This was a pretty intense ending to a very beloved series. I came into the Maiden Lane books during the "Georgian Batman" segment and had been wondering to what conclusion it would build. This book was a lot, and that's not a bad thing. Still, it does deal with CSA and i wish there were a way to warn for that, as that kind of trauma is not necessarily what one expects in a romance. At the same time, the narrative doesn't shy away from the fact that CSA has a lasting lifelong impact on its victims. I felt that Raph maybe needed more healing? But as a finale, this worked.

Elizabeth Hoyt knocks it out of the park again with Duke of Desire. Iris and Raphael are both great characters and I was quickly rooting for them to get a Happily Ever After

Hoyt is great at descriptions, and there's plenty of steam for readers looking for that. But this one was not one of my favorites of hers. Rather too dark, and the heroine was not super likeable.

*I received a review copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*

Sometimes the longer a series go the less I like the books, and this was the case for this one. Although there were some really good things about the story, there were some things I didn't like. This one was hard for me, and maybe it was because the story itself started so strangely. Overall, it was an OK addition to the series, but not my favorite.

So Long Maiden Lane. Hoyt wrapped up her fabulous series with a new character that was wrapped tight in the history of the series. As always Hoyt is a great storyteller and I will miss this series.

There's something holding me back from giving it the full five stars and I'm not sure what it is (I'll let it percolate a bit). The timeline feels too compressed, in my opinion, to really allow the romance to develop. Also, I think Raphael's original plan - infiltrate the evil cult - was pretty half-baked (because you sort of have to participate in something icky then?) and lucky for him Iris showed up. Iris surprised me as a heroine. She may not fight with swords like Alf but she stands her ground and picks apart Raphael's mental blocks until he is able to function as a human again. (Speaking of Alf, boooo, no Alf. Kyle shows up, but not Alf. Humph)

But this book gets dark, really dark. Hoyt had been dancing around depicting what the Lords of Chaos get up to for a few books now, but she really goes for it in Duke of Desire. Raphael has PTSD and I think Hoyt really gave a true depiction of what it was like to suffer from psychological trauma at a time when those issues weren't recognized. TW for descriptions of child abuse and rape.

However, 1,000,000 negative points to the cover designer. Got a scarred hero? Sure, put an unscarred dude on the cover. *eyeroll* At least put half his face in shadow or something (also, I feel like the cover model for Duke of Pleasure looks far more like Raphael than this guy).

Once again Hoyt writes a desirable historical romance. The characters are engaging and mysterious.

Duke of Desire is part of the Maiden Lane series by Elizabeth Hoyt. I have read some of the books in this series, but not all of them. I think newcomers to the series will be able to fully enjoy the read, while those that have been following the series might have a better understanding of the underlying plot that brings out characters together.

Refined, kind, and intelligent, Lady Iris Jordan finds herself the unlikely target of a diabolical kidnapping. Her captors are the notoriously evil Lords of Chaos. When one of the masked-and nude!-Lords spirits her away to his carriage, she shoots him only to find she may have been a trifle hasty. Cynical, scarred, and brooding, Raphael de Chartres, the Duke of Dyemore, has made it his personal mission to infiltrate the Lords of Chaos and destroy them. Rescuing Lady Jordan was never in his plans. But now with the Lords out to kill them both, he has but one choice: marry the lady in order to keep her safe. Much to Raphael's irritation, Iris insists on being the sort of duchess who involves herself in his life-and bed. Soon he's drawn both to her quick wit and her fiery passion. But when Iris discovers that Raphael's past may be even more dangerous than the present, she falters. Is their love strong enough to withstand not only the Lords of Chaos but also Raphael's own demons?

Duke of Desire is a historical novel with great characters. I loved Iris's spirit and loving nature. While she stands up for herself despite her fears, she is also sacrificing and loving. Raphael is a wounded man, scarred inside and out. He is protective of those in his protection, and those weaker than himself. I found the tangled history and danger of Raph and the Lords of Chaos make his character so much more compelling than he would have been if just a powerful man trying to fix things. The combination of Iris and Raph was delightful, and I really enjoyed their give and take, and the development of their relationship. I think the hidden evil was well done, and while I had my suspicions as to who was behind it all, the reveal was worth the ride. I do think that on occasion the overall danger and that part of the plot verged on melodramatic or Gothic, I think that could also be the catalyst that was needed to get Raph to admit he might need help, and love. This was a great ride, and Iris's spunk made me smile many times.

Duke of Desire is a story of love and redemption. I liked the characters and their story. I think the danger aspect of the plot might seem a little overdone for some readers, but it was quite the ride.

Such a good ending to the Lord's of Chaos. My heart went out to the characters.

Two headstrong people find themselves hunted by a murderous cult and caught in a marriage of convenience - can they learn to trust and even love one another? Elizabeth Hoyt proves herself a master romance novelist in this climax to the Lords of Chaos plotline, creating two strong characters who must come together to overcome their pasts and find true love and happiness. Suspenseful and steamy!

Lately I love reading more historical romance and this one was another win for me!I haven't read anything from this author and this series but I didn't have problem with this one!I like the story-line and everything about it but I had problem with the main heroine. I really enjoyed Raphael through this whole book,but not Iris. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the rushed marriage either. But I cooperate with it and enjoyed the story.

Well, not only is today my birthday but it is also a great day because I’m reviewing Duke of Desire by Elizabeth Hoyt. She’s one of my favorite writers so I am super excited to be participating in this blog tour.

Lady Iris Jordan has been kidnapped and is about to be raped and then murdered. Then, one of the Lords of Chaos steps in and claims her. Unfortunately this doesn’t make Iris feel any safer. When she finds a gun in the carriage she has been forced into, she shoots her captor. Unfortunately, she quickly learns that her captor is also trying to save her. Raphael de Chartres, the Duke of Dyemore, has absconded with Iris to get her to safety. Unfortunately, he is now the person in peril after being shot. Before he succumbs to the pain, he marries Iris.

Iris is shocked by how quickly her life has gone off the rails. After being kidnapped four days ago, she now finds herself newly married to a man she does not know anything about. Iris had always hoped to remarry but she wanted to remarry for affection and perhaps, the possibility of children. She had no desire to marry for safety from the Lords of Chaos. Unfortunately, that is now her situation and she is going to make the best of it. As she nurses Raphael back to health, Iris gains respect and admiration for her new husband. Perhaps their union can be the type of marriage she has always dreamed of?

If you have been following Elizabeth Hoyt’s Maiden Lane series, you’ll be sad to discover that Duke of Desire is the final book in the series. It is the culmination of the Lords of Chaos storyline that has plagued several characters in previous books. The Lords of Chaos are awful and in this book, you get to see just how awful they have been from the very beginning. Their debauchery knows no bounds. It is worth mentioning that Raphael has been sexually abused. It may seem obvious, but if this is a trigger for anyone, it is worth knowing.

Raphael has had a rather awful life. He carries the weight of his father’s evilness and Raphael will do everything he can to end the Lords of Chaos, even if it means that it ends his own life. Iris is the small corner of happiness and light in his life. He will protect her with everything in his being. It is obvious that he fell for her very hard from the moment he saw her (before the meeting with the Lords of Chaos).

Iris does not long for a grandiose life. She wants a companion to love, a dog to sit with her while she reads, and a child. She is sure she can have that with Raphael if only the stubborn man would realize that he doesn’t have to sacrifice their future because of his father’s past deeds. There is a lot of sadness in this book and a lot of darkness given the group Raphael is fighting. But there is also hope and love in a way only Elizabeth Hoyt can do.

Duke of Desire is a darkly romantic historical romance. I always hesitate to recommend books that need to be read in series order but I think in this case, it is important to have the full back story on the Lords of Chaos and just why Raphael and Iris are fighting so hard to rid them from the world. It sounds dramatic but this is a truly evil group of men.

Duke of Desire flew by way too fast as I read it. I was deeply absorbed in Raphael and Iris’s journey from strangers to lovers. Elizabeth Hoyt is wildly successful yet again in making this marriage of convenience a full blown passionate love affair of the heart.

Duke of Desire is available now. Don’t miss out!

This is the last book in the Maiden Lane Series and I must say I found it more dark and disturbing than any of the others and I’ve read them all. Perhaps it is time to put this series to bed, especially if more disturbing books are to come. This was my least favorite of any in the series. I am dancing around spoilers, but there is child abuse and much violence. Proceed as you wish

In infiltrating the Lord’s of Chaos ritual meeting, the Duke of Dyemore, Raphael de Chartes, must quickly decide whether to blow his cover by rescuing the kidnapped victim of the debauched revelry, Lady Iris Jordan. It is an easy choice as one former dance with Iris has captured Raphael’s attention. To keep her safe Raphael must also offer her protection by marriage.

As danger lurks all around them the real threat is Raphael’s past abuse and his rightfully guarded heart and mind. Iris wants a real marriage with this dark man but is she capable of breaking through his defences and desire for revenge?

This was Hoyt’s darkest read yet with such a depraved group of villains. I rated it not so much on the romance but how well written it was and how the author kept the realism to what a life would look like for this couple because of the abuse in Raphael’ s past. She really wrote the conflicting feelings of turmoil Raphael faced well.

While Iris’ background was not as flushed out, I found that Raphael’s trust in her spoke volumes about her character. Knowing such evil, Raphael knew a good-natured and loving person when he came across them. Iris was the defender and fighter Raphael desperately needed in his life.

I do hope there is a new storyline in the upcoming books as this was a hard subject to read about.

I have been a huge fan of Elizabeth Hoyt's Maiden Lane series since the very beginning. Each book is adventurous and Duke of Desire is a perfect example of this! I couldn't put the book down! I'm really looking forward to what she comes up with next!

Duke of Desire rivaled my favorite in the Maiden Lane series, Wicked Intentions (Book 1). Reading 'Desire' was bittersweet as it is the final full length Maiden Lane book. This is one of my absolute favorite historical romance series. Without fail I get completely lost to Hoyt's storytelling. 'Desire' and a few of the last books in the series added a darker and even more dangerous element, The Lords of Chaos. I loved this new element to the series. It added another level of mystery and intrigue to the series that kept you engrossed page after page. The Duke of Dyemore, Raphael de Chartres, is probably one of my favorite Heroes. A love a character that is consistent throughout a story but who also grows. And with the help of Lady Iris Jordan, that is exactly what Raphael does. He's dark and dangerous, he's brooding, he's seen hell and seeks retribution. Iris is wonderfully complimentary to his darkness. Smart, beautiful and compassionate, she makes a bad situation turn around, embracing it and growing herself, to save not only herself but the soul of the man she falls for in Raphael. I'm sad this series will be ending but I hope that many more reader's discovery and fall in love with it the way that I have. If you have never read historical romance before, this would be a fantastic place to begin.

<i>I received an e-ARC copy of Duke of Desire from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. </i>

The twelfth and final installment in the Maiden Lane series brings us to a resurgence of the Lords of Chaos. Previously thought snuffed out in the last book, a new Dionysius has emerged. The Duke of Dyemore joins the Lords of Chaos to bring them down and ends up rescuing Lady Iris Jordan. Raphael has had a traumatic past that's tied in with the Lords of Chaos. His only goal is to bring them down but to protect Iris they marry but falling in love is not a part of Raphael’s plan.

This story wasn't exactly what I was expecting. While I loved the mystery about the Lords of Chaos...I wanted a tad bit more romance between Raphael and Iris. I felt like it was a bit hard to connect with them at times especially Iris. With the focus so heavily on Raphael's past I don’t think that she got a fully rounded out story. We know she didn't have a loving marriage and she cares for Raphael, but I didn't feel why she cared for him so soon. I wanted more about her dead husband and on the battlefield. I wanted more depth to Iris, because it’s there. I just didn’t get it.

With that said, this story is still a solid read that will capture your attention. The action, the suspense, the devastation that we face with this hero, the whole book is a rush. I read it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down.

It is nice that you actually wouldn't need to read any other books in the series, maybe just the previous one as you get an introduction to the Lords of Chaos because it’s pretty stand alone. I was a tad disappointed that we didn't get any previous characters to check up on except for the Duke of Kyle makes an appearance.
So overall it was a great book to read, if it needed a touch more romance.

Found these characters more unique and interesting than others from this author. Plot not too predictable and action was well-paced. Definitely held my interest, I'd read another in this series.

Anyone who doesn’t know, I love the maiden lane series! It’s such a beautifully written series with characters that aren’t only nobility but from various classes and who have different childhood experiences. Anyways it has great stories so if you haven’t you should go read it! READ THEM ALL!!!

Lady Iris Jordan returning from the wedding of her friend, the Duke of Kyle finds herself abducted and taken by the Lords of Chaos members.

Raphael de Chartres, the Duke of Dyemore has returned to England to once and all destroy the lords of Chaos but ofcourse none of them trust him yet which is why despite his very strong feelings of not caring about anything he finds himself rescuing Iris.

Iris and Raphael had met previously when they danced at a previous ball, Raphael of course is quite taken with her. Marrying Iris isn’t something that Raphael had planned to do but it’s the only way to protect her and so he does even though he’s the one who ends up in danger :P  I really liked them together even though I wanted to shake Raphael for some of his gloom and doom thoughts but because of the childhood he had (which was heartbreaking) it’s understandable why his sole focus was destroying everything related to Lord of Chaos. The romance between was done well, Iris is just very soft, caring and lovely and Raphael is the opposite or so he pretends. They go from being virtual strangers to being married while they are attracted to each other, it’s an attraction that Raphael doesn’t want or need which led to angst.

I really liked Iris, having known her from the last book so I was pretty excited for this one and Raphael while having a very martyr like behaviour was also great.

This book is quite a bit darker than the rest of the Maiden Lane books, it does have humours bit but because of Raphael’s childhood, the deprive behaviour of the Lords of Chaos in the past and present made it a darker read. This doesn’t mean that this was bad, I really like reading suspense/mysteries actually so it was interesting to see how it would end and who was the leader of the Lords of Chaos after Raphael’s father had died. We finally get the ending for Lords of Chaos and a happy ending for Iris and Raphael who really deserved it after everything he went through as a boy. I’m interested to see what Elizabeth Hoyt will be writing next!

Overall it was a great addition to the series, the romance and ending of the Lord of the Chaos was highly satisfying!