Wicked Intentions
Author: Elizabeth Hoyt
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: B
July’s optional theme: Back in My Day…
What I’m Talking About:
Temperance needs a way to save the foundling home she runs with her family, so when Lazarus Huntington, Lord Caire, asks for her help to track down a murderer in exchange for meeting potential benefactors, she cannot say no to the arrogant, crass lord.
It’s been ages since I’ve read a Maiden Lane book, and Wicked Intentions brings the binge-worthy writing of Elizabeth Hoyt that hooked me long ago. Even though Caire annoyed me at first, the book is so easy to read and devour. I liked that Temperance realized she isn’t a bad person for wanting what she wants and how Caire helps her get over her guilt and openly accepts her. They both embrace one another’s dark and light.
The book is 15 years old, which isn’t ancient, but times have changed. There are cringy things at the front end, like Caire sexually harassing Temperance, but back then it wasn’t called harassment. Men were allowed to act as they pleased. Of course we find out later that she enjoyed it, but a few scenes made me wince.
Once the pair started working on the same page, and Caire realizes Temperance actually means something to him, the story improves. We witness a man with a big heart who is afraid of getting it crushed. He cares deeply.
I love how Temperance comes into her own and allows herself to love. I adore how the people in her life come together to save the children.
Wicked Intentions is an easy to read, sexy romance.
My Rating: B
Jen
About the Book:
A man controlled by his desires . . .
Infamous for his wild, sensual needs, Lazarus Huntington, Lord Caire, is searching for a savage killer in St. Giles, London’s most notorious slum. Widowed Temperance Dews knows St. Giles like the back of her hand – she’s spent a lifetime caring for its inhabitants at the foundling home her family established. Now that home is at risk . . .
A woman haunted by her past . . .
Caire makes a simple offer – in return for Temperance’s help navigating the perilous alleys of St. Giles, he will introduce her to London’s high society so that she can find a benefactor for the home. But Temperance may not be the innocent she seems, and what begins as cold calculation soon falls prey to a passion that neither can control –
one that may well destroy them both.
A bargain neither could refuse.
Release Date: November 28, 2017
Publisher: Forever
Series: Maiden Lane #1
Genre: Historical Romance
Format(s): paperback (416 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: Purchased with my own funds