Audiobook Review
By: Elizabeth Hoyt
Narrated by: Ashford MacNab
Published by: Hachette Audio 06/2012
Hot
11hrs 1 min
Sample
A MASKED MAN . . .
Winter Makepeace lives a double life. By day he's the stoic headmaster of a home for foundling children. But the night brings out a darker side of Winter. As the moon rises, so does the Ghost of St. Giles - protector, judge, fugitive. When the Ghost, beaten and wounded, is rescued by a beautiful aristocrat, Winter has no idea that his two worlds are about to collide.
A DANGEROUS WOMAN . . .
Lady Isabel Beckinhall enjoys nothing more than a challenge. Yet when she's asked to tutor the Home's dour manager in the ways of society - flirtation, double-entendres, and scandalous liaisons - Isabel can't help wondering why his eyes seem so familiar - and his lips so tempting.
A PASSION NEITHER COULD DENY
During the day Isabel and Winter engage in a battle of wills. At night their passions are revealed . . . But when little girls start disappearing from St. Giles, Winter must avenge them. For that he might have to sacrifice everything-the Home, Isabel . . . and his life.
My Thoughts
In Scandalous Desires Elizabeth Hoyt brought us an exceptional male character. I couldn’t help but to fall in love with the sexy and dangerous pirate, Mickey O'Connor.
Now in this latest and 4th entry to the series, her talent in creating believable and real male leads is once again proven with the magnificent portrayal of Winter Makepeace.
Winter has been around since the first book in the series, and the mystery that has surrounded him since, has been quite a ride and it had me highly anticipating this novel.
I will assume that you have read or listen to the previous installments, one of the great aspects of these novels is the way Ms. Hoyt managed to create an aura of mystery, and I would not want to spoil it for you.
When Lady Isabel rescues the wounded Ghost of St. Giles, she brings him to her home, and while all during that night she attends to his wounds, but she never finds out his true identity. The morning after the rescue the ghost has disappeared, leaving her in the dark about who is behind the mask of the Ghost.
Winter has been around since the first book in the series, and the mystery that has surrounded him since, has been quite a ride and it had me highly anticipating this novel.
I will assume that you have read or listen to the previous installments, one of the great aspects of these novels is the way Ms. Hoyt managed to create an aura of mystery, and I would not want to spoil it for you.
When Lady Isabel rescues the wounded Ghost of St. Giles, she brings him to her home, and while all during that night she attends to his wounds, but she never finds out his true identity. The morning after the rescue the ghost has disappeared, leaving her in the dark about who is behind the mask of the Ghost.
Winter has lived a dual life for quite a while, during the day he’s the responsible and caring manager of the Orphanage that has been at the center of the story throughout the novels, but by night he’s the dangerous and mysterious Ghost of St. Giles, he’s feared by many, and consider a legend.
With the orphanage's need of the patronage of well to do Ladies, Winter realizes he needs to refine his manners and learn how to act like a proper gentleman, and who’s better suited for the task than Lady Isabel, with whom he has been intrigued for quite some time.
This provides the setting for another perfectly timed and well developed romance. The experience of Lady Isabel and the inexperience of Winter Makepeace supply the novel with an exquisite sensuality and enough sexual tension to keep you listening. Their first intimate encounter is explosive, sexy and scorching hot. They both have a strong personality, their battle of wills is entertaining, yet, they complement each other beautifully, as they both have a completely different interior than the one they present to everyone else.
I also enjoyed Lady Isabel’s character, she is an excellent protagonist; her soft inner self is quite a contrast to the strong - self assured woman we have come to know, this aspect yields a relatable and very likable heroine.
Now, little girls have been disappearing from St. Giles, and it would be the job of Winter Makepeace’s alter ego (now a fugitive) to solved the mystery and find the perpetrator(s).
This novel has all the elements that make a great romantic listen; passion, mystery, smart dialogue, sexual tension and a bit of humor. It will keep you glued to the Ipod from beginning to end.
With the orphanage's need of the patronage of well to do Ladies, Winter realizes he needs to refine his manners and learn how to act like a proper gentleman, and who’s better suited for the task than Lady Isabel, with whom he has been intrigued for quite some time.
This provides the setting for another perfectly timed and well developed romance. The experience of Lady Isabel and the inexperience of Winter Makepeace supply the novel with an exquisite sensuality and enough sexual tension to keep you listening. Their first intimate encounter is explosive, sexy and scorching hot. They both have a strong personality, their battle of wills is entertaining, yet, they complement each other beautifully, as they both have a completely different interior than the one they present to everyone else.
I also enjoyed Lady Isabel’s character, she is an excellent protagonist; her soft inner self is quite a contrast to the strong - self assured woman we have come to know, this aspect yields a relatable and very likable heroine.
Now, little girls have been disappearing from St. Giles, and it would be the job of Winter Makepeace’s alter ego (now a fugitive) to solved the mystery and find the perpetrator(s).
This novel has all the elements that make a great romantic listen; passion, mystery, smart dialogue, sexual tension and a bit of humor. It will keep you glued to the Ipod from beginning to end.
If you are a fan of this series you can not miss this installment but if you haven't had the pleasure to indulge in this fabulous series, do yourself a favor and pick up today the first novel, Wicked Intentions, I highly recommend it in both formats, print and audio; you won’t be disappointed.
Great reviews of the printed book from peeps I follow:
The Author
Elizabeth Hoyt
Narration
With a soft - unassuming voice and a clear British accent, Ashford MacNab nicely bring these novels to life. Her pace is excellent, and she accurately brings these character's personalities forward. Her narration connects you to the story, and in my case I never felt distracted.I imagine Winter’s portrayal presented a bid of challenge; he’s a man of few words, these is where I can see some listeners having a little problem; In my case, I didn't have any, I always felt his emotions.
She is perfect with the interpretation of Lady Isabel, her tone and approach to her character are excellent; I felt completely connected.
As usual, she nicely transports you to the times, and lets you experienced St. Giles on your own. The setting, ambiance, sensuality and and all around feeling of the novel are skillfully transmitted to the listener. Her numerous voices and manner of portrayal for each character were distinctive enough, and they never presented a distraction.
All in all, this was a very good performance.
Voices behind the books
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Great review. I've heard good things about this series. I really have to get to it.
ReplyDeletethanks for linking UTC.
~angela @UTC.
Thanks you! :) I hope you give this series a shot, it's an excellent Historical Romance series, and the bit of mystery gives it a nice twist.
DeleteLots of people like this author...*thinks* I do believe I will have to check this out the next time I'm in a historical romance mood. :)
ReplyDeleteI know you aren't much into Historical Romance series, but this is a good one, worth giving a chance.
Delete