viscount?"

He hesitated a fraction of a breath too long.

Her beautiful brows snapped together. "You are the most maddening man."

They were drawing stares, but he couldn't let this bit of outrageousness pass.

"I? I am maddening? I assure you, my lady, that you are the maddening one. I've never caused a scene in a public venue before in my—"

"And now you're on your second," she flung back.

A childish retort, but also deeply annoying, as she managed to get it off just before they were forced to separate. Which, naturally, gave her the last word.

Elizabeth Hoyt's Maiden Lane series takes place in 1730s London, a world teaming with the sounds of church bells and hoof beats, violins and castrati opera singers, the shouts of street hawkers and the murmur of political intrigue. Coffee shops were bustling centers of gossip and news, at night you could find entertainment at the theater, opera or pleasure gardens, and everywhere the streets were crammed with people, carriages, horses, sedan chairs, and the odd flock of sheep going to slaughter. The poor lived cheek by jowl in dirty, crammed tenement buildings in the East End and St. Giles, scratching out a living by begging, prostitution, or thievery. At the same time the very rich strolled their gilded homes in silks, velvets, and fabulously embroidered brocades, intent upon flirtation and intrigue.

From guttersnipes to dukes, gin-shop sellers to the daughters of earls, Dragoon captains to Thames river pirates, the Maiden Lane series embraces everything about this fabulous time in London's history.

Welcome to Maiden Lane!

Wicked Intentions
Maiden Lane
#1
August 2010

Notorious Pleasures
Maiden Lane
#2
February 2011

Scandalous Desires
Maiden Lane
#3
November 2011

Thief of Shadows
Maiden Lane
#4
August 2012

Lord Of Darkness
Maiden Lane
#5
February 2013

from the Maiden Lane booklet

What do you think about the time period and place Hoyt has created for her Maiden Lane series? One commenter will win a copy of LORD OF DARKNESS

Comments

A Maiden Lane book mixes the rich tapestry of life from the gritty hard life in
the gutters to the opulent London drawing rooms of the well-to-do all into
one book. Not every historical romance novel can or does achieve such a
mix.
(Chris Coulson 6:12am March 4, 2013)

I love seeing the whole picture. In some series you get to
see the ton or their close seconds, not everyone! It makes
for a richer story.
(Karin Anderson 7:10am March 4, 2013)

I have always been fascinated by eighteenth century London. When I read about past times, it makes me turly appreciate the times in which we live today. But in a way, given the proper circumstances, living in London all those years ago would have its own rewards. John and Lady Margaret both seem like very intriguing characters. She had such spirit and determination, and he has definite hero qualities. I look forward to reading this book.
(Amy Kincade 8:32am March 4, 2013)

I love feeling like Im stepping back in time and your books make me part of the story. I enjoy reading about this period of time with all the richness of the clothes and homes
(Julie Parrish 8:42am March 4, 2013)

I love this series - can't wait to read the latest
installment!
(Rebecca Whitehead-Schwarz 9:13am March 4, 2013)

The series looks great. I have read so many books on the
British ton and never get tired of them. Women had no freedom
so the way they had to survive always fascinates me!
(Cindi Clubbs 9:18am March 4, 2013)

How could I have missed this series? I have to make up for lost time now!
(Felicia Ciaudelli 9:27am March 4, 2013)

Love to get lost in books set in a different era & these are no exception, such class differences - truly an 'upstairs/downstairs' world. Great writing & great characters. Elizabeth Hoyt is truly a pleasure to read and I would like to complete reading the whole Maiden Lane series.
(Kay Burke 9:32am March 4, 2013)

I love all your books so this one will be on my shelf also.
(Bonnie Capuano 9:36am March 4, 2013)

I always love it when a book takes me away to a different time and place, and Elizabeth has a special talent in making you feel you are part of that time period.
Thanks for the contest.
(Brenda Rumsey 9:49am March 4, 2013)

This sounds like another winner of a book. Thanks for the chance to win. Best of luck with it.
(Nancy Reynolds 9:53am March 4, 2013)

Thank you for the wonderful excerpt. I can't wait to read more.
(Gayle Oreluk 9:58am March 4, 2013)

"You were flirting, madam." Sounds like both have stong personalities. Thanks for the giveaway.
(Leona Olson 10:36am March 4, 2013)

I absolutely adore Historical Romances and find that Hoyt's way of incorporating action in the Ghost of St. Giles theme to be smart and unique!
(Annie Tegelan 10:37am March 4, 2013)

I love historical romances, how formal and conservative the
main characters usually are then the heat and the naughtiness
they get up to when they are alone are social pressure isn't
on them. Cant wait to read more.
(Bex Challoner 10:55am March 4, 2013)

Love your books!!! Can't wait to read this one.
(Diane Teunessen 10:55am March 4, 2013)

This series is so good. I can't wait to read this book.
(Angee Bartlett 11:05am March 4, 2013)

Congratulations on your new book, Lord of Darkness! Love historical romance. 1700's London was a very interesting time period. It is always fascinating to see how people lived during another time. Enjoyed the excerpt and will be putting the Maiden Lane series on my reading list.
(Bonnie H 12:05pm March 4, 2013)

I am behind in this series... need to catch up! :)
(Colleen Conklin 12:05pm March 4, 2013)

I had never heard of this series until today and it looks fabulous. I am going to have to get my hands on it :)
(Aimee Robison 12:05pm March 4, 2013)

I am really big into historical romance and I can't wait to
read this series. I loved your Prince series, it was just
awesome.
(Gail Hurt 12:11pm March 4, 2013)

I love your books !!! The maiden series is my favorite
(Laura DeLeon 1:05pm March 4, 2013)

Love the books. This one sounds great too!!
(Vicki Hancock 1:18pm March 4, 2013)

With so many books with Regency and Victorian settings, it's nice having a novel set in 1730s London.
(Kim C 1:18pm March 4, 2013)

I've been waiting F O R E V E R for "Lord of Darkness" to come out. I've relished all the other books in the series, and can't wait to read this.

Thank you for this opportunity to win, and congratulations on your new release.
(Diane Diamond 3:30pm March 4, 2013)

I LOVE all your books. You are my favorite historical romance writer.
(Katariina Ollila 5:48pm March 4, 2013)

Love the whole scene and time of the book. I can't wait to read it:)
(Nicole Nobles 6:06pm March 4, 2013)

I find that Elizabeth's writing puts me into the frame of mind of the time period in which she writes. The characters feel so real and I am sure that each new book that she writes will have the same quality that the others before it have had. You are never disappointed with an Elizabeth Hoyt book as you are back in time and are loving it. Keep up the great work Elizabeth.
(Cynthia Blain 6:46pm March 4, 2013)

I've enjoyed the other books in the series that I've read. :o)
(Laura Gullickson 7:11pm March 4, 2013)

enjoy reading romance set there, really glad i didn't live then ;)
(d Kenney 7:48pm March 4, 2013)

Love your Maiden Lane series. I can't wait to read your new one. Keep 'em coming!
(Molly Wilsbacher 8:35pm March 4, 2013)

Love the series. I have read all the books so far in the maiden lane series (except for the latest one) and can't wait for it!
(May Pau 8:54pm March 4, 2013)

I love the socializing of it all. The fancy dances and gorgeous clothing they wore.
(Sue Galuska 9:04pm March 4, 2013)

I love historicals in general! Gives me a back in time
experience.
(Lazydrag0n Puff 9:10pm March 4, 2013)

I am enthralled regarding anything to do with England, regardless of the period of time. For some reason, this has been the fascination of mine for more years than I care to admit!! I find the plot to this book especially fascinating, and wish that I had the book next to me, so that I could flip it open, and start reading it tonight. In fact, I doubt if I would be getting any sleep tonight!! I just got my computer back today, after a repair that took a month to fix, and I'm willing to give up my 11,500 plus (yes you read that right) e-mails just to read your book!! I love the cover, the setting, and the plot. I'm sure it's a book to be devoured with a cup of hot tea or hot chocolate if the snow is falling that day. Congratulations on a book that I'm sure is going to be loved by many!!
(Peggy Roberson 9:15pm March 4, 2013)

Simply - WOW! What a wonderful excerpt and great storyline - on top of my must be read list!!
(Carla Carlson 9:22pm March 4, 2013)

Your Maiden series takes me out of my world and into such a fascinating world that I hate when the book ends!
(Judy Hendrix 9:49pm March 4, 2013)

Most of the historical books I read a set in the 1800s. I am always excited to find a story set in a different time period. I admit that I haven't read any of the books in this series but now it's on my wish list.
(Jennifer Beyer 9:52pm March 4, 2013)

Your Maiden Lane books takes me out of my world, into a world that I would very much love to be able to visit in person. However, the only way to visit is thru the Maiden Lane series. And with the books, we get to hold that world in our hands!! Already looking forward to the next book!
(Wendy Gage 10:04pm March 4, 2013)

Elizabeth, i love your Maiden Lane series.
(Angelia Schubert 10:04pm March 4, 2013)

I find the whole world of your Maiden Lane series to be fascinating, which I never would have thought I would! You draw me in with these wonderful characters, with all their strengths and flaws.
(Janie McGaugh 10:22pm March 4, 2013)

I love a good setting and this one sounds very intriguing! Love to read it :)
(Jessica Sutton 10:41pm March 4, 2013)

I love this series and have been waiting for this book. The
series setting in a not-so-well-to-do area of London is
intriguing!
(Marguerite Guinn 12:15pm March 5, 2013)

The time period is AWESOME...and the place is right there with
it.
I love that more authors forgo the present and go for the
past. It's just the whole romance of when things USED to be.
(Billie Gaskill 12:18pm March 5, 2013)

I love the idea of seeing all classes of people living together in London, Would loe to read it.
(Carol Woodruff 12:28pm March 5, 2013)

I've loved your books since the Raven Prince. I'd love to win this one.
(Lisa Elwood 4:05pm March 5, 2013)

I love reading about this era. I have always love historical romance in the Regency and Victorian era. There are places that are not mentioned the history books like those dark alleys that tourists won't see on the tours.
(Kai Wong 10:51pm March 5, 2013)

I actually know very little about the time period in question.
Love to learn though.
(Mary Preston 7:34am March 6, 2013)

Great period to write about, so much going on in England and France, the fact that London was then the largest city in the world. I'll look forward to reading it!
(Clare O'Beara 10:16am March 6, 2013)

I think she did a great job picking this time period. It makes the books come alive even more!
(Maria Smith 11:32am March 7, 2013)

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Elizabeth Hoyt | Welcome to Maiden Lane

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Book Five in the Maiden Lane series: LORD OF DARKNESS by Elizabeth Hoyt

Excerpt of LORD OF DARKNESS

from the Maiden Lane booklet

Comments

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April's Affections and Intrigues: Love and Mystery Bloom

Authors To Watch

Fresh Fiction BlogGet to Know Your Favorite Authors

Elizabeth Hoyt | Welcome to Maiden Lane

AVAILABLE

Book Five in the Maiden Lane series: LORD OF DARKNESS by Elizabeth Hoyt

Excerpt of LORD OF DARKNESS

from the Maiden Lane booklet

Comments

Services

SPECIALS

FOR AUTHORS

We Love

Fresh Fiction Blog
Get to Know Your Favorite Authors