AudioBook Review:Stars: 3 Narration 2 Story 3Book 7 in Elizabeth Hoyt’s Maiden Lane series is Darling Beast, Apollo’s story. I’m quite used to popping into the middle of a series, and most author’s do make the effort to give some background information to characters that are recurring, and the author’s choice to use the narrator responsible for earlier books in the series left me hopeful.I love historic romance: I want the characters to jump out and impress me, give me something that makes them memorable and interesting. And while Apollo had that in spades with his escape from Bedlam and hiding as a simple gardener while he restores the site to its former glory, It is a lovely hidey hole, and he is content to remain unnoticed (and uncaptured), ignoring the complication of the actress and her family who have taken residence.Lily is an actress on the downswing of her career, and is hoping to recapture some of the glory, this time as playwright. Her son added a nice touch of openness to her, and surprisingly she wasn’t hardened or jaded by the struggles she has endured.And then – the transformations and meat of the story: troubled hero grows and changes as he struggles to prove his innocence. Fallen woman convinces him to come back to love and life, and discovers her own redemption. Only after some incredibly hot and smutty moments.And there are secondary characters and the murderer’s reveal – all elements that should have added to the story’s tension but missed the mark for me: there were no real surprises, and while the interactions were frequent, the dialogue moved from ‘almost natural’ to feeling forced. With the lack of pointed inflection that would enhance the emotional impact of varying moments, Ashford McNab’s performance was uninspired, and while not flat, was not what I was hoping for. She does mage to keep characters in their own voice, although some of the voices are far more pleasing and mellifluous than others, each did have a solid tie to a character. I expected her performance to feel more familiar with the characters and story, but to me, it was lacking in commitment – a merely middle of the road performance.This is book seven in the series, and perhaps the earlier installments would have given me a better sense of the characters and Hoyt’s storytelling: but while I found this enjoyable, it didn’t reach the level of a ‘can’t put it down’ or instill a need to rush out for the other titles in the series.I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Hachette Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility. I always enjoy Elizabeth Hoyt's work and this book is no exception. Apollo is the gentle giant greatly wronged by perception and a crime that he took the fall for many years ago. In his quiet life working to repair a pleasure garden, he meets Lily, a renowned actress, and her charming young son, Indio. Lily and Apollo warm up to each other slowly as both of them are somewhat distrustful of others. But the attraction they feel for each other simmers despite their wariness. I feel like they spent time getting to know one another, not necessarily their pasts, but who they are at their cores, without clouding things too much with passion right from the start. This was a nice touch.I have to admit that I missed some of the regulars from the Maiden Lane series and all of the high drama and intrigue of the slums of London, but this book had its own mystery and interesting, quirky characters. I look forward to the next book in the series.
What do You think about Darling Beast (2014)?
I loved this book and I'm so glad that the story is continuing. It was heart warming.
—kayla
Was another good one in the series and I really enjoyed it.
—ElenaHale
