The Maiden Lane series is officially completed as far as full length novels are concerned. However, I think Ms. Hoyt plans to publish novellas now and then so lovers of this series can revisit this world.

Blurb:

Miss Mary Whitsun is far too intelligent to fall for the rakish charms of a handsome aristocrat. But when the gentleman in question approaches her in a bookshop, mistaking her for his fiancée, Lady Johanna Albright, the flirtatious encounter only raises more questions. Could Mary, a servant raised in a St Giles orphanage, actually be Lady Joanna’s long-lost twin sister? If so, Mary has been betrothed since birth—to the rakishly handsome artistocrat himself.

Henry Collins, Viscount Blackwell, is far too intrigued by Mary to let her go so easily. He’s drawn to her sharp mind, indomitable spirit, and the fiery way in which she dismisses him—ladies simply don’t dismiss Lord Blackwell. But as Mary makes her first hesitant steps into society, she can’t help but wonder if she truly has a place in Henry’s world—or in his heart.

Remember Mary Whitsun? She now works for Lord and Lady Clare as a nanny to their children. She’s content with her life and place within the Clare household. Then she is mistaken for a missing woman and her life suddenly gets crazy.

In only about 100 pages, Ms. Hoyt managed to somewhat catch readers up on Mary’s life, introduce the hero, and then set Mary on a whirlwind adventure from nanny to aristocratic lady. She introduced several new characters and brought Mary and Henry together. This Cinderella type story was a quick and enjoyable read, I even think it was written in a way that readers new to this series would find easy to follow along.

Of course the love story is rushed a bit between the Mary and Henry, but I expected that with the page count. They do have a lovely courtship and the ending and their HEA couldn’t have been more perfect. This was a sweetly romantic, sensual read with just a touch of mystery to make things interesting. Here’s to hoping we see more novellas in this series in the future. Final Grade-C+

Favorite Quote:

“You,” said Henry as he untied his neckcloth, “are more beautiful than the sun, the moon, and all the stars in the night sky.”

She could feel herself blushing. “Might that be a tad bit exaggerated?”

He knit his brow as if thinking. “No. No, I don’t think so.”

Once Upon a Maiden Lane by Elizabeth Hoyt
November 14, 2017 by Forever Yours
GR * AMZ * BN * K * GP

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