One where the over-arching plot that was carried through several books is now resolved and a new one is being established with new characters to continue the series. I gave this book a 3.5 stars because it felt like this was a transition novel. As always with Hoyt's stories, the romance is sweet and spicy (the Duke talks dirty in bed) with strong lead characters. Artemis, on the other, is in a position of servitude, but that role has not taken away her wit or her fortitude and she meets him head-to-head. Maximus is so used to being in control and to have his motives and actions questioned or even being told 'no' is not something he is used to. Artemis and Maximus' personalities clash, making their 'courtship' fun to watch. As her brother's situation becomes desperate, she stops at nothing to save him, going as far as blackmailing a Duke. Past events have redirected Artemis' path in life and now she must ensure her survival and that of her brother by any means possible. His fierce determination to avenge his parent's death along with his guilt-stricken conscience force his every move, but his encounters with Artemis chips away at what he always felt was the 'right' path for a Duke. Maximus is powerful and stubborn which is a very dangerous combination. We first meet Maximus in 'Notorious Pleasures' as the brooding and unyielding brother of Lady Hero Batten and we first meet calm and collected Artemis Greaves in 'Scandalous Desires' as the lady's companion to Lady Penelope Chadwicke. Now that she has the tiger by the tail, can she withstand his ire - or the temptation of his embrace?įinally the Duke of Wakefield meets his match!ģ.5 Star Another installment in the brilliant Maiden Lane series, this book depicts Maximus Batton, the Duke of Wakefield and Artemis Greaves, a lady's companion. But blackmailing a powerful duke isn't without risks. She's even more intrigued when she realizes who exactly the notorious ghost is by day…Īrtemis makes a bold move: she demands that Maximus use his influence to free her imprisoned brother - or she will expose him as the ghost.

Giles rescues her from footpads, she recognizes a kindred spirit-and is intrigued.

One night he finds a fiery woman who meets him toe-to-toe-and won't back down…Īrtemis Greaves toils as a lady's companion, but hiding beneath the plain brown serge of her dress is the heart of a huntress. Giles, ever on the hunt for the murderer. But by night, disguised as the Ghost of St. Now the autocratic Duke of Wakefield, he spends his days ruling Parliament. Twenty years ago Maximus Batten witnessed the brutal murders of his parents.

Duke of Midnight by Elizabeth Hoyt