Wicked Intentions

In 1737 London, Lord Caire asks widow Temperance Dews for help navigating the dangerous St. Giles district, where she runs a home for orphaned children. In exchange, he offers to introduce her to potential patrons who could support her struggling charity. Their partnership leads them through London's darkest corners as they search for a killer. Temperance must balance her growing attraction to the notorious aristocrat with her mission to protect the children in her care, while Lord Caire confronts his own closely guarded secrets. The book merges elements of historical romance with Gothic mystery, set against the backdrop of Georgian London's stark class divisions and dangerous streets. The contrasts between the glittering world of the nobility and the gritty reality of St. Giles create a rich setting for both the romance and mystery plots. The story explores themes of redemption, trust, and the power of human connection to heal past wounds. Through its dual narrative of crime and romance, the novel examines how people from different social worlds can find common ground in their shared humanity.

Readers note the dark, gritty atmosphere and complex relationship between the main characters. The romance develops against a backdrop of murder mysteries in London's St. Giles district. Readers liked: - Strong character development, especially Temperance's independence - Historical accuracy and vivid period details - Balance of romance and suspense elements - Steamy scenes with emotional depth Readers disliked: - Some found the darker themes and violence off-putting - Pacing issues in the middle sections - Hero comes across as cold/unlikeable at times Ratings: Goodreads: 3.95/5 (28,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (500+ ratings) Common reader comments: "Not your typical historical romance - grittier and more complex" "The darkness and murder subplot might not be for everyone" "Chemistry between leads makes up for occasional slow pacing" "Detailed look at London's dangerous underbelly"

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🌟 Elizabeth Hoyt wrote Wicked Intentions while caring for her newborn daughter, often working during late-night feedings 🌟 The book is set in St. Giles, one of London's most notorious slums in the 1730s, which was a real historical district known for its extreme poverty and crime 🌟 The story includes a ghost-hunting subplot that was inspired by the 18th-century fascination with supernatural phenomena and the rise of "ghost-laying" services in London 🌟 Wicked Intentions launched the popular Maiden Lane series, which eventually grew to 12 books and multiple novellas 🌟 The character of Temperance Dews was based on real historical figures who ran foundling homes in 18th-century London, many of whom were widows who dedicated their lives to helping abandoned children