This is a quick fun read. ( )

It was ok. Matthew and Hippolyta had nice chemistry, and the beginning of the book was fun. Then it was all squished into another 40 pages and was ultimately a disappointment. No chance for tension or for Matthew's character to be fully fleshed out.

In short, it was a typical novella. Very few deliver IMO. ( )

Once again Elizabeth Hoyt has provided an entertaining and fun addition to the Maiden Lane collection. This time, Hippolyta Royle is kidnapped by the infamous Duke of Montgomery (AKA the Duke of Sin). When we meet her she is escaping during a rainstorm. She is wet, filthy, and covered in mud when Matthew Mortimer's carriage finds her blocking the road. Matthew is on his way to London to take his place as the newest Earl of Paxton. They take her into the carriage but who would believe this filthy wretch could be an heiress - even when she tells them who she is.
Traveling to London together they develop a friendly relationship with the help of Tommy the Teapot, Matthew's pet mongoose.
Just as he is beginning to believe she might be who she says she is they stop and an inn and meet her father and some of his business partners who have been searching for her. Caught kissing, Matthew introduces himself to Hippolyta's father as his future son-in-law. You might think that everything will go smoothly for the couple and that they would live happily ever after but they still have some trials ahead of them.
This fast-paced story is a perfect addition to the other Maiden Lane stories but you don't have to have read any of them to enjoy it. ( )

Interesting leads who could have been a part of a great story. As it is in this novella there is no satisfying setup, no explanation for why the characters go from mutual dislike to love. Totally unsatisfying. ( )

Hippolyta and Matthew: short and sweet. Great ending. ( )