Thief of Shadows (A Maiden Lane Novel) [Kindle Edition]

Having read the other books in this series:

Book 1 - Wicked Intentions: A Maiden Lane Novel
Book 2 - Notorious Pleasures: A Maiden Lane Novel: Book Two
Book 3 - Scandalous Desires: A Maiden Lane novel

I can't really say how this, book 4, would work as a stand alone. Probably not badly, although you wouldn't know much about the Ghost, who features in all the other books. The leading ladies from the earlier books, sisters Temperance and Silence, and Lady Hero, and their men, either don't, or very peripherally appear.

This is a fine addition, although I was pretty certain I knew who the ghost was at the end of book 1 but remember a scene that meant it couldn't be who I thought. So I was pretty miffed to discover I was right all along, and shall re-read book 1 soon to see if I'm remembering things correctly. I also found the Winter presented in this book didn't really match the Winter presented in the other books - again, I need to re-read them to see if I'm right. But that all said and done, I liked the Winter presented here, very much liked the way the physical side of the relationship was initiated, with a neat about turn on the normal expectations, and liked how the emotional/intellectual relationship developed, and the effect on the two main characters of that developing relationship. I also liked that the issue of Isabel's apparent infertility wasn't simply swept aside by the arrival of a more virile (potent?) man...

It's always difficult for authors to have a baddie in clear view throughout the book and not exposed. Ms Hoyt manages here, although she does rather heavily point us in one direction.

This is a more plausible book than books 2 and 3 I thought, no gin factories or pirates, just two damaged people learning how to love and step free from the bonds of the past.

There is explicit sex here, as in most books of this genre these days, and Ms Hoyt nicely avoids the usual cliched terminology, going instead for what some may find a more earthy approach - and I don't mean dirty! The scenes are well written, not gratuitous, and entirely in keeping with the story.

I love a good series one that I can feel part of and get to know the characters. This series is gripping I don't know what is coming next. I can't wait for the next book.

I have no words for this author she is fantastic and I am trying to buy as many of her books as I can highly recommend her do not miss out, those who love sex and romance in a book it is a must read better than any of the modern novels historical is the way to go