Review: Duke of Midnight by Elizabeth Hoyt

WHEN A MASKED MAN . . .
Twenty years ago Maximus Batten witnessed the brutal murders of his parents. Now the autocratic Duke of Wakefield, he spends his days ruling Parliament. But by night, disguised as the Ghost of St. Giles, he prowls the grim alleys of St. Giles, ever on the hunt for the murderer. One night he finds a fiery woman who meets him toe-to-toe-and won't back down . . .

MEETS HIS MATCH . . .
Artemis Greaves toils as a lady's companion, but hiding beneath the plain brown serge of her dress is the heart of a huntress. When the Ghost of St. Giles rescues her from footpads, she recognizes a kindred spirit-and is intrigued. She's even more intrigued when she realizes who exactly the notorious Ghost is by day . . .

DESIRE IGNITES A DANGEROUS PASSION
Artemis makes a bold move: she demands that Maximus use his influence to free her imprisoned brother-or she will expose him as the Ghost. But blackmailing a powerful duke isn't without risks. Now that she has the tiger by the tail, can she withstand his ire-or the temptation of his embrace?

Artemis Greaves and Maximus Batten, the Duke of Wakefield, have tempted me since the previous book in the Maiden Lane series, Lord of Darkness.  I am so glad Duke of Midnight lived up to my expectations. 

Artemis is not a typical lady of quality.  She has a sharp mind and is a strong woman, but she's seen as lesser or lower by her companion, Lady Penelope Chadwicke.  She and Maximus match wits perfectly as she tries to blackmail him, and soon discover they are perfect for each other. 

As the story continued, the intrigue and the romance continued to build.  Some of Maximus's decisions weren't stellar, but of course he and Artemis are together at the end of the book.