Wicked Intentions (Maiden Lane, 1)

I liked that this book gets to the point and not waste too much ink on extras. The bedroom scenes are inventive. I love the side characters and look forward to the next book in this new series. The mystery plot itself was a little weak, but it just serves as the excuse for the hero and heroine to keep meeting. It's an enjoyable read.

This book is strongly character driven. It has a mystery plot centering around a string of murders, yes, but that is not what sold this book for me. It was the strength of the characters and their relationships. Honestly, I found the whole thing fascinating. I wish there were more characters like Caire running around. He was twisted and self serving, and I loved him to pieces. He stole the show whenever he was in a scene. I once read "To Have and To Hold" because I was told it was one of the best romances ever written. The characters were so complex and twisted that you couldn't help but be caught up in their relationship, even as it repelled you. To an extent I agree with that assessment. The story didn't work for me as a romance, but I did find the hero, Sebastian, fascinating. How can you not be both intrigued and repelled by someone who acquires another person just to test themselves? How far have his morals deteriorated? How far is he willing to go to break this woman? When will enough be enough for him? These are all the questions that Sebastian tests himself with. Now, my whole point to this ramble (and I do have a point), is that Caire reminds me of Sebastian. He's not as twisted, of course, but there are definite similarities. Caire is not like normal men, and he knows it. He doesn't really aspire to be like everyone else, but he can't help but be fascinated by the very things he lacks. He doesn't feel things the way that everyone else does, so when he acquires Temperance as a toy, he can't help but poke at her. Temperance eventually recognizes what he's doing, but she can't help but react. As she says, he's just like a child with a stick. He pokes at things to see how they'll react. Caire's sexual preferences are known far and wide. He is definitely not a vanilla man. His internal lusting and monologues tempting Temperance were pretty hot. Most of the sex scenes were pretty hot to be honest. I liked that his sexual tendencies didn't become "cured" once he hooked up with Temperance. They may have morphed a little, but they were still there. Temperance was no simple character either. Caire frequently refers to her as a martyr, and she does like to play that role. Things are not as easily defined as that though. She's a widow and co-runs a Foundling House. Her character seems simple until Caire gets involved with her. Slowly, we see layer after layer revealed as Caire pokes at her. Her character can be frustrating at times, although still likable, but toward the end so many things become clear. Why she resists loving certain people and the ties that bind her sexuality. There was a big reveal about her past that I saw coming, but it still surprised me to find out it was the truth. I loved that Caire stood up for himself when he figured out what was going on. Even though he came to a slightly wrong conclusion, I felt he came a long way to not be willing to settle. There were a lot of really interesting side characters. Caire's mother w

I freely admit that I purchase everything Elizabeth Hoyt writes on the day of release. However, that is because I am never, ever disappointed. "Wicked Intentions" is no exception. The hero is just the perfect mix of wicked (obviously) and redeemable; his private pathos is interesting without contrivance. Temperance is an unusual, sympathetic women who epitomizes strength without being one of those heroines who throws tantrums or the hero's love back in his face. In fact, she always runs in the right direction - TO Lazarus, not away. The plot keeps you turning page after page. Both H & h are sensual and interesting, one just can't wait to see what they'll do and say next. Plus, they're hot. And even though this is part of a series, it stands alone wonderfully - with just enough hints about future characters to keep me panting for the next release. Which I will also buy on the day that it is first available!

Oh my, first off let me say that if you love Elizabeth's other books this one is going to grab you by the collar and not let go. I think this is the best yet and it's another series. Wohoo! More, I want more!!!! Temperance Dews is the most compassionate, saintly, and wonderfully attractive woman that has come along in some time for our hero. Although she is not exceptionally beautiful she has a quality about her that shines brighter than the stars and a secret hidden so deep that even Satan himself would have a hard time finding it buried in the dark charcoal depths of Hell. Temperance and her brother Winter run a home for orphans from the St. Giles part of London which is the most dangerous place in all of England itself. They risk limb and life to rescue children who are just thrown away like yesterday's rotten trash. But how can they keep the home running now that their patron has died? Lazarus Huntington, aka Lord Caire is a bastard in the most professional meaning of the word and an uncaring one at that. He feels intense physical and emotional pain should someone physically touch his skin almost akin to the most scorching burn. So how is it he frequents a whore a few times a week? And as uncaring as he is how is it that he should find it a mission to find the whore's murderer hidden somewhere in St. Giles? The story is full of action and stark sizzling romance, just a bit of purity, extreme danger, heartache, anger and a few deliciously described men that are sure to make you feel like a young girl in the throws of her first orgasm. Really, what more could you ask for. The author has outdone herself here and I personally can't wait to read the story of Lady Hero. Yowzer!

Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt Historical Romance - July 27th, 2010 5 Stars Wicked Intentions is the first book in Elizabeth Hoyt's brand new Maiden Lane Series. As someone who is a big fan of not only historical romances but also of series I was very excited to hear that she was coming out with another great new series. I have always loved her books so I couldn't wait to start this one. Wicked Intentions tells us the story of Lazarus Huntington, Lord Caire. He is on the hunt in St. Giles, London's most notorious slum. There he hopes to find the savage killer of his mistress. Hopelessly lost, he discovers the Widow Temperance Dews. She runs a founding children's home in the area with her brother. After meeting Mrs. Dews he makes her a simply offer. In return for Temperance's help navigating London he will introduce her to members of the ton where she will be able to find a new benefactor for her home and save it from being closed. As these two become increasingly involved in the search for a killer they are also drawn into temptation as their attraction to each other results in heated passion. However, danger lurks as a ruthless killer who will stop at nothing to keep them from finding out the truth. And both must learn to trust each other with not only their live but possibly also with their hearts. Elizabeth Hoyt did another splendid job of creating entertaining characters in this suspenseful read. They both had deep personal issues that made this reader really invested in the well-being of the characters. I also loved how this author has created additional characters that are equally intriguing so you can't wait for them to have their own story! This was a complex story but also an easy read. If you are looking for a phenomenal historical romance that has moving characters then this is the book for you! Elizabeth Hoyt has done an outstanding job. Not only does she create the beginnings of a new and exciting series but the way she introduces characters you easily care for and want to succeed makes you crave for more!! This book will unquestionably satisfy her current fans and any readers of historical romance. Reviewed by Mary from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club