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Maiden Lane #8
Dearest Rogue
HE CAN GUARD HER
Lady Phoebe Batten is pretty, vivacious, and yearning for a social life befitting the sister of a powerful duke. But because she is almost completely blind, her overprotective brother insists that she have an armed bodyguard by her side at all times-the very irritating Captain Trevillion.
FROM EVERY DANGER
Captain James Trevillion is proud, brooding, and cursed with a leg injury from his service in the King's dragoons. Yet he can still shoot and ride like the devil, so watching over the distracting Lady Phoebe should be no problem at all-until she's targeted by kidnappers.
BUT PASSION ITSELF
Caught in a deadly web of deceit, James must risk life and limb to save his charge from the lowest of cads-one who would force Lady Phoebe into a loveless marriage. But while they're confined to close quarters for her safekeeping, Phoebe begins to see the tender man beneath the soldier's hard exterior . . . and the possibility of a life-and love-she never imagined possible.
Lady Phoebe Batten is pretty, vivacious, and yearning for a social life befitting the sister of a powerful duke. But because she is almost completely blind, her overprotective brother insists that she have an armed bodyguard by her side at all times-the very irritating Captain Trevillion.
FROM EVERY DANGER
Captain James Trevillion is proud, brooding, and cursed with a leg injury from his service in the King's dragoons. Yet he can still shoot and ride like the devil, so watching over the distracting Lady Phoebe should be no problem at all-until she's targeted by kidnappers.
BUT PASSION ITSELF
Caught in a deadly web of deceit, James must risk life and limb to save his charge from the lowest of cads-one who would force Lady Phoebe into a loveless marriage. But while they're confined to close quarters for her safekeeping, Phoebe begins to see the tender man beneath the soldier's hard exterior . . . and the possibility of a life-and love-she never imagined possible.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2015
300 people are currently reading
7,179 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Hoyt
45?books7,081?followersElizabeth Hoyt is a New York Times bestselling author of historical romance. She also writes deliciously fun contemporary romance under the name Julia Harper. Elizabeth lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with three untrained dogs and one long-suffering husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,259 reviews
May 2, 2023
3.5 stars
this felt like reading a book just from the amount of kidnappings and attacks the heroine had to endure lol.
other than that, this was a sweet HR with lots of interesting elements that i enjoyed. honestly, if youre a follower of this series and have bonded with the characters since the beginning, i think you might like it more.
(Note: Originally Read as an Audiobook in 2021, but Shelved on the ¡°2017 Reading Challenge¡±)
this felt like reading a book just from the amount of kidnappings and attacks the heroine had to endure lol.
LIKEs
(?) a BLIND heroine,¡°She stood, a little unsteadily, true, but on her own two feet. ¡°It¡¯s not my blindness that cripples me, it¡¯s everyone else deciding I can¡¯t live because of my blindness. If I stumble, if I run into things and fall and hurt myself it¡¯s because I can and I¡¯m free to do so, Maximus. Because without that freedom I¡¯m just a dull, chained thing and I won¡¯t be that woman anymore. I simply won¡¯t, Maximus.¡±
who had a strong, kind, upbeat personality and optimistic view in life.
(?) a hero with a LIMP,¡°Somewhere, at some indefinable point, he¡¯d crossed a bridge and the bridge had crumbled behind him. There was no going back. He cared for Lady Phoebe Batten more than anything else in life. More than his family. More than his honor. More than his freedom, should it come to that.¡±
he was your typical silent, broody, gruff, stoic, expressionless hero who looked, sounded, and acted like nothing fazed him, but deep down he secretly ? adored ? the heroine.
(?) he was also an ex-military man of sort and happened to be her BODYGUARD hired by the heroine¡¯s¡ª
(?) OVERPROTECTIVE brother.
(?) both MCs had significant AGE GAP. the hero was 31yo (or 33yo, im blinking on this particular detail) and the heroine 21yo virgin.
(?) in an attempt to escape some danger, they ran away to the hero¡¯s remote hometown. during the travel, they played the FAKE RELATIONSHIP card and *innocently* engaged in some ONE BED action.
(?) they were far apart in CLASS & SOCIAL STATUS, but together they were quite the GRUMPY/SUNSHINE pair.¡°I¡¯m not letting you go after this.¡± He raised his head. ¡°Marry me, Phoebe, please. Damn the courtship. Damn your brother. Damn the waiting. I can¡¯t...I can¡¯t breathe when you¡¯re not with me. I love you with all my cynical heart. Be my wife and teach me to laugh and let me buy you beer and ride with me on the beaches of Cornwall. Be my love and my wife forevermore.¡±
MEHs
(¨D) i think that some of the dialogues were skating the edge of cheese-land, but they werent cringey.
(¨D) for all the suspense and abduction shenanigans, the big reveal and explanation for why they happened was kind of... ridiculous.
(¨D) we didnt see the initial introduction between the MCs. the story began with them having already established a somewhat friendly, professional guard/client relationship.
NOs
(?) im being overdramatic with this one, but truly the way the hero ended literally every sentence he spoke to the heroine with ¡°My Lady¡± grated on my nerves.
(?) i didnt particularly care for all the parts (there were significant amount) that were given to set up for future installments mostly because i read this as a standalone. whoops.
other than that, this was a sweet HR with lots of interesting elements that i enjoyed. honestly, if youre a follower of this series and have bonded with the characters since the beginning, i think you might like it more.
(Note: Originally Read as an Audiobook in 2021, but Shelved on the ¡°2017 Reading Challenge¡±)
November 6, 2016
4.25/5
¡°You¡¯ve ruined me. I don¡¯t know if I can breathe without you. I don¡¯t know how I can ever live without you.¡± ¨CJames Trevillion
Much better than my expectations. Thoroughly beautiful!
I postponed reading this book for so long, considering I wasn¡¯t impressed with Phoebe's character in the previous book. I found her quite stubborn, so I was afraid she would get on my nerves in this installment. But oh, how wrong I was to think of her that way! She was nothing like I thought she would be. Honestly, her courage and her strength utterly surprised me. I can tell she¡¯s pretty much my kind of heroine!
Dearest Rogue captured me from the first page and I found myself unable to put it down till the end. The story was very well-written, full of passionate romance, exciting action, and engaging suspense.
In this book, we meet Captain James Trevillion and Lady Phoebe Batten.
During Captain James Trevillion's patrol shift in St. Giles, his horse was shot and she fell atop him. He suffered a horrifying broken leg and it immediately ended his army career in the dragoons. The Duke of Wakefield offered him a job as his little sister's bodyguard. The more time he spent by Phoebe's side, the more he grew to care about her. She became something more than duty to him. Even though he knew deep down inside that it would be impossible for him to deny that she'd already occupied every corner of his heart, she was the Duke's sister, born and raised aristocratically. He was just a former dragoon with a lame leg and he knew he had nothing to offer her. Without a doubt, he wasn't good enough for her.
Because of her blindness, the sister of the Duke of Wakefield, Lady Phoebe Batten was treated like a little child by everyone around her. Her brother believed that most outings were too dangerous for her and she needed someone to accompany her everywhere, so he hired James as her bodyguard to keep her safe. At first, she wasn¡¯t at all happy with James¡¯s constant presence, but the longer she knew him, the more she realized how much she enjoyed his company and felt comfortable with him. All she wanted was for James to see her as a woman, not a precious thing that needed to be protected all the time.
After Phoebe was kidnapped from her house, James knew immediately that he needed to do something in order to save her, and then he swore to protect her life with his own.
Although this isn't my favorite in this series, still it was a good and enjoyable read. I loved both James and Phoebe, and I was actually satisfied with the ending. I¡¯m so happy I decided to pick up this one.
Fans of historical romances and forbidden love stories shouldn¡¯t miss this book.
¡°You¡¯ve brought the sun into my lonely, gray life.¡±
¡°Lonely no more,¡± she whispered back.
¡°You¡¯ve ruined me. I don¡¯t know if I can breathe without you. I don¡¯t know how I can ever live without you.¡± ¨CJames Trevillion
Much better than my expectations. Thoroughly beautiful!
I postponed reading this book for so long, considering I wasn¡¯t impressed with Phoebe's character in the previous book. I found her quite stubborn, so I was afraid she would get on my nerves in this installment. But oh, how wrong I was to think of her that way! She was nothing like I thought she would be. Honestly, her courage and her strength utterly surprised me. I can tell she¡¯s pretty much my kind of heroine!
Dearest Rogue captured me from the first page and I found myself unable to put it down till the end. The story was very well-written, full of passionate romance, exciting action, and engaging suspense.
In this book, we meet Captain James Trevillion and Lady Phoebe Batten.
During Captain James Trevillion's patrol shift in St. Giles, his horse was shot and she fell atop him. He suffered a horrifying broken leg and it immediately ended his army career in the dragoons. The Duke of Wakefield offered him a job as his little sister's bodyguard. The more time he spent by Phoebe's side, the more he grew to care about her. She became something more than duty to him. Even though he knew deep down inside that it would be impossible for him to deny that she'd already occupied every corner of his heart, she was the Duke's sister, born and raised aristocratically. He was just a former dragoon with a lame leg and he knew he had nothing to offer her. Without a doubt, he wasn't good enough for her.
Because of her blindness, the sister of the Duke of Wakefield, Lady Phoebe Batten was treated like a little child by everyone around her. Her brother believed that most outings were too dangerous for her and she needed someone to accompany her everywhere, so he hired James as her bodyguard to keep her safe. At first, she wasn¡¯t at all happy with James¡¯s constant presence, but the longer she knew him, the more she realized how much she enjoyed his company and felt comfortable with him. All she wanted was for James to see her as a woman, not a precious thing that needed to be protected all the time.
After Phoebe was kidnapped from her house, James knew immediately that he needed to do something in order to save her, and then he swore to protect her life with his own.
Although this isn't my favorite in this series, still it was a good and enjoyable read. I loved both James and Phoebe, and I was actually satisfied with the ending. I¡¯m so happy I decided to pick up this one.
Fans of historical romances and forbidden love stories shouldn¡¯t miss this book.
¡°You¡¯ve brought the sun into my lonely, gray life.¡±
¡°Lonely no more,¡± she whispered back.
March 1, 2021
If you're looking for a bodyguard romance to love, you HAVE to read Dearest Rogue!! The heroine is the sister of a duke, is blind, and has a huge grump of a bodyguard. James is broody but you can just feel how much he adores Phoebe and is willing to do anything to protect her. There's also the "only one bed" trope AND they have to pretend to be husband and wife during that scene. I just had so much fun reading this one!
November 5, 2022
7 May 2015
My thoughts upon finishing Dearest Rogue
Warning! Do not begin this book unless you are prepared to stay up all night finishing it. Dearest Rogue may be my favorite Maiden Lane book yet. The romance between Phoebe and Trevillion will sweep you up, and besides that there is adventure, mystery, and an adorable child.
29 May 2015
Elizabeth Hoyt¡¯s books just keeps getting better! As I noted in my five-star review of her last book, Darling Beast, she has taken the Maiden Lane series in a new direction, adding characters while keeping the ones we¡¯ve met before. Captain James Trevillion first appeared in , leading a troop of mounted soldiers hunting for an accused murderer known as the Ghost of St. Giles. He wasn¡¯t a villain exactly, but his strict devotion to duty put him in conflict with the heroes of the earlier books. Trevillion was invalided out of the army when his leg was badly broken after his horse was shot and fell on him. Now, walking with a cane but still able to ride like the devil, he has taken a job guarding Phoebe Batten, the young sister of a former adversary, Maximus Batten, Duke of Wakefield.
Maximus has decreed that Phoebe must have a guard because she is almost completely blind. Phoebe was not born blind; her sight began deteriorating when she was twelve, and now at age 21, she can detect light but nothing more. The duke is not cruel or ashamed of her; he just wants to protect her from gossip or teasing or injury. And her brother knows that London in 1741 can be dangerous for any lady, even if accompanied by footmen; Trevillion, with his two pistols strapped across his chest, escorts Phoebe everywhere.
Phoebe is sweet, pretty, and charming to everyone ¨C except Trevillion. She detests the restrictions imposed by her brother (although she loves him dearly) and is hostile toward Trevillion as a result (although she has full confidence in his ability to protect her). For his part, Trevillion accepts Phoebe¡¯s enmity stoically while occasionally harboring secret tender feelings toward her. He knows that there can be nothing between a duke¡¯s sister and a commoner.
The first chapter of this book is so cracking good that it could be a case study in how to set up a plot, introduce the main characters, and hook the reader. While Phoebe is shopping on Bond Street, four brutes attempt to kidnap her. Before Phoebe even realizes what is happening, Trevillion has shot two of them, stolen a horse, and is galloping away to safety with Phoebe in front of him. That's the short, plain version of what happened. Ms. Hoyt's version gives us the sights, sounds, and smells ¨C especially Phoebe's experience of the sounds and smells and riding a horse for the first time in years ¨C as well as each character's innermost thoughts and reactions. She is exhilarated by the experience, and Trevillion is impressed by Phoebe's heretofore hidden passion.
Circumstances put Phoebe and Trevillion in an unusual position. They frequently are in close proximity, her hand on his arm, and sometimes they are alone, something that never would be allowed under ordinary conditions. There is this tension though, because they don't like one another, except they sort of do, and it is a joy to watch them grapple with putting aside their preconceptions and get to actually know one another. Repeated kidnapping attempts bring the couple even closer, until finally Trevillion takes drastic action.
I've had some trouble writing this review because I don't want to give away too much of the plot. Suffice it to say that they depart from London, and the enforced nearness and isolation bring Phoebe and Trevillion closer to one another. Each of them discovers the possibility of a whole new life they had never dreamt of before. Phoebe relentlessly assails Trevillion's grim reserve, and he comes to appreciate her as so much more that just a blind girl. Unlike her brother, Trevillion is willing to let Phoebe try things even though she sometimes falls. It is just a beautiful love story and will melt the your heart and curl your toes.
Can you tell that I fell a little bit in love with Trevillion? To begin with, Elizabeth Hoyt's Pintererst page features a photograph of Richard Armitage as Trevillion, and he perfectly fits the book's description. Moreover, for all of his dour demeanor, Trevillion is a man of passion too. I simply adored this passage, which shows us Trevillion's heart as well as Ms. Hoyt's talent:
I have no real criticism of this book. Yes, the kidnapping story is rather convoluted and far-fetched, but that did not detract from my enjoyment At the end, I put it down with a happy smile on my face. In fact, it's official: Dearest Rogue is now my favorite book in the Maiden Lane series.
My thoughts upon finishing Dearest Rogue
Warning! Do not begin this book unless you are prepared to stay up all night finishing it. Dearest Rogue may be my favorite Maiden Lane book yet. The romance between Phoebe and Trevillion will sweep you up, and besides that there is adventure, mystery, and an adorable child.
29 May 2015
Elizabeth Hoyt¡¯s books just keeps getting better! As I noted in my five-star review of her last book, Darling Beast, she has taken the Maiden Lane series in a new direction, adding characters while keeping the ones we¡¯ve met before. Captain James Trevillion first appeared in , leading a troop of mounted soldiers hunting for an accused murderer known as the Ghost of St. Giles. He wasn¡¯t a villain exactly, but his strict devotion to duty put him in conflict with the heroes of the earlier books. Trevillion was invalided out of the army when his leg was badly broken after his horse was shot and fell on him. Now, walking with a cane but still able to ride like the devil, he has taken a job guarding Phoebe Batten, the young sister of a former adversary, Maximus Batten, Duke of Wakefield.
Maximus has decreed that Phoebe must have a guard because she is almost completely blind. Phoebe was not born blind; her sight began deteriorating when she was twelve, and now at age 21, she can detect light but nothing more. The duke is not cruel or ashamed of her; he just wants to protect her from gossip or teasing or injury. And her brother knows that London in 1741 can be dangerous for any lady, even if accompanied by footmen; Trevillion, with his two pistols strapped across his chest, escorts Phoebe everywhere.
Phoebe is sweet, pretty, and charming to everyone ¨C except Trevillion. She detests the restrictions imposed by her brother (although she loves him dearly) and is hostile toward Trevillion as a result (although she has full confidence in his ability to protect her). For his part, Trevillion accepts Phoebe¡¯s enmity stoically while occasionally harboring secret tender feelings toward her. He knows that there can be nothing between a duke¡¯s sister and a commoner.
The first chapter of this book is so cracking good that it could be a case study in how to set up a plot, introduce the main characters, and hook the reader. While Phoebe is shopping on Bond Street, four brutes attempt to kidnap her. Before Phoebe even realizes what is happening, Trevillion has shot two of them, stolen a horse, and is galloping away to safety with Phoebe in front of him. That's the short, plain version of what happened. Ms. Hoyt's version gives us the sights, sounds, and smells ¨C especially Phoebe's experience of the sounds and smells and riding a horse for the first time in years ¨C as well as each character's innermost thoughts and reactions. She is exhilarated by the experience, and Trevillion is impressed by Phoebe's heretofore hidden passion.
Circumstances put Phoebe and Trevillion in an unusual position. They frequently are in close proximity, her hand on his arm, and sometimes they are alone, something that never would be allowed under ordinary conditions. There is this tension though, because they don't like one another, except they sort of do, and it is a joy to watch them grapple with putting aside their preconceptions and get to actually know one another. Repeated kidnapping attempts bring the couple even closer, until finally Trevillion takes drastic action.
I've had some trouble writing this review because I don't want to give away too much of the plot. Suffice it to say that they depart from London, and the enforced nearness and isolation bring Phoebe and Trevillion closer to one another. Each of them discovers the possibility of a whole new life they had never dreamt of before. Phoebe relentlessly assails Trevillion's grim reserve, and he comes to appreciate her as so much more that just a blind girl. Unlike her brother, Trevillion is willing to let Phoebe try things even though she sometimes falls. It is just a beautiful love story and will melt the your heart and curl your toes.
Can you tell that I fell a little bit in love with Trevillion? To begin with, Elizabeth Hoyt's Pintererst page features a photograph of Richard Armitage as Trevillion, and he perfectly fits the book's description. Moreover, for all of his dour demeanor, Trevillion is a man of passion too. I simply adored this passage, which shows us Trevillion's heart as well as Ms. Hoyt's talent:
Trevillion watched Phoebe in the sea, the waves lapping about her ankles. She was laughing, her skirts lifted to her knees, her face shining in the sun, and he wished he could paint the scene. Keep it in his memory always.
Somewhere, at some indefinable point, he'd crossed a bridge and the bridge had crumbled behind him. There was no going back. He cared for Lady Phoebe Batten more than anything else in life. More than his family. More than his honor.
More than his freedom, should it come to that.
Bringing her joy was worth more than any amount of money. He knew ¨C without doubt, without fear ¨C that he would kill for her.
That he would die for her.
It was almost a relief, this realization. He might fight intellectually against it, using all those well-worn arguments: he was too old, she was too young, they were too far apart in class, but it simply didn't matter. His heart had performed a coup d'¨¦tat over his mind and there was nothing more to be done about it.
He loved Phoebe Batten, now and forevermore.
I have no real criticism of this book. Yes, the kidnapping story is rather convoluted and far-fetched, but that did not detract from my enjoyment At the end, I put it down with a happy smile on my face. In fact, it's official: Dearest Rogue is now my favorite book in the Maiden Lane series.
June 28, 2017
I¡¯m going to tell you that I might be a smidge biased about this book as this is really one of my favorite tropes and I¡¯m a sucker for a Captain, any kind of captain in fact from Captain Jack Sparrow, to James Tiberius Kirk, to Captain Malcolm Reynolds and let us not forget Captain Thorn (the Lunar Chronicles), Both Captains of the Queensgaurd, Hector (Girl of Fire and Thorns) and Amon Byrne (Seven Realms) and last but not least Captain America. But this has the added bodyguard who falls in love with his body to guard.
I have been waiting for Trevillions book for a while especially when I learned that Phoebe was the love interest. I have liked her small parts in all of the other books and I¡¯ve also felt so bad for her that because she has been going blind she is cut off from most of society and while her family loves her they are maybe doing a bit too much to make sure she is safe that it is no wonder she almost feels a prisoner in her own home.
It was so easy to like Phoebe, sure her life has changed and she can¡¯t see but it hasn¡¯t diminished her in any way and her positivity and good attitude towards every new challenge that comes her was made me want her to find the love of her life and get the HEA that she deserves.
Trevillion is a man of honor and duty. He wants to do want is right by Phoebe and feels like he couldn¡¯t possibly be the man for her, he is too old not a noble and has a leg injury that has slowed him down. He wants the best for her since he has over time come to care for her but it is difficult being with her everyday as his feelings grow and her life becomes more and more in danger.
Someone is trying to kidnap Phoebe and force a marriage on her. If they accomplish that then they can basically hold the Duke of Wakefield in the palm of their hands. Trevillion seems to be the only thing standing between the Kidnappers and Phoebe. But there seems to be someone in The Duke of Wakefield¡¯s employee that might be working against him. To protect her he will need to hide her and in that they will both discover everything about the other person.
I loved this story. Okay so Phoebe almost being kidnapped and actually being kidnapped more than once was a little OTT and comical. But I really liked everything about their story and how Trevillion¡¯s war within himself to do the right thing didn¡¯t stand a chance in the wake of Phoebe.
I enjoyed this book more than most in this series just because of the Trope and the character. It was everything I wanted it to be.
I have been waiting for Trevillions book for a while especially when I learned that Phoebe was the love interest. I have liked her small parts in all of the other books and I¡¯ve also felt so bad for her that because she has been going blind she is cut off from most of society and while her family loves her they are maybe doing a bit too much to make sure she is safe that it is no wonder she almost feels a prisoner in her own home.
She stood, a little unsteadily, true, but on her own two feet. ¡°It¡¯s not my blindness that cripples me, it¡¯s everyone else deciding I can¡¯t live because of my blindness. If I stumble, if I run into things and fall and hurt myself it¡¯s because I can and I¡¯m free to do so, Maximus. Because without that freedom I¡¯m just a dull, chained thing and I won¡¯t be that woman anymore. I simply won¡¯t, Maximus.¡±
It was so easy to like Phoebe, sure her life has changed and she can¡¯t see but it hasn¡¯t diminished her in any way and her positivity and good attitude towards every new challenge that comes her was made me want her to find the love of her life and get the HEA that she deserves.
Trevillion is a man of honor and duty. He wants to do want is right by Phoebe and feels like he couldn¡¯t possibly be the man for her, he is too old not a noble and has a leg injury that has slowed him down. He wants the best for her since he has over time come to care for her but it is difficult being with her everyday as his feelings grow and her life becomes more and more in danger.
¡while you may not be a caged bird, neither are you merely a woman. You¡¯re a precious artifact. As long as there are men who wish to steal you, I¡¯ll be right by your side.¡±
Someone is trying to kidnap Phoebe and force a marriage on her. If they accomplish that then they can basically hold the Duke of Wakefield in the palm of their hands. Trevillion seems to be the only thing standing between the Kidnappers and Phoebe. But there seems to be someone in The Duke of Wakefield¡¯s employee that might be working against him. To protect her he will need to hide her and in that they will both discover everything about the other person.
I loved this story. Okay so Phoebe almost being kidnapped and actually being kidnapped more than once was a little OTT and comical. But I really liked everything about their story and how Trevillion¡¯s war within himself to do the right thing didn¡¯t stand a chance in the wake of Phoebe.
Only when she sighed into his mouth, a small submission, did he whisper against her lips, ¡°I¡¯m tired of you tempting me.¡±
¡°I¡¯m not tempting you anymore,¡± she murmured back, her wet lips brushing his.
He nipped her bottom lip in punishment. ¡°Aren¡¯t you?¡±
¡°No,¡± she whispered. ¡°You¡¯ve given in.¡±
I enjoyed this book more than most in this series just because of the Trope and the character. It was everything I wanted it to be.
February 6, 2017
Better than the last one. High praise, indeed. And, sure this couple was also boring, but the story was sweet and actually a little bit believable. There was actual chemistry.
So, we have Phoebe, a blind girl who gets all annoyed when people want to help her walk without falling into a hole. And, James, her bodyguard who is a bit crippled from injuries to one of his legs who gets annoyed if anyone wants to help him in any way. Perfect match.
They fight, she resents him, he secretly loves her, he leaves her, she misses him, he kidnaps her for her "safety", and then...
The only thing that annoyed me about this book, other than the idiotic scene where she convinces him to let her walk unassisted along a hole-ridden, uneven road and she falls over and over again, but hey, "independence", was how utterly stupid James has suddenly become. When he was the captain of the police, he was uncannily perceptive and smart at figuring things out. But, suddenly he can't figure out the most obvious kidnapper ever. The guy practically screamed "it's me" from the start, but Captain Unobvious couldn't see it. Perhaps he also knocked his brain loose when he hurt his leg. I was unimpressed.
So, we have Phoebe, a blind girl who gets all annoyed when people want to help her walk without falling into a hole. And, James, her bodyguard who is a bit crippled from injuries to one of his legs who gets annoyed if anyone wants to help him in any way. Perfect match.
They fight, she resents him, he secretly loves her, he leaves her, she misses him, he kidnaps her for her "safety", and then...
The only thing that annoyed me about this book, other than the idiotic scene where she convinces him to let her walk unassisted along a hole-ridden, uneven road and she falls over and over again, but hey, "independence", was how utterly stupid James has suddenly become. When he was the captain of the police, he was uncannily perceptive and smart at figuring things out. But, suddenly he can't figure out the most obvious kidnapper ever. The guy practically screamed "it's me" from the start, but Captain Unobvious couldn't see it. Perhaps he also knocked his brain loose when he hurt his leg. I was unimpressed.
September 13, 2016
I've given this an A- at AAR, so that's 4.5 stars rounded up.
While I¡¯ve enjoyed all the books in Elizabeth Hoyt¡¯s Maiden Lane series, Dearest Rogue has been the one I¡¯ve most eagerly anticipated. In fact, it¡¯s one of my most highly anticipated books of 2015. Perhaps that¡¯s a little unusual, considering this is the eighth book in a long-running series, but something about the pairing of the older, world-weary, dour ex-officer with the young, vital but blind sister of a duke is intriguing and completely irresistible. Perhaps it¡¯s that whole ¡°bodyguard-falls-for-his-charge¡± thing ¨C although that¡¯s not a plotline I¡¯m fussed about either way ¨C or what¡¯s more likely is that the glimpses we¡¯ve been given of Phoebe Batten and Captain Trevillion in the earlier books, both separately and together, plus their appearance in the short Christmas story that appeared on the author¡¯s website a couple of years back showed an already amazing chemistry that I was keen to revisit and experience in a whole novel.
Readers familiar with the earlier books will know that James Trevillion, Captain in the King¡¯s 4th Dragoons was injured in the line of duty, his right leg severely damaged when he was crushed beneath his horse. No longer able to perform his military role, he resigned his commission and was then offered a job by Maximus Batten, the powerful Duke of Wakefield, as bodyguard to his youngest sister, Phoebe. Phoebe¡¯s eyesight has been gradually worsening since the age of twelve, and now, at twenty-one, she is completely blind. She is not at all happy at the idea of having a permanent keeper, but her brother is an incredibly influential man, and the possibility of her being kidnapped or harmed in order to gain leverage over him is a very real one. Phoebe knows that her brother is concerned for her safety, but he¡¯s stifling her; she may have lost her sight, but she wants to live as normal a life as possible, not be wrapped up in cotton wool like a china doll.
It was clear in the previous book () that Trevillion was smitten with his charge, while Phoebe saw him as little more than an inconvenience. She still sees him that way, but he is well aware that the day is not far off when his growing attraction to her will mean he must resign his post. He can¡¯t protect her properly if he is overly emotionally invested ¨C and he is already in over his head, Phoebe¡¯s courage, tenacity and determination drawing him to her as much as her loveliness.
Following a failed kidnap attempt at the start of the book, Phoebe finds herself suddenly curious about ¡°her¡± captain and beginning to think of him as a person rather than just as an annoyance thrust upon her by her over-protective brother. A true friendship starts to develop between them as Phoebe comes to know more about the man who is constantly at her side and to finally realise something she¡¯s always known ¨C that Trevillion is the one person who will never lie to her or attempt to sugar-coat the truth.
When, following a second unsuccessful abduction, the captain resigns his post because he feels he failed in his duty, Phoebe is distraught. James ¨C as she has begun to think of him ¨C was the one person who truly understood her need for independence. Her brother instead surrounds her with lots of burly footmen, but even they cannot keep Phoebe safe from what, I admit, is her own stupidity when she ventures out to the stables early one morning. Fortunately for her, one of those footmen used to be a soldier under Trevillion¡¯s command and quickly seeks him out. This is the last straw as far as the captain is concerned ¨C he tracks the kidnappers and rescues Phoebe, then spirits her away to somewhere she won¡¯t be found ¨C and doesn¡¯t even tell the duke where they¡¯ve gone.
They journey to the Cornish coast, to the home Trevillion hasn¡¯t seen for twelve years. While Phoebe has managed to prise some of his life-story from him, he hasn¡¯t divulged the reasons for such a long absence, and clearly doesn¡¯t like talking about his past. His father is simultaneously pleased to see him and angry with him for being gone for so long, but Phoebe is nonetheless made welcome and soon falls into the way of life on the remote horse-breeding farm. It¡¯s at this point that she finally discovers the reasons behind James¡¯ almost compulsive need to protect her; and while it¡¯s not exactly a surprise, it nonetheless makes perfect sense.
I loved the way the relationship between the protagonists developed and especially the way in which Phoebe, unable to see, becomes aware of James as a man in other ways, through touch, scent and the sound of his voice. Despite the difference in their stations, once he realises the attraction between them is mutual, he doesn¡¯t hesitate or keep pushing her away for her own good. He pays her the compliment of believing she knows her own mind ¨C which is a refreshing change ¨C so there is no overly contrived angst.
Even though I loved the book, it¡¯s not without flaws. Phoebe is kidnapped so many times, the author even has the character metaphorically rolling her eyes at it and thinking she should be used to it by now! The reasons behind it are a bit wishy-washy, to be honest, although during this part of the story, the author introduces the heroine of the next book, and also keeps the Machiavellian machinations of the enigmatic Duke of Montgomery at the forefront of the reader¡¯s mind.
But I was so wrapped up in Phoebe and Trevillion that it didn¡¯t spoil the book for me, and in terms of the romance, Ms Hoyt delivers and then some. Phoebe is only twenty-one, but has shown such courage in the face of adversity over the time in which we¡¯ve come to know her that it¡¯s easy to sympathise with her and with her desire to be allowed to live her life in the light she can no longer see. Trevillion is a wonderful hero ¨C deeply honourable and loyal, and possessed of the sort of unwavering devotion and quiet competence that are incredibly attractive. He¡¯s not voluble, but has a dry wit and sense of humour that are normally buried, so it¡¯s lovely to see him unbending around Phoebe, who, he quips, has ¡°made him into a frivolity¡±; and incongruous as the pairing may have been at first glance, he¡¯s the perfect hero for her. He¡¯ll never talk down to her or try to coddle her; even though he wants to keep her safe from harm, he knows that sometimes one has to fall down in order to pick oneself up again.
As I¡¯ve come to expect from this author, the writing is elegant and richly detailed, and the characterisation is strongly observed all round. The sex scenes are luscious and sensual and somehow, in a genre which is overflowing with them, quite unique. Ms Hoyt manages to imbue such moments with a kind of earthy romanticism that never descends into the overly crude; sex in her books is lusty and honest ¨C emotional but not sentimental.
Dearest Rogue fulfilled all my expectations, so I can¡¯t in all good conscience do anything other than make it a DIK, in spite of the small reservations I¡¯ve mentioned. It¡¯s gone straight onto my keeper shelf and I¡¯ve already read it twice ¨C so it¡¯s a good bet I¡¯ll be returning to it often.
While I¡¯ve enjoyed all the books in Elizabeth Hoyt¡¯s Maiden Lane series, Dearest Rogue has been the one I¡¯ve most eagerly anticipated. In fact, it¡¯s one of my most highly anticipated books of 2015. Perhaps that¡¯s a little unusual, considering this is the eighth book in a long-running series, but something about the pairing of the older, world-weary, dour ex-officer with the young, vital but blind sister of a duke is intriguing and completely irresistible. Perhaps it¡¯s that whole ¡°bodyguard-falls-for-his-charge¡± thing ¨C although that¡¯s not a plotline I¡¯m fussed about either way ¨C or what¡¯s more likely is that the glimpses we¡¯ve been given of Phoebe Batten and Captain Trevillion in the earlier books, both separately and together, plus their appearance in the short Christmas story that appeared on the author¡¯s website a couple of years back showed an already amazing chemistry that I was keen to revisit and experience in a whole novel.
Readers familiar with the earlier books will know that James Trevillion, Captain in the King¡¯s 4th Dragoons was injured in the line of duty, his right leg severely damaged when he was crushed beneath his horse. No longer able to perform his military role, he resigned his commission and was then offered a job by Maximus Batten, the powerful Duke of Wakefield, as bodyguard to his youngest sister, Phoebe. Phoebe¡¯s eyesight has been gradually worsening since the age of twelve, and now, at twenty-one, she is completely blind. She is not at all happy at the idea of having a permanent keeper, but her brother is an incredibly influential man, and the possibility of her being kidnapped or harmed in order to gain leverage over him is a very real one. Phoebe knows that her brother is concerned for her safety, but he¡¯s stifling her; she may have lost her sight, but she wants to live as normal a life as possible, not be wrapped up in cotton wool like a china doll.
It was clear in the previous book () that Trevillion was smitten with his charge, while Phoebe saw him as little more than an inconvenience. She still sees him that way, but he is well aware that the day is not far off when his growing attraction to her will mean he must resign his post. He can¡¯t protect her properly if he is overly emotionally invested ¨C and he is already in over his head, Phoebe¡¯s courage, tenacity and determination drawing him to her as much as her loveliness.
Following a failed kidnap attempt at the start of the book, Phoebe finds herself suddenly curious about ¡°her¡± captain and beginning to think of him as a person rather than just as an annoyance thrust upon her by her over-protective brother. A true friendship starts to develop between them as Phoebe comes to know more about the man who is constantly at her side and to finally realise something she¡¯s always known ¨C that Trevillion is the one person who will never lie to her or attempt to sugar-coat the truth.
When, following a second unsuccessful abduction, the captain resigns his post because he feels he failed in his duty, Phoebe is distraught. James ¨C as she has begun to think of him ¨C was the one person who truly understood her need for independence. Her brother instead surrounds her with lots of burly footmen, but even they cannot keep Phoebe safe from what, I admit, is her own stupidity when she ventures out to the stables early one morning. Fortunately for her, one of those footmen used to be a soldier under Trevillion¡¯s command and quickly seeks him out. This is the last straw as far as the captain is concerned ¨C he tracks the kidnappers and rescues Phoebe, then spirits her away to somewhere she won¡¯t be found ¨C and doesn¡¯t even tell the duke where they¡¯ve gone.
They journey to the Cornish coast, to the home Trevillion hasn¡¯t seen for twelve years. While Phoebe has managed to prise some of his life-story from him, he hasn¡¯t divulged the reasons for such a long absence, and clearly doesn¡¯t like talking about his past. His father is simultaneously pleased to see him and angry with him for being gone for so long, but Phoebe is nonetheless made welcome and soon falls into the way of life on the remote horse-breeding farm. It¡¯s at this point that she finally discovers the reasons behind James¡¯ almost compulsive need to protect her; and while it¡¯s not exactly a surprise, it nonetheless makes perfect sense.
I loved the way the relationship between the protagonists developed and especially the way in which Phoebe, unable to see, becomes aware of James as a man in other ways, through touch, scent and the sound of his voice. Despite the difference in their stations, once he realises the attraction between them is mutual, he doesn¡¯t hesitate or keep pushing her away for her own good. He pays her the compliment of believing she knows her own mind ¨C which is a refreshing change ¨C so there is no overly contrived angst.
Even though I loved the book, it¡¯s not without flaws. Phoebe is kidnapped so many times, the author even has the character metaphorically rolling her eyes at it and thinking she should be used to it by now! The reasons behind it are a bit wishy-washy, to be honest, although during this part of the story, the author introduces the heroine of the next book, and also keeps the Machiavellian machinations of the enigmatic Duke of Montgomery at the forefront of the reader¡¯s mind.
But I was so wrapped up in Phoebe and Trevillion that it didn¡¯t spoil the book for me, and in terms of the romance, Ms Hoyt delivers and then some. Phoebe is only twenty-one, but has shown such courage in the face of adversity over the time in which we¡¯ve come to know her that it¡¯s easy to sympathise with her and with her desire to be allowed to live her life in the light she can no longer see. Trevillion is a wonderful hero ¨C deeply honourable and loyal, and possessed of the sort of unwavering devotion and quiet competence that are incredibly attractive. He¡¯s not voluble, but has a dry wit and sense of humour that are normally buried, so it¡¯s lovely to see him unbending around Phoebe, who, he quips, has ¡°made him into a frivolity¡±; and incongruous as the pairing may have been at first glance, he¡¯s the perfect hero for her. He¡¯ll never talk down to her or try to coddle her; even though he wants to keep her safe from harm, he knows that sometimes one has to fall down in order to pick oneself up again.
As I¡¯ve come to expect from this author, the writing is elegant and richly detailed, and the characterisation is strongly observed all round. The sex scenes are luscious and sensual and somehow, in a genre which is overflowing with them, quite unique. Ms Hoyt manages to imbue such moments with a kind of earthy romanticism that never descends into the overly crude; sex in her books is lusty and honest ¨C emotional but not sentimental.
Dearest Rogue fulfilled all my expectations, so I can¡¯t in all good conscience do anything other than make it a DIK, in spite of the small reservations I¡¯ve mentioned. It¡¯s gone straight onto my keeper shelf and I¡¯ve already read it twice ¨C so it¡¯s a good bet I¡¯ll be returning to it often.
April 23, 2020
This, my 16th high rating reread, held up. Damn, I love these two (might be a 4, but tripping across moors is one of my all time favorite scenes.) Original review:
*Tosses kobo aside. Steeples fingers. Leans forward. Raises eyebrows*
Oh. I've found another for my collection.
*Plucks James from pages. Adds to "heroes I want to lick" shelf.*
I've enjoyed Phoebe's parts in the books prior to this and her book was not at all disappointing.I also l enjoyed the image of Trevillion just moments behind each Ghost. He's a clever and a tenacious one. Apparently he's also the strong, silent, steady type. It doesn't hurt, nope, in fact it helps, that he appears to ride horses like some kind of warrior from Rohan. I can't tell you I've ever drooled about superhuman horse-riding skills, but somehow Elizabeth Hoyt made me do it.
I don't really have a heroes I want to lick shelf, I have the boringly named 'book boyfriends' but I really need to up my naming convention there. Some of these new heroes, it just doesn't suit. (Delicious heroes?)
I felt she was careful in the characters, they were wildly consistent. A wonderfully, superbly, satisfying read. (I enjoyed Cornwall too! It suits them. Lovely.)
oh dear sweet bunny rabbits when he watched her fall three times. My heart.
I'm about to get real weird, so I'm going to just push save on this baby and go off to read In other words, I'll be up till 2 finishing that tonight.
*Tosses kobo aside. Steeples fingers. Leans forward. Raises eyebrows*
Oh. I've found another for my collection.
*Plucks James from pages. Adds to "heroes I want to lick" shelf.*
I've enjoyed Phoebe's parts in the books prior to this and her book was not at all disappointing.I also l enjoyed the image of Trevillion just moments behind each Ghost. He's a clever and a tenacious one. Apparently he's also the strong, silent, steady type. It doesn't hurt, nope, in fact it helps, that he appears to ride horses like some kind of warrior from Rohan. I can't tell you I've ever drooled about superhuman horse-riding skills, but somehow Elizabeth Hoyt made me do it.
I don't really have a heroes I want to lick shelf, I have the boringly named 'book boyfriends' but I really need to up my naming convention there. Some of these new heroes, it just doesn't suit. (Delicious heroes?)
I felt she was careful in the characters, they were wildly consistent. A wonderfully, superbly, satisfying read. (I enjoyed Cornwall too! It suits them. Lovely.)
oh dear sweet bunny rabbits when he watched her fall three times. My heart.
I'm about to get real weird, so I'm going to just push save on this baby and go off to read In other words, I'll be up till 2 finishing that tonight.
October 22, 2023
A stoic, caretaker hero, who only shows softness to his woman.
For the first time in this series we have a hero whose only passion is his lady. He¡¯s all about her, she¡¯s his cause, and this was refreshing. I love this series but each hero in it had some outside torture or cause that played a significant part of the plot. I liked them all, they were exciting, but this was such a nice change to have his entire focus be on her, keeping her safe, happy and helping her to find a freedom despite her blindness. Such a sweet story, I love a stoic hero who is only soft for his lady. The age-gap and class-gap were also well done, both main characters were strong, but Phoebe was a fierce and compassionate character and her frustrations with her circumstances but also, her optimism and bravery were so good.
The heroes in this series are cool too, every book has a different romantic hero type. It¡¯s like a buffet, where if you read them all you will enjoy one of everything ?. Except Maximus, he¡¯s an ass.
For the first time in this series we have a hero whose only passion is his lady. He¡¯s all about her, she¡¯s his cause, and this was refreshing. I love this series but each hero in it had some outside torture or cause that played a significant part of the plot. I liked them all, they were exciting, but this was such a nice change to have his entire focus be on her, keeping her safe, happy and helping her to find a freedom despite her blindness. Such a sweet story, I love a stoic hero who is only soft for his lady. The age-gap and class-gap were also well done, both main characters were strong, but Phoebe was a fierce and compassionate character and her frustrations with her circumstances but also, her optimism and bravery were so good.
The heroes in this series are cool too, every book has a different romantic hero type. It¡¯s like a buffet, where if you read them all you will enjoy one of everything ?. Except Maximus, he¡¯s an ass.
October 26, 2023
5/5 ?? x ?? After a few disappointing reads this week, I finally found a winner!!! I haven¡¯t had much luck with the bodyguard trope before but I¡¯m always intrigued by them. This book was just AMAZING!!! I loved every minute of it!
I loved Phoebe and James¡¯ romance so much! It was really beautiful and sweet. I also liked that it was an age gap romance (which is one of my fave tropes) ?
James was a protective hero and Phoebe was just trying to live her life and be free. I loved how she didn¡¯t let the fact that she was blind stop her from doing anything. I adored her character so much!
They also had some pretty good banter that I was not expecting ?.
Their scenes together were just the most romantic and beautiful.
One of my favorite scenes was when he was comforting her in the garden and she cried on his shoulder. The way he embraced her made me swoon ?
And when she was dabbing perfume on his face and accidentally touched his lips ???
And his jealous moments were everything ?
They were both so into each other. It was adorable. This is what I mean when I say I want tension, longing, and a beautiful romance. This was just perfection ??????.
These are some of my fave quotes ?? they for sure made me swoon ???
"She looked like the embodiment of spring, near angelic in her loveliness."
¡°Trevillion watched Phoebe in the sea, the waves lapping about her ankles. She was laughing, her skirts lifted to her knees, her face shining in the sun, and he wished he could paint the scene. Keep it in his memory always.¡± ???
¡°Bringing her joy was worth more than any amount of money. He knew¡ªwithout doubt, without fear¡ªthat he would kill for her.
That he would die for her.¡±
¡°That if he lost her from his world, the sun might as well disappear from the sky. He wondered if she had any idea at all the power she wielded over him with her tiny palm.¡±
¡°You¡¯ve ruined me. I don¡¯t know if I can breathe without you. I don¡¯t know how I can ever live without you.¡±
James was just so swoony and so in love with his Phoebe. It made my heart full. I love them so much! ???
I also want to give a special shoutout to Kristina because if it wasn¡¯t for her review, I wouldn¡¯t have read this book when I did. It has become a new favorite of mine ????
I loved Phoebe and James¡¯ romance so much! It was really beautiful and sweet. I also liked that it was an age gap romance (which is one of my fave tropes) ?
James was a protective hero and Phoebe was just trying to live her life and be free. I loved how she didn¡¯t let the fact that she was blind stop her from doing anything. I adored her character so much!
They also had some pretty good banter that I was not expecting ?.
Their scenes together were just the most romantic and beautiful.
One of my favorite scenes was when he was comforting her in the garden and she cried on his shoulder. The way he embraced her made me swoon ?
And when she was dabbing perfume on his face and accidentally touched his lips ???
And his jealous moments were everything ?
They were both so into each other. It was adorable. This is what I mean when I say I want tension, longing, and a beautiful romance. This was just perfection ??????.
These are some of my fave quotes ?? they for sure made me swoon ???
"She looked like the embodiment of spring, near angelic in her loveliness."
¡°Trevillion watched Phoebe in the sea, the waves lapping about her ankles. She was laughing, her skirts lifted to her knees, her face shining in the sun, and he wished he could paint the scene. Keep it in his memory always.¡± ???
¡°Bringing her joy was worth more than any amount of money. He knew¡ªwithout doubt, without fear¡ªthat he would kill for her.
That he would die for her.¡±
¡°That if he lost her from his world, the sun might as well disappear from the sky. He wondered if she had any idea at all the power she wielded over him with her tiny palm.¡±
¡°You¡¯ve ruined me. I don¡¯t know if I can breathe without you. I don¡¯t know how I can ever live without you.¡±
James was just so swoony and so in love with his Phoebe. It made my heart full. I love them so much! ???
I also want to give a special shoutout to Kristina because if it wasn¡¯t for her review, I wouldn¡¯t have read this book when I did. It has become a new favorite of mine ????
December 9, 2016
So sweet. Wasn't sure how I would like this one. Trevillion is a bit of a moody character in the previous books ... but he ended up being a real sweetheart.
Of course Trevillion was not of her station so did not feel worthy of her.
TREVILLION woke the next morning as he often did: all at once, at exactly six of the clock , and with a stiff cock ...
Of course Trevillion was not of her station so did not feel worthy of her.
God, he was a cad.
"You've ruined me. I don't know if I can breathe without you. I don't know how I can ever live without you."
"Then don't." she murmured into the eternal darkness ...
"I'm so lucky you would have me."
February 6, 2017
*** 4 ***
A buddy read with the Romantics at the MacHalo Freaks :) Because we love love!!!
Yes, we are back in 18th century England, Maiden Lane, ravaged by Gin and poverty, crime and filth... Well, that is on Maiden Lane... In the houses of the Ton, life seems much easier and more gentile... It does not matter where or when you are, money and privilege are always a plus.
"...¡°I don¡¯t want you hurt,¡± he said gruffly.
¡°I know.¡± Her smile was winsome. ¡°But falling isn¡¯t the end of the world. I may fall, it¡¯s true¡ªin fact, I probably will fall¡ªbut really, one can¡¯t live without falling now and again.¡± ..."
Lady Phoebe Batten is the sister of a Duke, comfort, luxury and privilege are a given for her station. For this beautiful and full of life young woman the skies should be the only limit. However, even the greatest families can not always get away from faith and in Phoebe's case, a disease of the eyes at an early age has her vision degenerating with an alarming speed. Her advancing blindness is the reason her Duke brother enlists the recently injured Captain James Trevillion, who finds himself unable to continue with his military duties since his leg was smashed by his dying horse. Both the Lady and the Captain find the situation bothersome. Travillion is the perfect soldier, intense, obsessed with his job, and weary of growing close with his charge. Because he finds this woman, 12 years younger than him and an aristocrat, way too enchanting and appealing for his comfort.
"...¡°She stood, a little unsteadily, true, but on her own two feet. ¡°It¡¯s not my blindness that cripples me, it¡¯s everyone else deciding I can¡¯t live because of my blindness. If I stumble, if I run into things and fall and hurt myself it¡¯s because I can and I¡¯m free to do so, Maximus. Because without that freedom I¡¯m just a dull, chained thing and I won¡¯t be that woman anymore. I simply won¡¯t, Maximus.¡±..."
Lady Phoebe, however, sees his distance and composure as stuffiness and a way for him to show her up and display his dislike of her... She is very irritated by him, but despite all that, he makes her feel safe when he is near, more than anything or anyone else. This is even better highlighted when attempts to kidnap her become a reality and no one knows who is behind them. James is steadfast and heroic, putting her well-being above his own life. Until once, when he fails to be the one to save her, he decides that his injury and condition are rendering him unfit and he steps down in order for better men to protect her... Of course, as we all suspected, no one is better at protecting her and she is taken. James finds a way to locate her and from there on, he swears to never leave her side... Even if that means to abduct her himself:):):)
The story was interesting and the romance was very, very sweet!!! I truly liked all the characters, despite that at times Travillien's self pity to get on my nerves big time - I am not a big fan of a big bad alpha dude with such pathetic internal monologue, even if it did get better... The Duke of Montgomery also is on my to kill list at this point, so he really has to gravel until we get to his book!!! I loved Travillien's family and his niece and sister's story tugged on my heartstrings quite a bit! Overall, the book was another solid entry in this very pleasant series!!! Recommend it to all Historical Romance fans!!!
I wish you all Happy Reading and many more wonderful books to come!!!
A buddy read with the Romantics at the MacHalo Freaks :) Because we love love!!!
Yes, we are back in 18th century England, Maiden Lane, ravaged by Gin and poverty, crime and filth... Well, that is on Maiden Lane... In the houses of the Ton, life seems much easier and more gentile... It does not matter where or when you are, money and privilege are always a plus.
"...¡°I don¡¯t want you hurt,¡± he said gruffly.
¡°I know.¡± Her smile was winsome. ¡°But falling isn¡¯t the end of the world. I may fall, it¡¯s true¡ªin fact, I probably will fall¡ªbut really, one can¡¯t live without falling now and again.¡± ..."
Lady Phoebe Batten is the sister of a Duke, comfort, luxury and privilege are a given for her station. For this beautiful and full of life young woman the skies should be the only limit. However, even the greatest families can not always get away from faith and in Phoebe's case, a disease of the eyes at an early age has her vision degenerating with an alarming speed. Her advancing blindness is the reason her Duke brother enlists the recently injured Captain James Trevillion, who finds himself unable to continue with his military duties since his leg was smashed by his dying horse. Both the Lady and the Captain find the situation bothersome. Travillion is the perfect soldier, intense, obsessed with his job, and weary of growing close with his charge. Because he finds this woman, 12 years younger than him and an aristocrat, way too enchanting and appealing for his comfort.
"...¡°She stood, a little unsteadily, true, but on her own two feet. ¡°It¡¯s not my blindness that cripples me, it¡¯s everyone else deciding I can¡¯t live because of my blindness. If I stumble, if I run into things and fall and hurt myself it¡¯s because I can and I¡¯m free to do so, Maximus. Because without that freedom I¡¯m just a dull, chained thing and I won¡¯t be that woman anymore. I simply won¡¯t, Maximus.¡±..."
Lady Phoebe, however, sees his distance and composure as stuffiness and a way for him to show her up and display his dislike of her... She is very irritated by him, but despite all that, he makes her feel safe when he is near, more than anything or anyone else. This is even better highlighted when attempts to kidnap her become a reality and no one knows who is behind them. James is steadfast and heroic, putting her well-being above his own life. Until once, when he fails to be the one to save her, he decides that his injury and condition are rendering him unfit and he steps down in order for better men to protect her... Of course, as we all suspected, no one is better at protecting her and she is taken. James finds a way to locate her and from there on, he swears to never leave her side... Even if that means to abduct her himself:):):)
The story was interesting and the romance was very, very sweet!!! I truly liked all the characters, despite that at times Travillien's self pity to get on my nerves big time - I am not a big fan of a big bad alpha dude with such pathetic internal monologue, even if it did get better... The Duke of Montgomery also is on my to kill list at this point, so he really has to gravel until we get to his book!!! I loved Travillien's family and his niece and sister's story tugged on my heartstrings quite a bit! Overall, the book was another solid entry in this very pleasant series!!! Recommend it to all Historical Romance fans!!!
I wish you all Happy Reading and many more wonderful books to come!!!
April 10, 2021
This one was SO GREAT. Bodyguard romance, blind heroine, a truly beautiful kiss described from the heroine's point of view by touch. A fun mystery, a horse breeding farm!
I am in love with this series. Worth the hype for sure.
I am in love with this series. Worth the hype for sure.
November 28, 2021
Reread for my 2021 Favorites.
.
Grumpy/Subshine. Class difference. Age Gap. Bodyguard. Just all the good things.
.
Grumpy/Subshine. Class difference. Age Gap. Bodyguard. Just all the good things.
January 10, 2022
adored everything about this book!!!
October 15, 2023
?Simply put, if you are a bodyguard, guard her motherfucking BODY.?
So I started this one not thinking in the slightest that since it¡¯s Phoebe¡¯s book, we would get more of Maximus ?? He was so annoying and punchable and Artemis was so meek. But honestly, I can get behind him being concerned about Phoebe¡¯s safety because that girl was always a minute away from mortal peril.
Sorry Phoebe but stay the fuck inside you are in D A N G E R. I didn¡¯t like this rebellious ¡°I don¡¯t care if I die I must smell these flowers and make new friends¡± type of attitude. I get that it sucked to be protected all the time and I could see her rebellion before the two times she was literally almost abducted. This dude literally killed people and she thought it was fun? Then she was like SORRY I was reckless and put us in danger because yes it WAS stupid that I wanted freedom when I¡¯m 10/10 trying to be kidnapped. And then she uno reversed us and was all ¡°imma go smell a horse¡± in the early morning with no security.
Which brings us to the next point: It didn¡¯t make SENSE that she was guarded 24/7 until James left and then suddenly NO ONE was guarding her? You¡¯re telling me gluteus Maximus didn¡¯t IMMEDIATELY hire a new one? Just some random guys at random times? MALARKEY I SAY. Why are so many bodyguards in these books BAD AT IT. THAT¡¯S NOT HOT. No Paris Hilton that¡¯s hot from me. He shouldn¡¯t have left until a proper security detail was acquired. He also didn¡¯t tell her the severity of the issue and what lengths these men were willing to go to? UGH. Then she got kidnapped AGAIN at the end and I really lost it. WORST BODYGUARDS EVER. YOU HAVE ONE JOB. TELL YOUR PRIDE AND EGO TO ARGO FUCK THEMSELVES.
I also didn¡¯t like how Phoebe was described as plump but then in the same breath was said to have such slim ankles and was so petite and such a small thing. Idk it didn¡¯t rub me the right way and made her body feel like a gimmick. I couldn¡¯t give a fig about the Kelpie or whatever that parable thing was. I simply don¡¯t like the smaller stories woven throughout this series. They¡¯re pointless and convoluted.
We also didn¡¯t need to recall how a horse was killed in a previous book; we simply didn¡¯t need to be reminded. We also didn¡¯t need to see a fricken dog get kicked by a motherfucker who REALLY did not get his proper retribution. I have a thing with animal deaths/abuse and that thing is that I handle them VERY poorly.
Which brings me to the point that I REALLY struggled with (which is saying something since I¡¯ve been struggling all along). There is a major content warning for the SA of a character (James¡¯s sister) with cognitive delay. This happened in the past but the story was told to Phoebe. This character went on to have a daughter due to the assault. James was on the run from the local magistrate because the magistrate¡¯s son was the one who committed SA and who James nearly beat to death.
(My sister has Down syndrome and I didn¡¯t really know this was a trigger of mine until I read this here, but I¡¯m really not okay with this whole plot line. Whereas Tessa Dare¡¯s Any Duchess Will Do made me very happy to see the representation! Maybe I¡¯d be better if there was proper justice but there wasn¡¯t.)
The reader finds out the daughter of his sister has been in communication with the grandfather (magistrate). There¡¯s a scene where they confront the abuser, he kicks a dog to where it was whimpering in pain and laying still, then says he¡¯s going to own a plantation in another country. Great right? The grandfather wants to have contact with the daughter because she¡¯s his ¡°blood¡± and his son ¡°was always troubled¡± and he was ¡°disgusted by the abuse but he WAS my son so I NEEDED to defend him but I¡¯d also like to be in the life of my granddaughter because I¡¯m not a total motherfucker in my mind because I really don¡¯t condone his actions but he¡¯s also my son like I¡¯ve said before because he¡¯s my son.¡±
Let. Me. Repeat. The magistrate says his son won¡¯t be a problem because he¡¯s leaving the country and going to own a PLANTATION. AND THAT¡¯S ALL THE JUSTICE THIS MOTHERFUCKER GETS. HE GETS TO GO ABUSE MORE PEOPLE AND PROBABLY HIS NEW WIFE. I MEAN WHAT THE FUCK. Literally they just let him go. I couldn¡¯t give a flying fuck about who was trying to kidnap Phoebe I really couldn¡¯t. This man is the real enemy.
Overall this book just kept going ??? and will be my last Maiden Lane book for a long while I can¡¯t handle this crap. I also can¡¯t handle the fact that this is Georgian period I think so these fuckers are all up in white wigs and shit? Nah sorry I can¡¯t think about a sexual being in a big ass Georgian wig. Maximus deserves to wear a crusty ass wig but still I had to laugh. We also got no closure on MacLeish.
????*/5 ???/5
*This probably would have received 3/5 if not more the content warning I mentioned. It really just made the book unbearable for me.
So I started this one not thinking in the slightest that since it¡¯s Phoebe¡¯s book, we would get more of Maximus ?? He was so annoying and punchable and Artemis was so meek. But honestly, I can get behind him being concerned about Phoebe¡¯s safety because that girl was always a minute away from mortal peril.
Sorry Phoebe but stay the fuck inside you are in D A N G E R. I didn¡¯t like this rebellious ¡°I don¡¯t care if I die I must smell these flowers and make new friends¡± type of attitude. I get that it sucked to be protected all the time and I could see her rebellion before the two times she was literally almost abducted. This dude literally killed people and she thought it was fun? Then she was like SORRY I was reckless and put us in danger because yes it WAS stupid that I wanted freedom when I¡¯m 10/10 trying to be kidnapped. And then she uno reversed us and was all ¡°imma go smell a horse¡± in the early morning with no security.
Which brings us to the next point: It didn¡¯t make SENSE that she was guarded 24/7 until James left and then suddenly NO ONE was guarding her? You¡¯re telling me gluteus Maximus didn¡¯t IMMEDIATELY hire a new one? Just some random guys at random times? MALARKEY I SAY. Why are so many bodyguards in these books BAD AT IT. THAT¡¯S NOT HOT. No Paris Hilton that¡¯s hot from me. He shouldn¡¯t have left until a proper security detail was acquired. He also didn¡¯t tell her the severity of the issue and what lengths these men were willing to go to? UGH. Then she got kidnapped AGAIN at the end and I really lost it. WORST BODYGUARDS EVER. YOU HAVE ONE JOB. TELL YOUR PRIDE AND EGO TO ARGO FUCK THEMSELVES.
I also didn¡¯t like how Phoebe was described as plump but then in the same breath was said to have such slim ankles and was so petite and such a small thing. Idk it didn¡¯t rub me the right way and made her body feel like a gimmick. I couldn¡¯t give a fig about the Kelpie or whatever that parable thing was. I simply don¡¯t like the smaller stories woven throughout this series. They¡¯re pointless and convoluted.
We also didn¡¯t need to recall how a horse was killed in a previous book; we simply didn¡¯t need to be reminded. We also didn¡¯t need to see a fricken dog get kicked by a motherfucker who REALLY did not get his proper retribution. I have a thing with animal deaths/abuse and that thing is that I handle them VERY poorly.
Which brings me to the point that I REALLY struggled with (which is saying something since I¡¯ve been struggling all along). There is a major content warning for the SA of a character (James¡¯s sister) with cognitive delay. This happened in the past but the story was told to Phoebe. This character went on to have a daughter due to the assault. James was on the run from the local magistrate because the magistrate¡¯s son was the one who committed SA and who James nearly beat to death.
(My sister has Down syndrome and I didn¡¯t really know this was a trigger of mine until I read this here, but I¡¯m really not okay with this whole plot line. Whereas Tessa Dare¡¯s Any Duchess Will Do made me very happy to see the representation! Maybe I¡¯d be better if there was proper justice but there wasn¡¯t.)
The reader finds out the daughter of his sister has been in communication with the grandfather (magistrate). There¡¯s a scene where they confront the abuser, he kicks a dog to where it was whimpering in pain and laying still, then says he¡¯s going to own a plantation in another country. Great right? The grandfather wants to have contact with the daughter because she¡¯s his ¡°blood¡± and his son ¡°was always troubled¡± and he was ¡°disgusted by the abuse but he WAS my son so I NEEDED to defend him but I¡¯d also like to be in the life of my granddaughter because I¡¯m not a total motherfucker in my mind because I really don¡¯t condone his actions but he¡¯s also my son like I¡¯ve said before because he¡¯s my son.¡±
Let. Me. Repeat. The magistrate says his son won¡¯t be a problem because he¡¯s leaving the country and going to own a PLANTATION. AND THAT¡¯S ALL THE JUSTICE THIS MOTHERFUCKER GETS. HE GETS TO GO ABUSE MORE PEOPLE AND PROBABLY HIS NEW WIFE. I MEAN WHAT THE FUCK. Literally they just let him go. I couldn¡¯t give a flying fuck about who was trying to kidnap Phoebe I really couldn¡¯t. This man is the real enemy.
Overall this book just kept going ??? and will be my last Maiden Lane book for a long while I can¡¯t handle this crap. I also can¡¯t handle the fact that this is Georgian period I think so these fuckers are all up in white wigs and shit? Nah sorry I can¡¯t think about a sexual being in a big ass Georgian wig. Maximus deserves to wear a crusty ass wig but still I had to laugh. We also got no closure on MacLeish.
????*/5 ???/5
*This probably would have received 3/5 if not more the content warning I mentioned. It really just made the book unbearable for me.
June 25, 2015
**3.5 Stars**
It's no surprise that this is my favorite historical series. Only a few authors are on my "auto-buy" list and Elizabeth Hoyt is one of them. This story was sweet...which is not bad but I'm so used to the action, suspense and intrigue from the other books that I kind of missed it it in this one...and I'm especially missing the Ghost of St. Giles. I really wish there could be a fourth one!
This was a sweet read, and my first book where the heroine is blind. EH is such an amazing author that she somehow made it work, but I just wanted more. I also didn't like all of the kidnappings and the Duke of Montgomery was starting to annoy me, but overall, if you're a EH fan, a Maiden lane fan, then you'd enjoy this book. Just know that is a bit different from the others. It's more about the characters and what drives them, than all of the action packed stuff. Buy sometimes in a book that's all you need.
It's no surprise that this is my favorite historical series. Only a few authors are on my "auto-buy" list and Elizabeth Hoyt is one of them. This story was sweet...which is not bad but I'm so used to the action, suspense and intrigue from the other books that I kind of missed it it in this one...and I'm especially missing the Ghost of St. Giles. I really wish there could be a fourth one!
This was a sweet read, and my first book where the heroine is blind. EH is such an amazing author that she somehow made it work, but I just wanted more. I also didn't like all of the kidnappings and the Duke of Montgomery was starting to annoy me, but overall, if you're a EH fan, a Maiden lane fan, then you'd enjoy this book. Just know that is a bit different from the others. It's more about the characters and what drives them, than all of the action packed stuff. Buy sometimes in a book that's all you need.
June 30, 2018
I upgraded the rating from 4 the first time around to 4.5 rounded to 5 this time. Maybe I'm just in a generous mood.
What I liked about it:
The wounded Hero, gruff, serious, truly a hero and leader of men. He's always been such a stick in the mud from previous books and you know he's one of the good guys but you can't help but think - someone needs to pull that pole out of your ass! So I was curious how EH would treat him in this book, how she'd open him up and get us to fall in love.
She did great. The easiest part of it was just showing us his POV now that he's the main character. And when you know what he's thinking, how he looks at his duty and his charge, you can't help but to like him.
Plus, it doesn't hurt to be handsome - dark hair, blue eyes, tall and broad, soft lips. What's not to like??? And I do love the name James. For some reason, it makes him more elegant, more refined, more sensitive in a way. I like that h loves calling him that and how it makes him feel to hear her call him that.
(EH's fascination with chest hair disturbs me a bit. I'm not a fan of hairy chests myself and have to always skip that part in the description. Thankfully, the cover models aren't hairy!!)
The Heroine I've always liked. And I really like her now. Such optimism and light for someone suffering with such a loss. I've said this many times - I like heroines who go after what they want. They could do it softly or directly or be a hard-ass, but I like that they go for it, and Phoebe sure does!
The rest of it I kind of skipped. I don't plan to reread about Eve and Asa. Seem to recall I didn't like that one all that much. Good to end my streak of EH on a strong note!
What I liked about it:
The wounded Hero, gruff, serious, truly a hero and leader of men. He's always been such a stick in the mud from previous books and you know he's one of the good guys but you can't help but think - someone needs to pull that pole out of your ass! So I was curious how EH would treat him in this book, how she'd open him up and get us to fall in love.
She did great. The easiest part of it was just showing us his POV now that he's the main character. And when you know what he's thinking, how he looks at his duty and his charge, you can't help but to like him.
Plus, it doesn't hurt to be handsome - dark hair, blue eyes, tall and broad, soft lips. What's not to like??? And I do love the name James. For some reason, it makes him more elegant, more refined, more sensitive in a way. I like that h loves calling him that and how it makes him feel to hear her call him that.
(EH's fascination with chest hair disturbs me a bit. I'm not a fan of hairy chests myself and have to always skip that part in the description. Thankfully, the cover models aren't hairy!!)
The Heroine I've always liked. And I really like her now. Such optimism and light for someone suffering with such a loss. I've said this many times - I like heroines who go after what they want. They could do it softly or directly or be a hard-ass, but I like that they go for it, and Phoebe sure does!
The rest of it I kind of skipped. I don't plan to reread about Eve and Asa. Seem to recall I didn't like that one all that much. Good to end my streak of EH on a strong note!
January 29, 2025
At this point, you shouldn't trust my Elizabeth Hoyt reviews
For me, Elizabeth Hoyt either writes averagely good stories, those you enjoy but maybe only once or magnificent stories that make me curse the world every time I have to put them down.
?*:? The plot
This one is simple, protector MMC and in danger/in need of help FMC. What I think the author might've taken a bit far (and this is me being as objective as I can since I personally didn't mind too much) was the double disability rep.
Okay, that sounds super bad.
What I mean is, the heroine is blind and rich. She not only needs help navigating everyday life, but is a possible target for unscrupulous people wanting to take advantage of her disability to get at her dowry.
The hero is a former soldier (a dragoon captain) that got his leg broken where it was healing from a previous break (ouch), therefore rendering him unable to continue his career as a soldier. He limps and too much effort brings him a lot of pain.
While the heroine's disability is given page time and care, at times, the hero's disability was less believable. It hurts just to think about having your bone broken twice in the same place in a short span. Trevillion, however, gets on and off horses, runs when he needs to, uses a cane sporadically and can ride for long periods of time in a carriage, all without passing out from pain.
If you wish to enjoy this story, you might have to just ignore these inconsistencies, which I did... because you can't trust me with this author. I just love her.
Back to the plot part.
Because this books is protector MMC and endangered FMC, eventually we get to the danger part. Some failed attempts and a bit of force proximity and voila you got yourself a adorably sweet romance.
?*:? The characters
Phoebe was just the cutest. Her growth from wanting freedom and demanding it, from being cuddled to being allowed to fall down and get back up was a delight to read. Sweet with a backbone, what more can we want.
James was gruff and protective. He's been secretly pining after the heroine and the fact that not only does he fall first but is also is the one that gets seduced was everything I want from heroes ?
?*:? Final thoughts
I loved Phoebe and James together. He needs her brand of innocence is his life and she needs someone who will protect her with all he has but also allows her to just live.
The reason behind Phoebe's danger was a bit strange (although it made me even more curious about this villainous character the series has been hinting at for so long) and James' limp was more of a prop than anything else.
However, for me, the romance eclipsed all the flaws ?
¨q©¤©¤ ? ? ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ ? ? ©¤©¤¨r
. .©®???? ??????? ?????????
. .©®? ??????: 39
. .©®? ?????: Finish a trilogy, Book 1
. .©®? ????????: 23/100
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For me, Elizabeth Hoyt either writes averagely good stories, those you enjoy but maybe only once or magnificent stories that make me curse the world every time I have to put them down.
?*:? The plot
This one is simple, protector MMC and in danger/in need of help FMC. What I think the author might've taken a bit far (and this is me being as objective as I can since I personally didn't mind too much) was the double disability rep.
Okay, that sounds super bad.
What I mean is, the heroine is blind and rich. She not only needs help navigating everyday life, but is a possible target for unscrupulous people wanting to take advantage of her disability to get at her dowry.
The hero is a former soldier (a dragoon captain) that got his leg broken where it was healing from a previous break (ouch), therefore rendering him unable to continue his career as a soldier. He limps and too much effort brings him a lot of pain.
While the heroine's disability is given page time and care, at times, the hero's disability was less believable. It hurts just to think about having your bone broken twice in the same place in a short span. Trevillion, however, gets on and off horses, runs when he needs to, uses a cane sporadically and can ride for long periods of time in a carriage, all without passing out from pain.
If you wish to enjoy this story, you might have to just ignore these inconsistencies, which I did... because you can't trust me with this author. I just love her.
Back to the plot part.
Because this books is protector MMC and endangered FMC, eventually we get to the danger part. Some failed attempts and a bit of force proximity and voila you got yourself a adorably sweet romance.
?*:? The characters
Phoebe was just the cutest. Her growth from wanting freedom and demanding it, from being cuddled to being allowed to fall down and get back up was a delight to read. Sweet with a backbone, what more can we want.
James was gruff and protective. He's been secretly pining after the heroine and the fact that not only does he fall first but is also is the one that gets seduced was everything I want from heroes ?
His heart had performed a coup d¡¯¨¦tat over his mind and there was nothing more to be done about it.
He loved Phoebe Batten, now and forevermore.
?*:? Final thoughts
I loved Phoebe and James together. He needs her brand of innocence is his life and she needs someone who will protect her with all he has but also allows her to just live.
The reason behind Phoebe's danger was a bit strange (although it made me even more curious about this villainous character the series has been hinting at for so long) and James' limp was more of a prop than anything else.
However, for me, the romance eclipsed all the flaws ?
¡°Phoebe. You haunt me. You drive me. You possess me. I cannot¡ª¡±
[...]
¡°You¡¯ve ruined me. I don¡¯t know if I can breathe without you. I don¡¯t know how I can ever live without you.¡±
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. .©®???? ??????? ?????????
. .©®? ??????: 39
. .©®? ?????: Finish a trilogy, Book 1
. .©®? ????????: 23/100
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October 30, 2018
5 STARS!
Phoebe was a fabulous heroine. I adored her. She was strong, kind, and optimistic in a way that didn't grate on my nerves. I applaud Hoyt for not allowing her blind heroine to flounder around in the deep end of the schmaltzy cheese pool.
Plus the set up for future installments didn't feel intrusive, like it was taking page time away from the main couple . . . which leads me to the ever growing enigma that's been brewing over the last few books of the series: Who the hell does the Duke of Montgomery think he is?
I can't wait to find out!
Was she more to him now than simply a duty?Big smiles, you guys. Big, BIG smiles. Such a solid read. I loved it!
Phoebe was a fabulous heroine. I adored her. She was strong, kind, and optimistic in a way that didn't grate on my nerves. I applaud Hoyt for not allowing her blind heroine to flounder around in the deep end of the schmaltzy cheese pool.
"I just want to live."Trevillion was just as wonderful; strong, noble, and severe in an edgy way that didn't grate on my nerves. :-)
She was twelve years younger than he and a hundred years more innocent, and the daughter and sister of a duke, fresh, gay, beautiful.And together, they served up everything that makes historical romance great. I devoured every last word.
He had two loaded pistols, a lame leg, and a hard cock to his name.
Plus the set up for future installments didn't feel intrusive, like it was taking page time away from the main couple . . . which leads me to the ever growing enigma that's been brewing over the last few books of the series: Who the hell does the Duke of Montgomery think he is?
I can't wait to find out!
August 12, 2022
So, I loved the premise of this book and I dug James' love for Phoebe but the majority of this book is a total snooze. I managed to finish it but ???.
April 6, 2024
It's been years since I've read a Maiden Lane book, but I fell right back into the familiar and smooth cadence that this author writes in. I don't always love her characters, but I adored Phoebe (h) and James (H) esp since James is silently longing for her, thinking she's out of reach, and it takes Phoebe a bit longer to consider him as more than that guard who's keeping her in line. Phoebe's the sister of a duke who's extra swaddled in wool and overprotected because she's slowly lost her sight over the course of years. Though she has this disability, Phoebe also maintains a sunny personality and a zest for life, she was a wonderfully sweet character and a fantastic foil for the cynical and life toughened James. James is more than a decade older and was a captain with the dragoons before being seriously injured, to the point that he uses a cane and worries that he may need to step back from watching over Phoebe at some point. But he's not just a general guard for his charge, there's a kidnapping plot afoot and multiple attempts to spirit Phoebe away for questionable purposes.
Written in third person, multi-POV (including some side characters at times). No ow drama, slight om drama from someone who's interested in h but who she rejects. H isn't a virgin but appeared to have been celibate while pining for h and h is a virgin with no prior experience (h does ask H about some of his experience and the masculine outrage made me laugh but he's also upfront with her about his past).
There's angst, push/pull with lots of forced proximity creating additional tension, family drama on both their ends, and an overall sweet romance with a fulfilling HEA. The romance is a slow burn but gets plenty steamy, though the solidification of them as a couple takes pretty much the whole book. Some danger occurs but the suspense is pretty light imo. The mystery over who's behind the plotting isn't super strong, since the hints are clear, but the reasoning why doesn't come out til the very end, alongside the resolution. The epilogue is only two weeks into the future and partially includes a lead-in to the next book/couple, but also shows this couple on their wedding day. Plus, prior characters are featured heavily throughout the series so I would think these two pop back up at some point, though I'm not sure.
I definitely recommend historical readers give this series a try if they haven't. As I said before, not all of the characters worked for me personally, but the ones that did have been ones I've reread. I bounced around and read books out of order back in the day (I'll continue to do so since my next read from these books will be earlier in the series) and you can absolutely do that, just know that minor spoilers may occur and side characters are very interconnected thanks to families, friendships, and social issues.
Written in third person, multi-POV (including some side characters at times). No ow drama, slight om drama from someone who's interested in h but who she rejects. H isn't a virgin but appeared to have been celibate while pining for h and h is a virgin with no prior experience (h does ask H about some of his experience and the masculine outrage made me laugh but he's also upfront with her about his past).
There's angst, push/pull with lots of forced proximity creating additional tension, family drama on both their ends, and an overall sweet romance with a fulfilling HEA. The romance is a slow burn but gets plenty steamy, though the solidification of them as a couple takes pretty much the whole book. Some danger occurs but the suspense is pretty light imo. The mystery over who's behind the plotting isn't super strong, since the hints are clear, but the reasoning why doesn't come out til the very end, alongside the resolution. The epilogue is only two weeks into the future and partially includes a lead-in to the next book/couple, but also shows this couple on their wedding day. Plus, prior characters are featured heavily throughout the series so I would think these two pop back up at some point, though I'm not sure.
I definitely recommend historical readers give this series a try if they haven't. As I said before, not all of the characters worked for me personally, but the ones that did have been ones I've reread. I bounced around and read books out of order back in the day (I'll continue to do so since my next read from these books will be earlier in the series) and you can absolutely do that, just know that minor spoilers may occur and side characters are very interconnected thanks to families, friendships, and social issues.
May 29, 2015
Like many fans of the "Maiden Lane" series, I've been curious about a story for Lady Phoebe Batten, a young woman who's been progressively losing her sight over the course of the previous books in the series, and one for Captain James Trevillion, who started out as sort of the Sheriff of Nottingham to the previous heroes and then became an ally. Their pairing is a fairly obvious choice for romance -- vulnerable heroine with protective hero. (Who also has his own vulnerability, because of a leg injury.)
In some ways this was better than I expected. In my memory, Phoebe was a fairly meek, dependent person. But perhaps getting older, or losing more of her vision, or being stuck with a full-time bodyguard, or a combination of the three, have made her start to rebel against her sheltered life:
"I know [my brother] cares for me. I know he worries for me. But in doing so, he's constrained me utterly. Even before this attack Maximus wouldn't let me go to parties or fairs or anywhere he deemed dangerous. I'm afraid after this that he'll pack me in cotton wool and set me at the back of the cupboard for safekeeping. I... I just don't know if I can live like this."
Later she tells her brother, "I deserve to run and trip and fall without having my every move plotted and planned... and tied down so that I never, ever risk living."
Unfortunately, Phoebe still comes across as helpless for much of the book. Perhaps this is realistic: she hasn't been allowed to learn any tools for taking care of herself. But she wanted more for herself and I'd have liked to see her really get it.
In some ways this was better than I expected. In my memory, Phoebe was a fairly meek, dependent person. But perhaps getting older, or losing more of her vision, or being stuck with a full-time bodyguard, or a combination of the three, have made her start to rebel against her sheltered life:
"I know [my brother] cares for me. I know he worries for me. But in doing so, he's constrained me utterly. Even before this attack Maximus wouldn't let me go to parties or fairs or anywhere he deemed dangerous. I'm afraid after this that he'll pack me in cotton wool and set me at the back of the cupboard for safekeeping. I... I just don't know if I can live like this."
Later she tells her brother, "I deserve to run and trip and fall without having my every move plotted and planned... and tied down so that I never, ever risk living."
Unfortunately, Phoebe still comes across as helpless for much of the book. Perhaps this is realistic: she hasn't been allowed to learn any tools for taking care of herself. But she wanted more for herself and I'd have liked to see her really get it.
May 31, 2022
Reread #2 (5/31/2022): 4.5??
~~~~~
Read #1 (4/24/2022): 4.25??
Bodyguard and grumpy/sunshine romance with a heroine who's blind and plus-size, hero who's a war veteran, walks with a cane, and likes to shoot people in the face at close range if they dare try to kidnap the heroine ??
Lol this was actually v cute, and the heroine doesn't pity herself just because of her disability and wants to live life to her fullest ability.
~~~~~
Read #1 (4/24/2022): 4.25??
Bodyguard and grumpy/sunshine romance with a heroine who's blind and plus-size, hero who's a war veteran, walks with a cane, and likes to shoot people in the face at close range if they dare try to kidnap the heroine ??
Lol this was actually v cute, and the heroine doesn't pity herself just because of her disability and wants to live life to her fullest ability.
April 27, 2022
I could have sworn I wrote a review for this!
Captain Trevillian has been vexing our various Ghosts of St. Giles over the course of this series and I always had a feeling he'd get his own HEA, especially after it became clear he was falling for his Lady Phoebe after becoming her bodyguard. And oh, lo, I was right!
I cannot comment on the rep, so I will be looking for reviews from readers with disabilities, but this was definitely the first time I read a romance where both main characters have a disability. James' has a bad leg that never healed correctly after being badly broken when his dragoon horse fell on him. He uses a cane or a walking stick when he needs to, and his leg makes him concerned he cannot properly guard Phoebe. Phoebe is blind. She gradually lost her sight beginning in her teens and realizes at the beginning of this book her vision is now gone no matter the lighting conditions.
Captain Trevillion is one of those stoic, morose, and stern characters I adore, who when they melt for their loved one they are lost completely. He is your classic "I'd sacrifice everything, even my happiness to make sure you are safe" types that needs to realize sometimes being a little unsafe is worth the price of falling in love. He also goes completely feral when Lady Phoebe is kidnapped and I LOVED IT.
Phoebe was also amazing, and I loved seeing her assert her will and make her own choices. The imagery of Phoebe and James walking the moors, James afraid she'll fall and Phoebe acknowledging she might but the falls would be worth it to do something she's always wanted to do.
Phoebe buying James a custom scent because he was scentless was a bit amusing to me. I can't fathom the man, fastidious and neat as a pin, wasn't using some sort of soap, but I went with it because it was adorable. Lots of great scent descriptions in this book.
One of my favs of this series for sure.
Remains my favorite Maiden Lane! 2022
Captain Trevillian has been vexing our various Ghosts of St. Giles over the course of this series and I always had a feeling he'd get his own HEA, especially after it became clear he was falling for his Lady Phoebe after becoming her bodyguard. And oh, lo, I was right!
I cannot comment on the rep, so I will be looking for reviews from readers with disabilities, but this was definitely the first time I read a romance where both main characters have a disability. James' has a bad leg that never healed correctly after being badly broken when his dragoon horse fell on him. He uses a cane or a walking stick when he needs to, and his leg makes him concerned he cannot properly guard Phoebe. Phoebe is blind. She gradually lost her sight beginning in her teens and realizes at the beginning of this book her vision is now gone no matter the lighting conditions.
Captain Trevillion is one of those stoic, morose, and stern characters I adore, who when they melt for their loved one they are lost completely. He is your classic "I'd sacrifice everything, even my happiness to make sure you are safe" types that needs to realize sometimes being a little unsafe is worth the price of falling in love. He also goes completely feral when Lady Phoebe is kidnapped and I LOVED IT.
Phoebe was also amazing, and I loved seeing her assert her will and make her own choices. The imagery of Phoebe and James walking the moors, James afraid she'll fall and Phoebe acknowledging she might but the falls would be worth it to do something she's always wanted to do.
Phoebe buying James a custom scent because he was scentless was a bit amusing to me. I can't fathom the man, fastidious and neat as a pin, wasn't using some sort of soap, but I went with it because it was adorable. Lots of great scent descriptions in this book.
One of my favs of this series for sure.
Remains my favorite Maiden Lane! 2022
April 30, 2016
This romance was very well written and a delight to read. An old soldier is hired to protect a young blind lady. Durring there relationship they fall in love and have a beautiful romance which was fraught with parils from kid nappers, and the young lady's brother who is a Duke.
It has a very happy ending.
Enjoy and Be Blessed.
Diamond
It has a very happy ending.
Enjoy and Be Blessed.
Diamond
May 20, 2015
3.5 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Lady Phoebe has been steadily going blind for the last couple years and as the sister to a powerful and rich duke, her brother hires a bodyguard to keep her safe. Captain James Trevillion used to ride the streets of St. Giles chasing down gin makers until an accident left him lame in one leg but still highly capable he becomes Phoebe's bodyguard. The aristocrat and the commoner find themselves at crossed swords quite often but as they get to know one another, they find themselves slowly lowering all their defenses.
Sometimes Phoebe wondered what Captain Trevillion would do if she reached up and slapped his face. Or kissed him.
If you have read the previous books in the series (focusing on the lead's romance in this book you would be fine without prior knowledge but there will be secondary characters and side storylines that will pass you by) you would have gotten a little taste of Trevillion and Phoebe's somewhat tense relationship. This story is what many have excitedly anticipated, the progression of all that tension. The interaction between Trevillion and Phoebe was what definitely worked the best for me while the kidnapping plot didn't seem the best put together. It worked to put our couple together but the over and over resurgence of it felt much dragged on.
I'm no longer a fit guard, he thought, I can't keep my objectivity around her anymore. God help me. God help her.
The fear of not being able to see, having her brother stifle her nearly to madness out of love, and exuberance of youth made Phoebe a very likeable and believable character. It was unfortunately, also her youth and sheltered life, at times I felt like the character felt even younger than the age stated and that lost me. There was a lot of "I want, I want" from Phoebe that manifested itself in a very child like manner that wasn't a lot of fun for me to read. On the other hand, the feeling of her desperation to feel alive was so heartbreaking. Trevillion's restraining looks, wanting, and feelings toward Phoebe were what sold me towards his character. Unfortunately, again, what made up a good chunk of his character, stoic and contained, that made him gruff and vulnerable also made him too inscrutable. I couldn't quite feel connected to him as an individual. The first half moved pretty slowly for me, it was when Trevillion kidnaps Phoebe to keep her safe from being kidnapped and they start spending a lot of time alone that I began to really feel this couple.
She was an aristocrat---a world apart from his yeoman upbringing. But here, in this quiet paddock, the only sound the soft thump of the horses' hooves on grass, they were just a man and a woman. That simple.
And that complex.
In this second half and particularly in the 60-80% area, this couple will entrench themselves in your heart. The way Trevillion sees Phoebe, past her blindness, will have your eyes watering and the way the air crackles when they are close together will heat your blood. There is a scene involving stockings that will definitely be a nominee for my best scene of 2015; scorching hot. With everything stripped away, the kidnapping plot and mechanism's of secondary characters, Phoebe and Trevillion radiated brightly and emotionally. Their time together, Phoebe's growth from Trevillion's strength and ability to see her as more than her blindness and willingness to let her fall was beautifully romantic. The last 20% or so with what seemed like a lot of forced sex scenes smashed into it and one too many kidnaps had me wishing for the quieter moments of our couple's time spent hidden away.
Overall, there are some truly beautiful moments in this story and if you are a fan of the series you definitely don't want to miss out on this couple's happily ever after. This series and book has a great many fans and there is definitely a reason for it. If looking to escape the regency ballrooms to the 1700s, this would be a great series to pick up.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Lady Phoebe has been steadily going blind for the last couple years and as the sister to a powerful and rich duke, her brother hires a bodyguard to keep her safe. Captain James Trevillion used to ride the streets of St. Giles chasing down gin makers until an accident left him lame in one leg but still highly capable he becomes Phoebe's bodyguard. The aristocrat and the commoner find themselves at crossed swords quite often but as they get to know one another, they find themselves slowly lowering all their defenses.
Sometimes Phoebe wondered what Captain Trevillion would do if she reached up and slapped his face. Or kissed him.
If you have read the previous books in the series (focusing on the lead's romance in this book you would be fine without prior knowledge but there will be secondary characters and side storylines that will pass you by) you would have gotten a little taste of Trevillion and Phoebe's somewhat tense relationship. This story is what many have excitedly anticipated, the progression of all that tension. The interaction between Trevillion and Phoebe was what definitely worked the best for me while the kidnapping plot didn't seem the best put together. It worked to put our couple together but the over and over resurgence of it felt much dragged on.
I'm no longer a fit guard, he thought, I can't keep my objectivity around her anymore. God help me. God help her.
The fear of not being able to see, having her brother stifle her nearly to madness out of love, and exuberance of youth made Phoebe a very likeable and believable character. It was unfortunately, also her youth and sheltered life, at times I felt like the character felt even younger than the age stated and that lost me. There was a lot of "I want, I want" from Phoebe that manifested itself in a very child like manner that wasn't a lot of fun for me to read. On the other hand, the feeling of her desperation to feel alive was so heartbreaking. Trevillion's restraining looks, wanting, and feelings toward Phoebe were what sold me towards his character. Unfortunately, again, what made up a good chunk of his character, stoic and contained, that made him gruff and vulnerable also made him too inscrutable. I couldn't quite feel connected to him as an individual. The first half moved pretty slowly for me, it was when Trevillion kidnaps Phoebe to keep her safe from being kidnapped and they start spending a lot of time alone that I began to really feel this couple.
She was an aristocrat---a world apart from his yeoman upbringing. But here, in this quiet paddock, the only sound the soft thump of the horses' hooves on grass, they were just a man and a woman. That simple.
And that complex.
In this second half and particularly in the 60-80% area, this couple will entrench themselves in your heart. The way Trevillion sees Phoebe, past her blindness, will have your eyes watering and the way the air crackles when they are close together will heat your blood. There is a scene involving stockings that will definitely be a nominee for my best scene of 2015; scorching hot. With everything stripped away, the kidnapping plot and mechanism's of secondary characters, Phoebe and Trevillion radiated brightly and emotionally. Their time together, Phoebe's growth from Trevillion's strength and ability to see her as more than her blindness and willingness to let her fall was beautifully romantic. The last 20% or so with what seemed like a lot of forced sex scenes smashed into it and one too many kidnaps had me wishing for the quieter moments of our couple's time spent hidden away.
Overall, there are some truly beautiful moments in this story and if you are a fan of the series you definitely don't want to miss out on this couple's happily ever after. This series and book has a great many fans and there is definitely a reason for it. If looking to escape the regency ballrooms to the 1700s, this would be a great series to pick up.
February 6, 2017
Another sexy, suspense filled, and romantic read! In this one the heroine is blind, and she falls for her bodyguard; who we have come to know in the past books as Trevillion. He takes things in his own hands when it comes to protecting his charge...and his life and hers will never be the same.
I am still loving this series, and I definitely recommend this one for anyone who is interested in Historical Romances. Elizabeth Hoyt does a brilliant job of creating a steamy and exciting romance!!! This series is a must read!!
I am still loving this series, and I definitely recommend this one for anyone who is interested in Historical Romances. Elizabeth Hoyt does a brilliant job of creating a steamy and exciting romance!!! This series is a must read!!
May 6, 2022
Lady Phoebe Batten wants to enjoy the social life she should merit as the sister of a duke, but her blindness means her brother is incredibly overprotective and won¡¯t allow her to venture from the house without her armed bodyguard.
Captain James Trevellion has seen his career in the dragoons cut short by a leg injury that left him with a permanent limp. There¡¯s nothing wrong with his shooting or riding skills though, making the brooding man well-suited to guard Phoebe. He fills his role seamlessly until Phoebe is targeted by kidnappers.
James risks everything to keep Phoebe safe from low men who hope to force Phoebe into an unwanted marriage and steal her dowry. Sharing tight quarters with James, Phoebe begins to see the gentle, caring man he truly is beneath his rough exterior and view him as far more than just her bodyguard.
I nearly always adore tortured/scarred hero, former soldier stories and add in the fact that this was a bodyguard story, and it was just catnip for me. This story proved to be no exception. James was the sort of strong, silent hero that I can¡¯t seem to resist, and I just adored his protectiveness over Phoebe, especially when it was clear that action went well beyond a job for him. I loved Phoebe¡¯s refusal to be coddled and hemmed in because of her blindness, and her insistence on learning James as a person and making him see the possibility of a future for them together, then insisting on making it happen. My heart. It melts. It was just fantastic. Add in the danger and suspense aspects of someone continually trying to kidnap Phoebe and this was definitely a book I didn¡¯t want to put down. It was great to see James finally get the respect he deserved and the happy ending he didn¡¯t think himself worthy of and I loved the fact that he fully recognized that it was Phoebe who brought that light into his life. These two were a delightful couple and their relationship progression felt natural to me; they were definitely a pair I could root for. I realize I jumped into this series right in the middle, but I¡¯m not sorry for it and I¡¯ll get to the rest of the books eventually, hopefully sooner than later.
Blog link:
Captain James Trevellion has seen his career in the dragoons cut short by a leg injury that left him with a permanent limp. There¡¯s nothing wrong with his shooting or riding skills though, making the brooding man well-suited to guard Phoebe. He fills his role seamlessly until Phoebe is targeted by kidnappers.
James risks everything to keep Phoebe safe from low men who hope to force Phoebe into an unwanted marriage and steal her dowry. Sharing tight quarters with James, Phoebe begins to see the gentle, caring man he truly is beneath his rough exterior and view him as far more than just her bodyguard.
I nearly always adore tortured/scarred hero, former soldier stories and add in the fact that this was a bodyguard story, and it was just catnip for me. This story proved to be no exception. James was the sort of strong, silent hero that I can¡¯t seem to resist, and I just adored his protectiveness over Phoebe, especially when it was clear that action went well beyond a job for him. I loved Phoebe¡¯s refusal to be coddled and hemmed in because of her blindness, and her insistence on learning James as a person and making him see the possibility of a future for them together, then insisting on making it happen. My heart. It melts. It was just fantastic. Add in the danger and suspense aspects of someone continually trying to kidnap Phoebe and this was definitely a book I didn¡¯t want to put down. It was great to see James finally get the respect he deserved and the happy ending he didn¡¯t think himself worthy of and I loved the fact that he fully recognized that it was Phoebe who brought that light into his life. These two were a delightful couple and their relationship progression felt natural to me; they were definitely a pair I could root for. I realize I jumped into this series right in the middle, but I¡¯m not sorry for it and I¡¯ll get to the rest of the books eventually, hopefully sooner than later.
Blog link:
March 1, 2022
AMAZING
Another gorgeous, steamy, suspenseful, moving and perfect Maiden Lane novel. Older, brooding and tender bodyguard Hero James Trevellion is absolutely swoonworthy paired with young and beautiful Lady Phoebe, blind, spirited, independent sunsine heroine who captures his heart. A sweet and authentic story. Adventurous and moving, this is one of those can't stop reading, exciting, heartachingly lovely, sexy-as-hell memorable books that will go right on the keeper shelves.
Maiden Lane is my favourite historical romance series of all-time. Just...everything?
Another gorgeous, steamy, suspenseful, moving and perfect Maiden Lane novel. Older, brooding and tender bodyguard Hero James Trevellion is absolutely swoonworthy paired with young and beautiful Lady Phoebe, blind, spirited, independent sunsine heroine who captures his heart. A sweet and authentic story. Adventurous and moving, this is one of those can't stop reading, exciting, heartachingly lovely, sexy-as-hell memorable books that will go right on the keeper shelves.
Maiden Lane is my favourite historical romance series of all-time. Just...everything?
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