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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
Phoebe and Trevillion? I do believe that this is one of the better pairings in the Maiden Lane series. It's certainly one that I have been waiting for, mostly because I really liked Phoebe as a character.
Captain Trevillion is your typical brooding, (previously) wounded hero, who feels that he has to protect the lady in his life, who happens to be Phoebe. Phoebe is a very loving character, which is at odds with her circumstances. She is blind, so her life outside of her home has been severely curtailed. She despairs of ever finding romance before Trevillion comes along. Her character was unique because of her kindness, astuteness, and the way she carried herself, despite her limitations. Otherwise, the romance between her and Trevillion was rather predictable, complete with kidnappers who were out to steal Phoebe for her money.
In short, the story was rather heartwarming, but very fluffy. A good, simple read after a hard long day at work.
Captain Trevillion is your typical brooding, (previously) wounded hero, who feels that he has to protect the lady in his life, who happens to be Phoebe. Phoebe is a very loving character, which is at odds with her circumstances. She is blind, so her life outside of her home has been severely curtailed. She despairs of ever finding romance before Trevillion comes along. Her character was unique because of her kindness, astuteness, and the way she carried herself, despite her limitations. Otherwise, the romance between her and Trevillion was rather predictable, complete with kidnappers who were out to steal Phoebe for her money.
In short, the story was rather heartwarming, but very fluffy. A good, simple read after a hard long day at work.
my first 4.5 ⭐ historical romance read! (aside from jane austen & other classics)
this story of an injured ex-captain guarding a high-born blind lady delivers peak angst
the later half/third of the book is pwp but the first half is chef's kiss
this story of an injured ex-captain guarding a high-born blind lady delivers peak angst
the later half/third of the book is pwp but the first half is chef's kiss
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I throughly enjoyed this book, mostly because of the heroine. She was interesting and strong. It was a treat to watch her fight for the right not to be hindered by her blindness and it was SO satisfying when she finally won. I liked and was interested in the hero because of his appearance in other books, but I found him to be a run of the mill romantic hero. Nothing about him really stood out.
2024 Edit: After reading this a second time, I find myself having to update this review. The first time I read it, I was so enthralled with Phoebe’s strength and determination that I almost completely ignored James and judged his character too harshly. He is the only character that doesn’t condescend to her, is fiercely loyal and finds ways to protect her without limiting her. It’s clear from the beginning that he cares very deeply for her, but struggles with feelings of inadequacy due to his age and the differences in their stations. He had subtle strength of his own though and I completely overlooked him during my first read through.
2024 Edit: After reading this a second time, I find myself having to update this review. The first time I read it, I was so enthralled with Phoebe’s strength and determination that I almost completely ignored James and judged his character too harshly. He is the only character that doesn’t condescend to her, is fiercely loyal and finds ways to protect her without limiting her. It’s clear from the beginning that he cares very deeply for her, but struggles with feelings of inadequacy due to his age and the differences in their stations. He had subtle strength of his own though and I completely overlooked him during my first read through.
I liked this, so it’s more a 3.5; despite all the kidnappings, it was pretty gentle for a Maiden Lane book. I am realizing however that I really wished I had not read Duke of Sin (#10) out of sequence because Hoyt’s setup of Valentine from the jump (at the very end of Duke of Midnight) and throughout the subsequent two books is so well-executed.
This was too much angst, even for me, and that's because it wasn't just romantic/emotional angst, but truly dark and heartbreaking situations that weren't given enough attention and justice. I did like James and Phoebe, but a lot of other situations were really difficult to read about. I was pretty much ready to cry for the whole book. I did like the atmosphere/setting, and James's family though.
The preview of Eve and Asa has me excited though, because their set up sounds so fun with her having to reign in his expenses at Harte's Folly and him sort of being in charge alone this whole time and not wanting to be financially managed, much needed after this book, I think.
The preview of Eve and Asa has me excited though, because their set up sounds so fun with her having to reign in his expenses at Harte's Folly and him sort of being in charge alone this whole time and not wanting to be financially managed, much needed after this book, I think.
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Dearest Rogue
4.5 Stars
Following a serious leg injury that brought his career as a Dragoon captain to an end, James Trevillion is charged with guarding the pretty, vivacious and very blind Lady Phoebe Batten. At first the position holds no challenge for the proud and distinguished former soldier, but things change when Lady Phoebe is targeted by kidnappers. In order to protect her from the nefarious plans of a ruthless villain, James spirits Phoebe away and soon the only threat is the one to both of their hearts.
Phoebe and Trevillion’s romance has been brewing for the last few books and it more than lives up to expectations. Their banter is witty and entertaining, and their chemistry is off the charts.
Phoebe struggles against the bars of the gilded cage in which her overprotective brother has placed her, and takes the majority of her anger and frustration out on Trevllion’s broad shoulders. Although this has the potential for presenting her as spoiled and selfish, Hoyt manages to avoid this pitfall as Phoebe is a charming and lovely person.
Trevillion has his own crosses to bear. He struggleswith his ever increasing attraction to Phoebe and the feelings of inadequacy caused both by his social class and the injury that almost cost him his life. Nevertheless, he faces these challenges head on and is more than man enough for Phoebe.
The kidnapping plot and revelation of the culprit is secondary to the romance. Nevertheless, there are some tense and exciting moments that add another layer of enjoyment to the story.
All in all, an excellent addition to the Maiden Lane series and I look forward to the next installment.
4.5 Stars
Following a serious leg injury that brought his career as a Dragoon captain to an end, James Trevillion is charged with guarding the pretty, vivacious and very blind Lady Phoebe Batten. At first the position holds no challenge for the proud and distinguished former soldier, but things change when Lady Phoebe is targeted by kidnappers. In order to protect her from the nefarious plans of a ruthless villain, James spirits Phoebe away and soon the only threat is the one to both of their hearts.
Phoebe and Trevillion’s romance has been brewing for the last few books and it more than lives up to expectations. Their banter is witty and entertaining, and their chemistry is off the charts.
Phoebe struggles against the bars of the gilded cage in which her overprotective brother has placed her, and takes the majority of her anger and frustration out on Trevllion’s broad shoulders. Although this has the potential for presenting her as spoiled and selfish, Hoyt manages to avoid this pitfall as Phoebe is a charming and lovely person.
Trevillion has his own crosses to bear. He struggleswith his ever increasing attraction to Phoebe and the feelings of inadequacy caused both by his social class and the injury that almost cost him his life. Nevertheless, he faces these challenges head on and is more than man enough for Phoebe.
The kidnapping plot and revelation of the culprit is secondary to the romance. Nevertheless, there are some tense and exciting moments that add another layer of enjoyment to the story.
All in all, an excellent addition to the Maiden Lane series and I look forward to the next installment.
Lady Phoebe has been slowly going blind for her entire life and when the light finally fades for her - there is only one man to protect her. Captain James Trevillion will keep Phoebe safe - hopefully, he can also keep his heart that way.
This was an Oprah Winfrey giveaway of tropes - and that is entirely a compliment. Want some grumpy and sunshine? Want some bodyguard? Want some pining and brooding hero? Want an absolute angel of a heroine? Literally all of that and more!
Trevillion is a fabulous brooding hero with some legit pining from page one. But he also is the only one who listens to Pheobe and doesn't decide things for her. Pheobe's discussion about and relationship with her blindness is an amazing storyline alone. I legitimately loved so much of this and was super happy to jump back in to Hoyt's fabulous Maiden Lane series.
This was an Oprah Winfrey giveaway of tropes - and that is entirely a compliment. Want some grumpy and sunshine? Want some bodyguard? Want some pining and brooding hero? Want an absolute angel of a heroine? Literally all of that and more!
Trevillion is a fabulous brooding hero with some legit pining from page one. But he also is the only one who listens to Pheobe and doesn't decide things for her. Pheobe's discussion about and relationship with her blindness is an amazing storyline alone. I legitimately loved so much of this and was super happy to jump back in to Hoyt's fabulous Maiden Lane series.