Reviews with content warning for Pedophilia - Duke of Desire

This story is dark! It really delves into the Lords of Chaos in a much deeper way than any of the other books in this series and it is extremely disturbing. If you’ve read the previous books in this series, you know what I’m saying. If you’re thinking of making this your first Elizabeth Hoyt book, or even your first Maiden Lane book, I would advise you not to. It’s not indicative of the series or her writing overall. That being said, I still felt this was a very well-written book and the story drew me in completely.

Raphael, the Duke of Dyemore, and Iris met previously at a ball while Iris was helping her friends bring down the Lords of Chaos. Although Raphael is a scarred man with a very stern countenance, I felt even then that he’d be one of the good guys. His father was known to have done evil and despicable things to women and children, but how much did Raphael know? In the previous story, Duke of Pleasure, Hugh thought he took the disgusting group of men down. He did not. Raphael is set on making sure the task is done completely but is thrown for a loop when Iris is thrown at his feet at one of their revelries. He must protect her at all costs.

As this story unfolds and we learn more about Raphael, it’s a surprise to find he never forgot about that dance with Iris. He is so hot and cold with her. He yearns for her but knows he is not good for her. This is a forced proximity and marriage of convenience story and both tropes worked very well for me here. I felt Raphael’s tenderness toward Iris and Iris’s hurt when that tenderness turned to coldness in the blink of an eye. The more Iris was able to break down Raphael’s walls the more tormented he becomes about hurting her or being hurt in the long run. It was gut-wrenching.

Although this story ends with an HEA, it is hard fought. There are some dear people lost along the way so it’s a sobering way to end this series. Or so I thought. I see now that there is one more novella and it involves a beloved side character from all of the earlier books. I’m excited for her story and hope it ends the series with a bit more fun.

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amandalachelle's review

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challenging dark emotional sad

3.5

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_evyn_'s review against another edition

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dark emotional sad

3.0

Sad. Upsetting. Reminder that grief and trauma can be blinding and controlling. None of the audiobooks have ANY type of trigger warnings which is alarming but this one definitely needs a few including but not limited to: S.A. and self harm. Check the tags for the others.
Reach out to friends and family when in crisis. You are not alone.
Dial or text 988 for the national (U.S.) Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

I'm sad this is how the series ends even if it does make sense for the final book to be the most intense and daring and shocking. Leaves a bitter taste in my mouth to be honest. I generally enjoyed this series and I am loath to end it on such a sad note even if there was the typical happy ending.

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dreamfyre's review against another edition

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dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

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marthaheidi's review against another edition

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dark fast-paced

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