Notorious Pleasures

Elizabeth Hoyt

Lady Hero Batten has just gotten engaged to the Marquis of Mandeville, Thomas. She then meets a rogue at her engagement party, Griffin. Her engagement is a matter of business, two noble families intermarryinging. She like Mandeville well enough and respects him, but doesn't love him. Griffin offers something elusive - a spark of excitement. She's glad when she gets away from him.

Then she discovers that Griffin is Thomas' younger brother. Despite the fact Griffin saved the Mandeville family finances when their father, the previous Marquis, died, the two brothers don't get along. Hero's brother, the Duke of Wakefield, is active in politics and is trying to clean up the city of London. Part of the family money comes from some of Girffin's business in that section.

Griffin knows he should leave Hero alone, but when he thinks she's taking foolish risks, he won't let her go alone.. She knows she is engaged, but can't resist his smiles and touches. Between Thomas, Griffin, Hero, and her brother, the families on a collision course. Can things work out so no one is hurt - emotionally or physically?

Elizabeth Holt writes sizzling historical romance novels. Notorious Pleasures is the second book in the Maiden Lane series. Holt is concentrating on the St. Giles slums in the first half of the 1700's. Part of the story line follows an orphanage for foundlings in those slums. Without drawing glaring pictures, Holt is able to portray the despair, poverty, and evil surrounding the area.

The romance is OK - a bit unbelievable but stays true to the current style of romance writing. Hero's emotions and senses swamp her until she can't even think. There's a good side story with Thomas' romance as well. The sense of responsibility to family is a major theme in Notorious Pleasures and provides the conflict needed to keep this book interesting.

As I've found with her other novels, one of the best parts about Notorious Pleasures is the short romance parable that precedes each chapter. Queen Ravenhair is looking for someone to rule her kingdom with her. How does she know who is the right man?

Notice:  Explicit sexual content, Non-graphic violence, Strong indecent language

Publicist provided a copy for review

Wicked Intentions
Notorious Pleasures
Scandalous Desires