Helpful Score: 10
What a great story. There was so much going on I didn't want to put it down.
There's the story of Lord Caire and Temperance. There's the story going on with the foundling house and all the orphans. There's the story of the murder. There's the story of the ghost of St. Giles. There's the story behind Temperance's family. So much going on, and yet it all flowed together so seamlessly that I didn't really realize how much was going on until I finished the book.
I really liked Temperance. She was willing to do what it took to keep the foundling house and her brother, from falling into ruins. Which is where Lore Caire comes into the story. Both Temperance and Lord Caire have so much "baggage" that their relationship seems is destined to never happen. Temperance's secret has haunted her for the last 9 years, and watching her unwrap that past, through Lord Caire's urging and help, was so engrossing.
This was beautifully written. Like I said there is so much going on. It would seem that with all the different stories going on within the main story that it would get confusing, but it was all weaved together so well that I didn't really notice it. The story is also fast-paced, there were very few lulls in the story. So not only didn't I want to put it down, but it moves so fast that I didn't really get a chance to put it down. I was able to finish the entire book in only three sittings.
There were a few things that weren't fully "tied up" in the end, but given that this is the first in the Maiden Lane Series I'm sure that was done on purpose. The loose ends really built up so much anticipation that I can't wait to get the next in the series.
There's the story of Lord Caire and Temperance. There's the story going on with the foundling house and all the orphans. There's the story of the murder. There's the story of the ghost of St. Giles. There's the story behind Temperance's family. So much going on, and yet it all flowed together so seamlessly that I didn't really realize how much was going on until I finished the book.
I really liked Temperance. She was willing to do what it took to keep the foundling house and her brother, from falling into ruins. Which is where Lore Caire comes into the story. Both Temperance and Lord Caire have so much "baggage" that their relationship seems is destined to never happen. Temperance's secret has haunted her for the last 9 years, and watching her unwrap that past, through Lord Caire's urging and help, was so engrossing.
This was beautifully written. Like I said there is so much going on. It would seem that with all the different stories going on within the main story that it would get confusing, but it was all weaved together so well that I didn't really notice it. The story is also fast-paced, there were very few lulls in the story. So not only didn't I want to put it down, but it moves so fast that I didn't really get a chance to put it down. I was able to finish the entire book in only three sittings.
There were a few things that weren't fully "tied up" in the end, but given that this is the first in the Maiden Lane Series I'm sure that was done on purpose. The loose ends really built up so much anticipation that I can't wait to get the next in the series.
Helpful Score: 7
Wonderful story with vivid characters, lots of mystery, unexpected twists and turns. The sexuality is bold and blatant. This was enjoyable read and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Helpful Score: 6
Wonderful beginning for a new series by Elizabeth Hoyt! I am looking forward to reading the other books soon to follow. My only advice is to make sure you have a long period of uninterupted time to devote to this book because you will not want to put it down!
Helpful Score: 3
Grade = A-
Wicked Intentions is the first book in a new series by Elizabeth Hoyt. Lord Caire, a man who can feel no emotion yet haunted by the brutal death of his paid companion, needs access to the slums of London. He makes a proposition to Temperance Dews whose life's purpose is to clothe and feed the orphans of St. Giles. Temperance is in desperate need of funding for her orphanage. Lord Caire can introduce her to high society where she has the opportunity to snag a rich benefactor.
Wicked Intentions is a strong start to Hoyt's new series. Temperance and Caire are fascinating characters whose uniqueness will compel readers to immerse themselves in this rich story. Temperance is haunted by her own sexuality, in which she views her desires as unclean or those of a loose woman. Lord Caire is a man who is unable to withstand the touch of others without it physically causing him pain. He also is emotionally numb, using Temperance as a way to channel emotions foreign to him through her. Temperance is very expressive and that fascinates Caire, drawing him in and he is powerless to resist her.
Besides the explosive chemistry between Caire and Temperance, there is a secondary storyline involving Temperance's sister, Silence. The storyline doesn't take up much page time, but the small amount that is there makes a big impact. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that Silence is in the next book. As it stands now, I am not sure when or if at all Silence will get her own book. I am going to email Ms. Hoyt and see if she can let us know what is in store for the Maiden Lane series. Ill keep you posted.
Wicked Intentions is the first book in a new series by Elizabeth Hoyt. Lord Caire, a man who can feel no emotion yet haunted by the brutal death of his paid companion, needs access to the slums of London. He makes a proposition to Temperance Dews whose life's purpose is to clothe and feed the orphans of St. Giles. Temperance is in desperate need of funding for her orphanage. Lord Caire can introduce her to high society where she has the opportunity to snag a rich benefactor.
Wicked Intentions is a strong start to Hoyt's new series. Temperance and Caire are fascinating characters whose uniqueness will compel readers to immerse themselves in this rich story. Temperance is haunted by her own sexuality, in which she views her desires as unclean or those of a loose woman. Lord Caire is a man who is unable to withstand the touch of others without it physically causing him pain. He also is emotionally numb, using Temperance as a way to channel emotions foreign to him through her. Temperance is very expressive and that fascinates Caire, drawing him in and he is powerless to resist her.
Besides the explosive chemistry between Caire and Temperance, there is a secondary storyline involving Temperance's sister, Silence. The storyline doesn't take up much page time, but the small amount that is there makes a big impact. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that Silence is in the next book. As it stands now, I am not sure when or if at all Silence will get her own book. I am going to email Ms. Hoyt and see if she can let us know what is in store for the Maiden Lane series. Ill keep you posted.
Helpful Score: 2
Widow Temperance Dews is trying to find a patron for her family's foundling home which has fallen on hard times. She is approached by Lazarus Huntington, Lord Caire, with a proposition. Caire is hunting for a murderer and needs her help navigating the slum she knows like the back of her hand. In exchange for her help, he will introduce her to members of society so she can find a patron for the orphanage. Together Temperance and Caire find themselves in danger when the murderer strikes again.
I have not had much luck picking historical romances lately, but this one was a winner. There is so much going on in this book. Temperance has a secret from her past that she knows will ruin her. Caire has a hard time showing any type of emotion, and doesn't like anyone touching him. There are some fantastic secondary characters in this book, including Temperance's brother, Winter, her youngest sister, Silence, Caire's best friend, Godric, and the mysterious Ghost of St. Giles. The story kept interested. I didn't want to put this book down and will be continuing the series. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
I have not had much luck picking historical romances lately, but this one was a winner. There is so much going on in this book. Temperance has a secret from her past that she knows will ruin her. Caire has a hard time showing any type of emotion, and doesn't like anyone touching him. There are some fantastic secondary characters in this book, including Temperance's brother, Winter, her youngest sister, Silence, Caire's best friend, Godric, and the mysterious Ghost of St. Giles. The story kept interested. I didn't want to put this book down and will be continuing the series. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
