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Thief of Shadows

Book 4 in the series:Maiden Lane

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In "Thief of Shadows" by Elizabeth Hoyt, the story revolves around Winter Makepeace, the staid manager of an orphanage by day and the mysterious Ghost of St. Giles by night. Lady Isabel Beckinhall, a widow and patroness of The Home for Unfortunate Infants and Foundling Children, finds herself drawn to Winter despite his austere demeanor. As their relationship evolves, secrets are revealed, passions ignite, and they navigate the complexities of their individual pasts. The book is praised for its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and the unique dynamic between the protagonists.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Winter being a complex, caring hero and Isabel a strong, witty heroine who subverts traditional roles.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is rich and engaging, effectively balancing descriptive passages with humor and sexual tension.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around the dual life of the hero as an orphanage manager by day and a vigilante by night, intertwining his quest for justice with a romantic relationship.

Setting:

The setting vividly depicts the contrasts of Georgian London, enriching the story with historical authenticity.

Pacing:

The pacing is dynamic, effectively balancing romantic tension with action-packed moments.
Isabel Beckinhall—Baroness Beckinhall—sighed silently to herself. Her carriage had come to a standstill in the worst part of London—the dirty streets of St. Giles. And why was she in St. Giles as dark...

Notes:

Elizabeth Hoyt is praised for consistently writing enjoyable novels.
Thief of Shadows is a part of the Maiden Lane series and highly anticipated by fans.
The book features Winter Makepeace, a shy schoolmaster and vigilante known as the Ghost of St Giles.
Winter is dedicated to protecting orphans and the vulnerable in his community.
Lady Isabel Beckinhall is an experienced widow who helps Winter polish his social skills.
The romance includes a significant age difference, adding to the dynamic of the relationship.
Winter is characterized as a virgin hero who struggles with his feelings towards Isabel.
The story includes elements of mystery and action, including a subplot involving missing children.
Readers enjoy the significant character development of both Winter and Isabel throughout the book.
The chemistry between Winter and Isabel is praised, particularly in their romantic and intimate interactions.
The book is noted for its unique take on the tropes of virgin heroes and more experienced heroines.
Winter's altruistic nature as a caretaker and his dual identity are central themes in the story.
The novel does not include clichéd endings, such as miraculous pregnancies for the infertile heroine.
The writing style is appreciated for its engaging and humorous tone.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Potential triggers include themes of child abduction, loss, and infertility, which may be distressing to some readers.

Has Romance?

The romance is a central focus, featuring emotional depth and sexual tension between the main characters.

From The Publisher:

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.

Ratings (8)

Loved It (5)
Liked It (2)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (15):

Read It (9)
Want To Read (5)
Not Interested (1)

1 comment(s)

It Was OK
3 months

Eh, I was disappointed.

The truth is, I wasn't a fan of Winter well before this book, and this book didn't win me over. I'm not really down with the martyr/saint-types. Plus, I think I was just disappointed that he was the Ghost... I mean, he's been the obvious choice since the first book, and I was hoping Hoyt would surprise me. Oh well.

 
 
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