Now as the two begin their treacherous game of cat and mouse, they soon realise that they both have secrets, and neither may be as nefarious - or as innocent - as they appear. And try as she might, Bridget can't resist the slyly charming duke. 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.Ī SECRET THAT THREATENS TO DESTROY THEM BOTHĪstonished by the deceptively prim - and surprisingly witty - domestic spy in his chambers, Montgomery is intrigued. But what he finds in his own bedroom may lay waste to all his plans.īorn a bastard, housekeeper Bridget Crumb is clever, bold and fiercely loyal. A notorious rake and blackmailer, Montgomery has returned from exile, intent on seeking revenge on those who have wronged him. Valentine Napier, the Duke of Montgomery, is the man London whispers about in boudoirs and back alleys.

The first chapter of the next book in the series, The Duke of Pleasure, is included in the paperback and if that is any indication of what is to follow, it should be as action packed as this one – and something to look forward to.ĭUKE OF SIN by Elizabeth Hoyt.

Eventually they fall in love but not until there has been a duel, a kidnapping, a murder attempt, hot sex and more. Luckily, he becomes enamored of Bridget, and she has a strong sense of right and wrong which she tries to teach him. Elizabeth Hoyt is the New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty-three lush historical romances, including the Maiden Lane series. The Duke has had a truly appalling childhood, and one can’t help but wonder if the damage done is permanent. This is an action packed romance, a bit darker than I usually care for in this type of genre. Crumb gains employment in his home in hopes of finding the incriminating evidence and protecting her mother. Lady Cair is one of the Duke’s blackmail victims, so Mrs. Bridget Crumb is the daughter of Lady Cair and an unnamed footman, and her mother had sent her to a foster family who raised her to be a housekeeper. Valentine Napier, the Duke of Montgomery, has inherited the leadership of the Lords of Chaos, but he hasn’t had his initiation yet, he’s too busy blackmailing several of his peers. In fact, killing is part of the initiation. These orgies feature young children of both sexes, ferocious dogs chasing said children, and murder is not uncommon. A common thread throughout the series (at least the ones I’ve read) is this group called the Lords of Chaos, titled men who have identifying dolphin tattoos and participate in savage orgies.

This series is set in the early 1800’s and is pretty dark. Luckily, I found it on the shelf in my library and took it home. I’ve been enjoying this series so when I saw this book on Booklist’s “ Top 10 Romance: 2016,” I realized I missed one. Click to purchase A Maiden Lane Novel, Book 10

Duke of Sin by Elizabeth Hoyt