ONCE UPON A MOONLIT NIGHT is a novella and book 10.5 in
Elizabeth Hoyt's "Maiden Lane" series. The opening has
gothic overtones. Hippolyta
Royle is an heiress who's been kidnapped and is now on
the run relying on her wits to stay hidden while trying
to find help in getting back home. I was able to enjoy
reading ONCE UPON A MOONLIT NIGHT without having read the
previous book, but I think most fans would want to read
DUKE OF SIN first for context.
I love stories in which people are thrown together and
wind up on a journey together, the way Hippolyta and
Matthew Mortimer are in ONCE UPON A MOONLIT NIGHT. I like
Matthew is a gentleman
and a scholar. Matthew gives Hippolyta the kindness that
she is desperately in need of after her recent ordeal.
The relationship is a little prickly when they first
meet, but gradually becomes warmer the more time they
spend on the road and in the confines of a carriage.
There is a sense of adventure in ONCE UPON A MOONLIT
NIGHT with no one particular villain but lots of
obstacles to overcome and minor villains. I like
Matthew and Hippolyta's meeting is almost serendipitous
because of their India connection. I like
Hippolyta's Indian roots are never an issue for Matthew
and he is able to give her the acceptance
society would not easily give. Another thing I
appreciated in ONCE UPON A MOONLIT NIGHT is Matthew
supports Hippolyta's decisions when trouble comes calling
near the end of the book, without trying to impose his
will on her.
ONCE UPON A MOONLIT NIGHT is an intriguing blend of
adventure and romance. Hoyt packs a few
surprises in this story to add excitement. The mongoose
Tommy Teapot adds a little comic relief and makes a great
ice breaker for Matthew and Hippolyta. I like the glimpse
Hoyt shows of Hippolyta's relationship with her
father in ONCE UPON A MOONLIT NIGHT. I look forward to
reading the next book by Elizabeth Hoyt.
From New York Times bestselling author
Elizabeth Hoyt comes a delightful Maiden Lane novella that
begins once upon a moonlit night---and ends wickedly,
wonderfully ever after . . .
Hippolyta Royle is running for her life. Pursued by hounds
on a cold rainy night, the heiress flags down a passing
carriage and throws herself at the mercy of the coach's
occupant. Whoever this handsome traveler may be, he is her
only hope to escape a terrible fate. But should he agree to
escort her to safety, he's in for much more than he
bargained for . . .
At first Matthew Mortimer doesn't believe Hippolyta's story,
that she's a fabulously wealthy heiress who's been
kidnapped. He assumes she's a beggar, an actress, or worse.
But once his new travel companion washes the mud from her
surprisingly lovely face, and they share a breathtaking
kiss, there is no turning back . . .