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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
Maximus is such an ass and yet I love him. Artemis is such a queen and deserves better but ig he’ll do
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Batman falls for the Goddess of Nature
This book was amazing in so many ways! The chemistry between Maximus and Artemis was irresistible, both to them and to the reader. Their on-page intimacy was scorching hot, raw and earthy and emotionally resonant. I love to see a controlled, buttoned-up hero going completely insane over a woman.
This book was amazing in so many ways! The chemistry between Maximus and Artemis was irresistible, both to them and to the reader. Their on-page intimacy was scorching hot, raw and earthy and emotionally resonant. I love to see a controlled, buttoned-up hero going completely insane over a woman.
What is a dish of tea? I know a Google search would clear this right up, but every time I read this phrase I’m left wondering. Anyway, Artemis and the Duke of Wakefield are darling and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
4.5/5 stars!
Never in my life would I think I would read an historical romance that was loosely based on Batman but here we are. I read Notorious Pleasures two years ago which is the second book in the series and thoroughly enjoyed it. I said to myself at some point I really need to read the other books in the Maiden Lane series and this book peaked my interest the most.
Maximus was clearly meant to be Bruce Wayne. A duke during the day and the Ghost of St. Giles (Batman) at night. And his ‘butler’ Craven (Alfred Pennyworth) and his own personal bat cave in St. Giles. Maximus wants to avenge his parent’s death who were killed coming out of the theatre by a highwayman who took his mother’s emerald necklace (Pearl necklace). So Maximus is the last Ghost of St. Giles running around in a harlequin suit saving damsels and keeping St.Giles safe. Sounds familiar? It just so happens one night Artemis and her cousin Penelope are being robbed where he saves the day. It also happens that he is courting Penelope but Artemis knows his secret and uses it as blackmail to save her brother from prison.
Throughout the book Artemis and Maximus have a very intense passion. Forbidden also as he is courting her cousin and he is a duke and Artemis is her cousins companion. I did find it slightly confusing how her grandfather was a duke as to why she isn’t held in the same regard as Penelope. I understand her parents were also forbidden but decided to be with each other anyway so therefore stripping Artemis of a title. So there’s also that forbidden element to class as well. And she’s also blackmailing him so there’s a bit of enemies to lovers at the start.
I really loved Artemis and Maximus’s chemistry. They had really strong sexual chemistry and also they got on well. My favourite part of the book was the moment Maximus caught Artemis dipping in the pound and they both went into the folly in the garden with his dog Percy. It was the first moment I think they both realised how much chemistry they had and knew they were both in a bit of trouble. But I did have some little gripes throughout the book.
Sometimes Maximus comes off a bit selfish. (Sorry minor spoilers) Artemis and himself sleep together quite early on which I normally don’t like. But I have to admit it wasn’t constantly the whole way through like with Notorious Pleasures the moments were in the spare of a moment and were extremely hot. But it’s one thing that bothers me is that he isn’t worried about ruining her. She may be a ladies companion but she’s still of some gentle birth. I found at times he did lack some respect and felt he was thinking with his dick a bit. I’m glad Craven chewed him out for doing this.
He was quite happily willing to go on with having Artemis as a mistress and marrying her awful cousin still. I don’t like how he kept saying how her family history has madness and that’s another reason why he doesn’t want to be with her. Constantly calling her twin brother mad and chaining him up. I do think the author did this on purpose so Maximus would show some growth. And he does thankfully! I think he’s meant to be a bit arrogant and selfish at the beginning and then he realises he can’t live without her and he’s really just been in love with Artemis the whole time. Their pet names were also a bit cringe like my ‘mate’ and oh ‘my Diana’. And the use of the word cunny…please just say vagina we are all adults here.
I did really enjoy this book and I absolutely loved Phoebe his and Hero’s sister. I can’t wait for her book! I love her friendship with Artemis. I also liked the Batman element to the story albeit a bit out there. The story with him tracking down the necklaces pieces and his parents killer. The ending was super dramatic as well which I love definitely gave me Lisa Kleypas vibes where she always has something crazy happen near the end. I definitely want to read on the next book is Apollo and I think it’s meant to be like The Phantom of the Opera!
Never in my life would I think I would read an historical romance that was loosely based on Batman but here we are. I read Notorious Pleasures two years ago which is the second book in the series and thoroughly enjoyed it. I said to myself at some point I really need to read the other books in the Maiden Lane series and this book peaked my interest the most.
Maximus was clearly meant to be Bruce Wayne. A duke during the day and the Ghost of St. Giles (Batman) at night. And his ‘butler’ Craven (Alfred Pennyworth) and his own personal bat cave in St. Giles. Maximus wants to avenge his parent’s death who were killed coming out of the theatre by a highwayman who took his mother’s emerald necklace (Pearl necklace). So Maximus is the last Ghost of St. Giles running around in a harlequin suit saving damsels and keeping St.Giles safe. Sounds familiar? It just so happens one night Artemis and her cousin Penelope are being robbed where he saves the day. It also happens that he is courting Penelope but Artemis knows his secret and uses it as blackmail to save her brother from prison.
Throughout the book Artemis and Maximus have a very intense passion. Forbidden also as he is courting her cousin and he is a duke and Artemis is her cousins companion. I did find it slightly confusing how her grandfather was a duke as to why she isn’t held in the same regard as Penelope. I understand her parents were also forbidden but decided to be with each other anyway so therefore stripping Artemis of a title. So there’s also that forbidden element to class as well. And she’s also blackmailing him so there’s a bit of enemies to lovers at the start.
I really loved Artemis and Maximus’s chemistry. They had really strong sexual chemistry and also they got on well. My favourite part of the book was the moment Maximus caught Artemis dipping in the pound and they both went into the folly in the garden with his dog Percy. It was the first moment I think they both realised how much chemistry they had and knew they were both in a bit of trouble. But I did have some little gripes throughout the book.
Sometimes Maximus comes off a bit selfish. (Sorry minor spoilers) Artemis and himself sleep together quite early on which I normally don’t like. But I have to admit it wasn’t constantly the whole way through like with Notorious Pleasures the moments were in the spare of a moment and were extremely hot. But it’s one thing that bothers me is that he isn’t worried about ruining her. She may be a ladies companion but she’s still of some gentle birth. I found at times he did lack some respect and felt he was thinking with his dick a bit. I’m glad Craven chewed him out for doing this.
He was quite happily willing to go on with having Artemis as a mistress and marrying her awful cousin still. I don’t like how he kept saying how her family history has madness and that’s another reason why he doesn’t want to be with her. Constantly calling her twin brother mad and chaining him up. I do think the author did this on purpose so Maximus would show some growth. And he does thankfully! I think he’s meant to be a bit arrogant and selfish at the beginning and then he realises he can’t live without her and he’s really just been in love with Artemis the whole time. Their pet names were also a bit cringe like my ‘mate’ and oh ‘my Diana’. And the use of the word cunny…please just say vagina we are all adults here.
I did really enjoy this book and I absolutely loved Phoebe his and Hero’s sister. I can’t wait for her book! I love her friendship with Artemis. I also liked the Batman element to the story albeit a bit out there. The story with him tracking down the necklaces pieces and his parents killer. The ending was super dramatic as well which I love definitely gave me Lisa Kleypas vibes where she always has something crazy happen near the end. I definitely want to read on the next book is Apollo and I think it’s meant to be like The Phantom of the Opera!
dark
funny
fast-paced
"Reality was a screeching harridan who never could be made happy.." What more drama is needed?
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Artemis and Maximus. Well-paced and good tension/conflict surrounding competing desires, the mystery of the Ghost of St. Giles, and halfhearted blackmail to save Apollo. Memorable aspects include the mystery of Maximus’ parents murder, silly:pitiable cousin Penelope, and more dogs.