Reviews with content warning for Violence - 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.

Content Warnings

amandalachelle's review

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional sad

3.5

Content Warnings

tiredfangirl's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional medium-paced

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

3.5

Content Warnings

lateresita27's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

Content Warnings

carbs666's review

Go to review page

dark emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Once again, Hoyt is putting her hero through some intense trauma in this book. This isn't fluff by any means, but if like a little hurt/comfort and truly believe that love can heal even the most gruesome of scars, you will love this book.

Content Warnings

dreamfyre's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

Content Warnings

More...