Really enjoyed the Minotaur excerpts that began each chapter. Who doesn’t love a Beast? ( )

Hoyt's Maiden Lane series is a favorite of mine. These are light historical romances, so don't look for historical exposes. but Hoyt does tell us a lot about class and economic disparity, about the way in which the rich rigged the system, consigning those they wished to be rid of to Newgate or Bedlam. Sound familiar? Her characters generally have depth. they are interesting, and that was definitely true of Apollo and Lily. Apollo, a member of the gentry but possessed of no current fortune, has been framed for murder and consigned to Bedlam where he is regularly beaten, eventually so badly he is rendered mute. He escapes and shows up in the same place as Lily Stump, an actress and secret playwright who is rebuilding after her Covent Garden theatre burns. She is staying in one intact portion of the ruined theatre with her maidservant (who is like a mother really) and her son Indio and his dog Daffodil (who are charming.) There are absurd elements, there is trooooo lovvvve (I just saw Princess Bride last night for likely the 25th time so I can't type those words without hearing the voice of Carol Kane in my head) and there is a lot of sex -- those are all plusses for me but YMMV. A pleasant vacation listen! ( )

Apollo's story and it's a doozy.

All's well that ends well. ( )

One half of the couple thinking the relationship cannot last -until the other is nearly killed and they realize they can't live without them- is a perfectly fine ending! But **7** times in a row? There has to be a hurdle for the couple of course, and death-defying action certainly adds drama, but I miss having some plot variety in a series. I did like how the couple genuinely appreciated the other for their skills and character, not just their attractiveness!

2nd read- I was less bothered by that repeated trope since I knew of it going in this time. Both MCs are well developed and interesting, and the side characters are good support for them. Despite forced communication issues (speech and secrecy) I felt the couple really did get to know each other well. The villains they’ve each dealt with were particularly villainous, but not quite over the top. I liked both the hero and heroine. ( )

so. I just didn't care. The book was entertaining, engaging enough, and I didn't care. Something felt off. To be honest, it's probably me, but may have been the pacing a bit too.
It was fine. I'm fine. I need a book that clicks with me. ( )