*The Good:*
- The main characters are complex and relatable most of the times.. also, slow burn.
- The setting is just Chefs kiss
- Supporting Cast set up intriguing threads for future books.

*The Not-So-Good:*
- The first half of the book moves slowly, and the suspense plot lacks depth, making the resolution feel rushed and underwhelming.
- Lazarus’s cruel remarks and (IMO) lack of genuine remorse, as well as Temperance’s occasional selfishness, can make it hard to fully root for them.

*Overall:*
Despite its flaws, *Wicked Intentions* is a captivating start to the series. The romance, characters, and setting make it an enjoyable read. While the pacing issues may frustrate some readers (ahem, me), the emotional depth and steamy chemistry between the leads more than make up for it. If you enjoy dark, sensual historical romances with a touch of mystery, this one might be for you.

3.5

This book did a good job of introducing a host of side characters who will feature in subsequent books in the series. They were written well and piqued my interest in reading more of the series.
I love a good historical mystery however, the murder storyline here was weak and I didn't believe in the romance between Caire and Temperance although they grew on me as a couple by the end of the book.

This was okay. Slightly better at times, worse at times. Overall okay.

First of all, the whole King Lockedheart snippets were annoying, distracted, and completely unnecessary.

Second, the names are rough. Silence, Lazarus, etc... Then the orphans- all Mary and Joseph, but with a secondary name behind them. Like Joseph Tinbox. WHAT IS THIS AND WHY?

Now the H and h- they were of similar minds in a sexual way, so I am all for that. But they didn't actually have much chemistry. But I am all for them healing each other.

And, finally, the plot. It was mostly fine. The whole Ghost of St Giles that will carry on for several (all?) books is kind of ridiculous. I also find some issues like, when did Temperance sleep? She was at the foundling home all day, off with Lord Caire all night- until dawn. And, how was she able to run away to Caire so often? She has children to care for. Like, once? Sure. But I feel like she appeared at his home way too many times, lol.

My library has the entire series in audiobook format, so I will continue. Not sure about the entire series, but I looked to see who the other books are about, and not going to lie, Silence's story has me intrigued.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt is a keeper. What a fabulous era for a spicy romantic suspense. I adored both characters as they were so multi-dimensional. The dialog was perhaps the best part. I can’t wait for more of this series.

This was very entertaining. I wanted to take my time reading it. I enjoyed the characters. I looked forward to the secondary story, at the beginning of each chapter, of Meg and Lord Lockedheart.

Caire and Temperance were both suffering and hiding their true selves. In each other they found trust and comfort. I liked how Hoyt gave them both huge challenges to overcome. However, I found two things that weren't addressed. One wht did Caire choose Temperance to help him? And two we received no closure with Silence's husband. It grated my nerves how many times Temperance declared her love to Lord Caire.

I liked Lady Hero and the teaser really intrigued me to read her story.

This book was so entertaining. I was drawn into the story from the beginning and was involved until the end. The characters were complex and interesting. I found the story to be well paced and engrossing throughout the whole book. I was invested in the couple throughout the book and felt all the emotions through both the highs and lows of the story.The side characters were such an integral part of this story as well. This is the love story i needed to read at this time. If you want an entertaining and well written book this is it for you

Hands down the best start to one of my favorite series ever. I have read this novel at least 3 times, as I love and adore Lord Caire and Temperance's pairing. They are truly so sexy together and have so much chemistry, It was exciting to feel the push and pull of their relationship just leap out at the pages.

I absolutely love the tie in to Temperance's family the continues their journeys throughout the next few books,

5 stars-absolutely recommend to any historical romance fan,

A lot of Hoyt's trademarks are present in the book, and it was very interesting to see how she's grown as a writer since this was first published, and how she's honed her craft. I wouldn't say this is my favorite of the Maiden Lane novels, but even her "just okay" writing is better than most.

This is one of the Author's darker books -- one that has so many subplots. This book has it all...romance,, mystery, intrigue and redemption. The heroine, Temperance, takes in babies that have been abandoned or unwanted. Her home is on the fringes of St. Giles. The benefactor for her home died, and left nothing to keep the home afloat in the will. She is faced with losing the home and the future of the babies she cares for in the home.

The hero frequents the prostitution houses and finds his pleasure there... in sexual acts that have minimal touching and no intimacy.

The subplots...reminds you of life, where nothing sits still, and everything that can go wrong will go wrong .
Elizabeth Hoyt's book keeps you turning the pages. - it delivers the entertainment and the escapism that I look for when reading.

This is the first book of the Maiden Lane series which I accidentally started by reading book 6 last month. Maiden Lane is the street where the foundling home resides in St. Giles and this book begins with one of the home's caretakers looking for benefactors to keep the home running. She meets Lord Caire while on her way back from rescuing an infant. The story was a quick read and set up a lot of the characters for the remaining books. 3.5/5 stars.

This book is fun but like many romances follows a formula. However if that's what you're looking for this will perfectly satisfy that urge.

Regency romances with enough sprinkle of romance and mystery to keep our toes curling in happiness. Decent storylines (despite being slightly repetitive) also gives it an interest.

Elizabeth Hoyt writes a special type of romance. There's a lot of second guessing, sexual regret, and weird talk of Christianity. Despite all these, I think that I still enjoyed this book, enough to continue the series. I know it's a very long series, so I'm curious how the books grow from 2010.

I had read the later books in the series before going back and reading how it all started and I'm glad that I picked this up. We encounter Lazarus and Temperance in those books and it was nice to see how they got together.

Lazarus is out hunting a killer when he encounters Temperance. He later asks for her help with navigating St. Giles since she knows it so much better than he does. Their attraction to each other starts pretty early into their relationship and they become intimate. Over the course of their worjing together their relationship soon turns to love.

I'm excited to read the other books in the series that I have not read as I'm sure they will be as good as this one was!

I've heard tons of praise through the years about the Maiden Lane series by Elizabeth Hoyt. And I totally get why if the rest of the series is written as well as this one!

This was on the dark and gritty side with Lazarus, Lord Caire, skulking through the streets of St Giles in the night looking for a murderer. Along the way he enlists the help of Temperance Dews, resident of St Giles who runs a foundling home for children. I'm not going to go into plot or character motivation...this book has been out a good long while and there are tons that do that. I will say that I was glad they found each other because they were exactly who and what the other needed.

I am intrigued by Silence and her story. I really enjoyed Lady Hero. Winter has a story and I want more from St John. I'm also perplexed by the identity of the Ghost of St Giles. I thought it one person, Lazarus obviously thought it was someone else and I don't think it's either LOL

Looking forward to reading more in this series.

Wicked Intentions is the first book in The Maiden Lane series by Elizabeth Holt. In this book, we follow the hero, Lazarus Huntington, Lord Caire through a terrifying investigation for his mistress's killer. In the process, he enlists help from Temperance Dews, a widow who is hiding a shameful secret and a part owner of a foundling home for infants and children. Together they unwind a very dangerous plot for revenge, all the while getting caught in an all-consuming storm of wild passion. 

Caire is one of the most viral characters, I've ever read about! He's brash and crude, yet so lovable! 

Temperance's character is headstrong and very troubled by her past. It's not often a heroine in a romance novel has that particular type of secret she's hiding. And I was very surprised to find out what it was. Having a wicked heroine AND a wicked hero makes this book so much fun to read!

I'm glad I've started this series and I am positively looking forward to reading the rest of this authors' novels. With that said, I definitely recommend this book to authors who love steamy romances with a dash of sin on top.

The story begins dark, then improves, as soon as the main couple gets to know each other.
Some parts are too long, too much descriptive, but the plot is interesting
A lot of secondary characters who will have their own history.
Now I'm much more interested in what's going to happen to the characters in Book # 3.

Thank you for allowing me to read and review this book. I am just not interested in this book anymore. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Loved this book!! Elizabeth Hoyt Never Dissapoints !!!

I like this author very much. The characters were outside the norm which was different but good. He was basically a anti-hero and selfish. The murderer was intense and a little extreme meaning insane. I wish she would have embraced the desires she felt not castigate herself for being human.