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The Heart of a Duke #15
To Tempt a Scoundrel
This light-hearted, witty, Regency romance is sure to tug at your heart this winter season!
Don't miss the latest Heart of a Duke installment!
Never trust a gentleman…
Once before, Lady Alice Winterbourne trusted her heart to an honorable, respectable man… only to be jilted in the scandal of the Season. Longing for an escape from all the whispers and humiliation, Alice eagerly accepts an invitation to her friend’s house party. In the country, she hopes to find some peace from the embarrassment left in London… Unfortunately, she finds her former betrothed and his new bride in attendance.
Never love a lady…
Lord Rhys Brookfield has no interest in marriage. Ever. He’s worked quite hard at building both his fortune and his reputation as a rogue—and intends to enjoy all that they can offer him. That is if his match-making mother will stop pairing him with prospective brides. When Rhys and Alice meet, sparks flare. But with every new encounter, their first impressions of one another are challenged and an unlikely friendship is forged.
Desperate, Rhys proposes a pretend courtship, one meant to spite Alice’s former betrothed and prevent any matchmaking attempts toward Rhys. What neither expects is that a pretense can become so much more. Or that a burning passion can heal… and hurt.
Don't miss the latest Heart of a Duke installment!
Never trust a gentleman…
Once before, Lady Alice Winterbourne trusted her heart to an honorable, respectable man… only to be jilted in the scandal of the Season. Longing for an escape from all the whispers and humiliation, Alice eagerly accepts an invitation to her friend’s house party. In the country, she hopes to find some peace from the embarrassment left in London… Unfortunately, she finds her former betrothed and his new bride in attendance.
Never love a lady…
Lord Rhys Brookfield has no interest in marriage. Ever. He’s worked quite hard at building both his fortune and his reputation as a rogue—and intends to enjoy all that they can offer him. That is if his match-making mother will stop pairing him with prospective brides. When Rhys and Alice meet, sparks flare. But with every new encounter, their first impressions of one another are challenged and an unlikely friendship is forged.
Desperate, Rhys proposes a pretend courtship, one meant to spite Alice’s former betrothed and prevent any matchmaking attempts toward Rhys. What neither expects is that a pretense can become so much more. Or that a burning passion can heal… and hurt.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2017
806 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
Christi Caldwell
137 books2,563 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling author CHRISTI CALDWELL blames Judith McNaught's "Whitney, My Love!" for luring her into the world of historical romance. While sitting in her graduate school apartment at the University of Connecticut, Christi decided to set aside her notes and pick up her laptop to try her hand at romance. She believes the most perfect heroes and heroines have imperfections, and she rather enjoys torturing them before crafting them a well deserved happily ever after!
Christi makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.
Christi makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
November 20, 2017
I started reading HR with Christi Caldwell books and loved them. Not really sure what has happened. Have I become more discerning? Harder to please? Even demanding? (Hush GR friends- the questions are rhetorical!!)
I really struggled to feel this one. There were mistakes in the language, the heroine just kept doing silly things and the hero was, frankly, a bit shallow.
It felt a bit like HR-by-numbers.
I really struggled to feel this one. There were mistakes in the language, the heroine just kept doing silly things and the hero was, frankly, a bit shallow.
It felt a bit like HR-by-numbers.
November 17, 2017
Alice and Rhys
Another Christi Caldwell couple with whom to fall in love.
We watched Lady Alice Winterbourne fall arse over teakettle in love with Mr. Henry Pratt in TO REDEEM A RAKE, but alas it was only puppy love. Henry's betrayal shook her to her very foundation.
Rhys Brookfield has lived his life as the carefree, spare to the heir and later heir presumptive to his brother, the beloved, Miles Brookfield, Marquess of Guildford. His hidden heartbreak has been disguised by roguish smiles and actions over the years.
The antagonist of this piece reappears from TO WOO A WIDOW, the now, Dowager Marchioness of Guildford is once again the matchmaking mama from hell. Why she is still allowed to play a part in their lives is beyond me. The dower house is designed for ones such as she. This cold hearted woman is just detestable in my book. Who treats adorable little children with disdain? Callous, old interfering controlling wretch. A pox on your house!
Rhys is such a wonderful hero. He had many layers. Society may have tarred and feathered him with the scoundrel label, but there was so much more to him than that bit of fiction. His true nature is revealed in his interactions with his siblings, his nieces and, of course, with Alice. He was truly the hero she needed.
Alice, our beloved little sister to a rake, may have been knocked down by her first foray in the lists of love, but she is not out for the count. She wears her heart on her sleeve and in her eyes. Try as she might, she can't help herself.
Faith and Violet! Such adorable little moppets, more to love them. Rhys' relationship with them was so tender and caring. I love precocious little children in my stories.
Be still my beating heart! Daniel and Daphne have a little heir, Master Alex with the luscious curls.
Was that an Easter egg I spied regarding Lettie? Hmmm... I wonder. (Home Office/matchmaking mama/a certain despicable rake maybe, could be possibly in her future). Inquiring minds want to know, but will wait patiently.
I recommend this short read to any who enjoy a house party romance with pretend wooing that becomes real without the knowledge or awareness of its participants. You will like it!
Another Christi Caldwell couple with whom to fall in love.
We watched Lady Alice Winterbourne fall arse over teakettle in love with Mr. Henry Pratt in TO REDEEM A RAKE, but alas it was only puppy love. Henry's betrayal shook her to her very foundation.
Rhys Brookfield has lived his life as the carefree, spare to the heir and later heir presumptive to his brother, the beloved, Miles Brookfield, Marquess of Guildford. His hidden heartbreak has been disguised by roguish smiles and actions over the years.
The antagonist of this piece reappears from TO WOO A WIDOW, the now, Dowager Marchioness of Guildford is once again the matchmaking mama from hell. Why she is still allowed to play a part in their lives is beyond me. The dower house is designed for ones such as she. This cold hearted woman is just detestable in my book. Who treats adorable little children with disdain? Callous, old interfering controlling wretch. A pox on your house!
Rhys is such a wonderful hero. He had many layers. Society may have tarred and feathered him with the scoundrel label, but there was so much more to him than that bit of fiction. His true nature is revealed in his interactions with his siblings, his nieces and, of course, with Alice. He was truly the hero she needed.
Alice, our beloved little sister to a rake, may have been knocked down by her first foray in the lists of love, but she is not out for the count. She wears her heart on her sleeve and in her eyes. Try as she might, she can't help herself.
Faith and Violet! Such adorable little moppets, more to love them. Rhys' relationship with them was so tender and caring. I love precocious little children in my stories.
Be still my beating heart! Daniel and Daphne have a little heir, Master Alex with the luscious curls.
Was that an Easter egg I spied regarding Lettie? Hmmm... I wonder. (Home Office/matchmaking mama/a certain despicable rake maybe, could be possibly in her future). Inquiring minds want to know, but will wait patiently.
I recommend this short read to any who enjoy a house party romance with pretend wooing that becomes real without the knowledge or awareness of its participants. You will like it!
November 30, 2017
To Tempt A Scoundrel story has bits and pieces of other books in The Heart of a Duke series. If you have read a few books by Christi Caldwell you will recognize the same plot line in this story as in her other stories in this series. Don't waste you time. Christi Caldwell didn't waste her time in putting out a decent story. If she has run out of idea's just don't write a books.
November 20, 2017
Black sheep, disgraceful second son and neglectful brother, Rhys Brookfield has now become the target of his cold, meddling Momma’s matchmaking efforts. The only problem, he has no interest in marriage. Summoned to a family gathering puts Rhys in love’s crosshairs much to the dismay of his mother.
Brokenhearted Alice Winterbourne accepts her friend’s invitation to escape London and THE SCANDAL. Praying for much needed time to recover her broken heart Alice will quickly realize it’s not to be. However, rescue comes in an unexpected form and makes Alice realize she really isn’t as brokenhearted as she though. A realization that may be what truly breaks her heart.
To Tempt a Scoundrel has all the ingredients that makes Christi Caldwell’s stories worth 5 stars and 5 hankies. A definite must read!
Brokenhearted Alice Winterbourne accepts her friend’s invitation to escape London and THE SCANDAL. Praying for much needed time to recover her broken heart Alice will quickly realize it’s not to be. However, rescue comes in an unexpected form and makes Alice realize she really isn’t as brokenhearted as she though. A realization that may be what truly breaks her heart.
To Tempt a Scoundrel has all the ingredients that makes Christi Caldwell’s stories worth 5 stars and 5 hankies. A definite must read!
November 18, 2017
Another beautiful love story from Christ Caldwell. This one concerns Alice Winterbourne, the sister of my favourite ever Caldwell hero, the Earl of Montfort, and Rhys Brookfield, younger brother of Miles, the Marquess of Guildford. Like all HOAD books, it can, and does, stand alone, but it’s so much sweeter when you’ve followed the character development over several books.
This one is set at Christmas, and the Christmas backdrop lends itself to some very sweet moments both between the couple and their families. It’s a lighter read than some of the others in the series; although you still run the full spectrum of emotion during the read, most of my tears this time were happy ones!
Another 5* book.
This one is set at Christmas, and the Christmas backdrop lends itself to some very sweet moments both between the couple and their families. It’s a lighter read than some of the others in the series; although you still run the full spectrum of emotion during the read, most of my tears this time were happy ones!
Another 5* book.
May 18, 2020
5 stars
Reading the blurb, it's a pretend engagement. It's been done before. But, this was very well done, with a lot of depth and humour to the conversations, and surprisingly the pretend engagement wasn't proposed until the last 5-6 chapters. Their interactions came about very naturally. I love how her hero made her find her joy, and I love that he is a scholarly rogue who loves to read.
It made me smile and of course tugged at my heart strings. I am not sure how I missed this author's work before, but I am definitely going through to try more of her work.
However I really love epilogues and I would have loved one here.
At a Glance
HEA
OW/OM drama
Reading the blurb, it's a pretend engagement. It's been done before. But, this was very well done, with a lot of depth and humour to the conversations, and surprisingly the pretend engagement wasn't proposed until the last 5-6 chapters. Their interactions came about very naturally. I love how her hero made her find her joy, and I love that he is a scholarly rogue who loves to read.
It made me smile and of course tugged at my heart strings. I am not sure how I missed this author's work before, but I am definitely going through to try more of her work.
However I really love epilogues and I would have loved one here.
At a Glance
HEA
OW/OM drama
November 11, 2019
The only thing that stuck with me was the three minutes of Daniel and Daphne, plus their son. Give me more of them please! Alice and Rhys' story was cute, but overly predictable and didn't have the same emotional pull that previous books did.
Perhaps I'd come to expect more because Daniel and Daphne's is one of my favorites by CC.
Sidenote : How awesome would it be to get some kind of second epilogues for this series?! Considering how CC rushes endings and doesn't sometimes give one epilogue, some extra's would be very much loved!
Perhaps I'd come to expect more because Daniel and Daphne's is one of my favorites by CC.
Sidenote : How awesome would it be to get some kind of second epilogues for this series?! Considering how CC rushes endings and doesn't sometimes give one epilogue, some extra's would be very much loved!
November 21, 2017
The 15th installment of this super super series is a sweet, simple and perfect love story of Rhys and Alice. The Heart of the Duke is one series by Christi Caldwell, which she has perfected. Each book from one to fifteen is perfection. Not one will you be able to put down, or skim over. I promise!
To Tempt a Scoundrel is the story of confirmed rake and bachelor Lord Rhys Brookfield, younger brother to Miles, who is all but a stranger to the reader or the series. Lady Alice Winterbourne on the other hand is known and loved by all the ‘Caldworld’ followers. She is the sister of Daniel Winterbourne, who made a place in our hearts in his story and now again in her own, as the jilted, cynical, ‘scandalous’ heroine trying to smile (read grimace) her way out of the sympathy she faces everywhere.
Our lovers find themselves at a Christmas house party, against marriage, with no smiles, fun or joy, and running away from past and future betrotheds. I say it again that Christmas + Christi Caldwell is a recipe for a perfect love story. Like her earlier books that have been based on the holiday season, this one too does not disappoint. Between snowball fights and ice skating, and a pretend courtship, our lovers find happiness, a reason to smile and Christmas cheer in the blizzard.
Glimpses of past loved characters is a given and a much loved feature of all Christi’s book, and here too we meet past heros and heroines much in love and much married. It’s like the epilogues of their own books continues with other newer books. Not only do we meet them again in different surroundings we meet the second generation, who then grow up to be protagonists in their own books. It’s as if we are watching this whole family saga unfolding and are a part of it ourselves.
Rhys is the sweetest ‘rake’ you could ever meet. His love for his nieces and his bonding with his siblings just endear him to you with every written page, and by the end of the book, your fickle heart will add him to you already long list of ‘swoonworthy’ heroes that are in Christi’s earlier books. From Michael Knightly to the fifteenth one, Rhys Brookfield … you just gotta have them all!
Alice has always been one of those spirited heroines that Christi excels with. Even when she was not the heroine of a book, she was noteworthy and all the readers clamoured for her story. And the one she got was finally such a beautiful one, so much better than what would have been with ‘Pup Pratt’. She stood up to her brother and she stood up to Henry Pratt when the time came. That scene on the terrace where she ticks him off, is unquestionable one of my favourites. It was quintessentially Alice!
Christmas stories always leave one with a feeling of cheer and this one does the same and more. The way both Rhys and Alice ‘heal’ each other and become the reason for each finding laughter and love is beautifully written. This has to be the fifteenth shot that Christi as perfectly lobbed out of the stadium!
#respect for a perfect series, and more that are to follow.
To Tempt a Scoundrel is the story of confirmed rake and bachelor Lord Rhys Brookfield, younger brother to Miles, who is all but a stranger to the reader or the series. Lady Alice Winterbourne on the other hand is known and loved by all the ‘Caldworld’ followers. She is the sister of Daniel Winterbourne, who made a place in our hearts in his story and now again in her own, as the jilted, cynical, ‘scandalous’ heroine trying to smile (read grimace) her way out of the sympathy she faces everywhere.
Our lovers find themselves at a Christmas house party, against marriage, with no smiles, fun or joy, and running away from past and future betrotheds. I say it again that Christmas + Christi Caldwell is a recipe for a perfect love story. Like her earlier books that have been based on the holiday season, this one too does not disappoint. Between snowball fights and ice skating, and a pretend courtship, our lovers find happiness, a reason to smile and Christmas cheer in the blizzard.
Glimpses of past loved characters is a given and a much loved feature of all Christi’s book, and here too we meet past heros and heroines much in love and much married. It’s like the epilogues of their own books continues with other newer books. Not only do we meet them again in different surroundings we meet the second generation, who then grow up to be protagonists in their own books. It’s as if we are watching this whole family saga unfolding and are a part of it ourselves.
Rhys is the sweetest ‘rake’ you could ever meet. His love for his nieces and his bonding with his siblings just endear him to you with every written page, and by the end of the book, your fickle heart will add him to you already long list of ‘swoonworthy’ heroes that are in Christi’s earlier books. From Michael Knightly to the fifteenth one, Rhys Brookfield … you just gotta have them all!
Alice has always been one of those spirited heroines that Christi excels with. Even when she was not the heroine of a book, she was noteworthy and all the readers clamoured for her story. And the one she got was finally such a beautiful one, so much better than what would have been with ‘Pup Pratt’. She stood up to her brother and she stood up to Henry Pratt when the time came. That scene on the terrace where she ticks him off, is unquestionable one of my favourites. It was quintessentially Alice!
Christmas stories always leave one with a feeling of cheer and this one does the same and more. The way both Rhys and Alice ‘heal’ each other and become the reason for each finding laughter and love is beautifully written. This has to be the fifteenth shot that Christi as perfectly lobbed out of the stadium!
#respect for a perfect series, and more that are to follow.
April 20, 2018
Regular Christi readers have been in love with Alice (and anxiously awaiting her story) for what seems like ages. Rhys we knew by reputation only, but we have been swooning over his elder brother “Good guy Miles” since his debut in “To Woo a Widow” last year. We all knew his bad boy younger brother would be something amazing. Let me tell you, we were right!
Christi has a way of writing characters that you can’t help but love. Alice has so much spark and independence. She’s a heroine you will truly fall in love with right alongside her hero. As for that gentleman, no one could resist the charms of a rouge who has snowball fights with his nieces. No one.
This story is splendid. I laughed, I shrieked in outrage, I sighed in contentment, to say it moved me would be insufficient. Christi’s winter romances are always deliciously warm in all the best ways. These two sizzled and sparked from the very first page. It just got better. Witty banter, cameos by old friends, adorable antics of little girls, a scholarly and a pair of lovers determined to live life to the fullest society be damned are just a few of the many many things that make this story so marvelous.
If you are looking for a splendid story to slip into, I highly recommend giving Rhys and Alice a chance to pull you into their world.
Christi has a way of writing characters that you can’t help but love. Alice has so much spark and independence. She’s a heroine you will truly fall in love with right alongside her hero. As for that gentleman, no one could resist the charms of a rouge who has snowball fights with his nieces. No one.
This story is splendid. I laughed, I shrieked in outrage, I sighed in contentment, to say it moved me would be insufficient. Christi’s winter romances are always deliciously warm in all the best ways. These two sizzled and sparked from the very first page. It just got better. Witty banter, cameos by old friends, adorable antics of little girls, a scholarly and a pair of lovers determined to live life to the fullest society be damned are just a few of the many many things that make this story so marvelous.
If you are looking for a splendid story to slip into, I highly recommend giving Rhys and Alice a chance to pull you into their world.
November 27, 2017
This author is amazing. Did I say that all her books hold me spellbound? To Tempt a Scoundrel was no exception. Scandal, intrigue, heartwarming, this story has a little of it all. Two seemingly broken hearts are fated to meet. Lady Alice Winterbourne had been jilted and just wants to get away from all the pity and gossip. Going to a house party of her friend's she hopes to find some peace and time to let her heart heal. But as things often turn out, she finds her former betrothed and his new bride at the same gathering. Lord Rhys Brookfield (yes Rhys is one of my favorite names!) is being pushed by his mother to find a bride and put his rougish ways behind him. As Rhys and Alice meet, there seems to defiantly be an attraction. As they talk, a plan forms to help them both. Pretend to be courting so his mother will leave him be and Alice can maintain her dignity. But can a pretense survive when true feelings emerge? You will be delighted in this story and so sad when you turn the last page. But be assured, Christi will have another marvelous story to be read soon!!!
November 18, 2017
TO RISK IS TO LIVE
Another wonderful story. This one full of laughter, poignant moments that hinge from heartbreak and loneliness, and a final, triumphant implied happily ever after.
Nearly all of the characters have been introduced before, but I think a person could read this alone. It shines softly, like a coated lightbulb, and is full of people gradually learning to laugh and play again - or to admit they can.
It is a story of people deciding to risk, and finding triumph in that risk, which is, in many ways, the underlying theme of Christi Caldwell's work.
Another wonderful story. This one full of laughter, poignant moments that hinge from heartbreak and loneliness, and a final, triumphant implied happily ever after.
Nearly all of the characters have been introduced before, but I think a person could read this alone. It shines softly, like a coated lightbulb, and is full of people gradually learning to laugh and play again - or to admit they can.
It is a story of people deciding to risk, and finding triumph in that risk, which is, in many ways, the underlying theme of Christi Caldwell's work.
November 19, 2017
Hero: Rhys (Miles bro)--- Heroine: Alice (Daniels Sis)
Reading Enjoyment:4.5* Another great story in this series that is filled with fun, love and intrigue. I enjoyed reading this story that grabbed me and would not let go until the end. The story progressed steadily, has well developed characters with witty/humorous dialogue and a fun developing plot. I enjoyed watching them fall in love before they knew what was going on. This had a great HEA complete no cliffhangers and with a humorous reaction from her brother which made me smile.
Reading Enjoyment:4.5* Another great story in this series that is filled with fun, love and intrigue. I enjoyed reading this story that grabbed me and would not let go until the end. The story progressed steadily, has well developed characters with witty/humorous dialogue and a fun developing plot. I enjoyed watching them fall in love before they knew what was going on. This had a great HEA complete no cliffhangers and with a humorous reaction from her brother which made me smile.
November 21, 2017
Once again Christi writes a romance novel that you can't put down. Alice Winterbourne has been waiting for her book story for a long time and I am sure readers will be pleased when they read what happens. Set around the holidays this is a heartwarming and soul touching story to keep you warm on those winter nights. I love the way Christi brought out the character of Rhys. Two wounded hearts who find happiness together will warm your toes and have you yearning for more. Highly recommended for any Historical Romance lover. Christi never dissappoints!
November 17, 2017
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋
Oh ,how do you do it .
Every time you have me laughing , crying , shouting. My family are ready to commit me .
Another fantastic book in the HOAD Series .
Rhys And Alice , the stars in this one , looking to find the perfect partner.
All done in the style only Christi has mastered , a brilliant book , funny and lighthearted, but with a serious backstory.
Christi take a very well earned bow .
This is a must for all fans,
From The Queen Of Regency Miss Christi Caldwell .
💋
Oh ,how do you do it .
Every time you have me laughing , crying , shouting. My family are ready to commit me .
Another fantastic book in the HOAD Series .
Rhys And Alice , the stars in this one , looking to find the perfect partner.
All done in the style only Christi has mastered , a brilliant book , funny and lighthearted, but with a serious backstory.
Christi take a very well earned bow .
This is a must for all fans,
From The Queen Of Regency Miss Christi Caldwell .
November 19, 2017
A wonderful, fun story!
To Tempt a Scoundrel, book 15 in the Heart of a Duke series, a lighthearted story of two wounded hearts healing each other. Alice is just what Rhys needs to show teach him to feel again. Rhys shows Alice what true love is.i loved their story, from the snowball fight and ice skating, to more intellectual and witty banter, this is just the book to read heading into the Yule season!
To Tempt a Scoundrel, book 15 in the Heart of a Duke series, a lighthearted story of two wounded hearts healing each other. Alice is just what Rhys needs to show teach him to feel again. Rhys shows Alice what true love is.i loved their story, from the snowball fight and ice skating, to more intellectual and witty banter, this is just the book to read heading into the Yule season!
November 18, 2017
A lovely winter tale of romance! The setting was so romantic, a family party at a manor house in the country with snow and ice skating. Rhys and Alice have both suffered heartbreak and both wish to escape that pain. Alice was a strong character that had to rebuild her confidence. Rhys was a guarded rogue that learned to trust. It was a good story that entertained.
June 12, 2023
15. To Tempt a Scoundrel. A Christmas Novella. MC’s H Rhys Brookfield, brother to Miles Brookfield, Marquess of Guilford ( married to Phillipa with two girls) He has a sister Lettie who is best friends with h Alice Winterbourne sister to Daniel Winterbourne Earl of Montford ( married to Daphne and son Alex).
Meet Cute
Brothers House Party at Christmas . Alice went outside in the freezing blizzard to avoid seeing her former fiancé Henry Pratt and his wife enter Brookfield Mansion for the same house party she was also a guest of Lettie Brookfield sister to the Marquess and Lady Phillipa ( his wife) also an Edgerton. Lettie sent her single rogue brother Rhys outside to find her so she wouldn’t freeze to death. He found her in a copse of trees laying on the ground hiding. He hid with her. He even teasingly insulting her hat. He could see she was sad and thought she needed to smile.
Hang ups
Rhys Brookfield is the only one who can carry on the family line, so his mother is trying to force him to get married to Aria Sibbing, Viscount Lovell’s youngest daughter ( they are all at the house party). Rhys makes a pact with Alice pretending to court her so can avoid Aria and she can make Henry Pratt jealous.
Hangups
Alice went to the house party to avoid feeling sad about Henry throwing her over for his zest to become wealthy. When he shows up with his bride she wants to flee. Rhys helps her laugh again.
Heart Necklace ( No mention of it)
Epilogue
Both Alice and Rhys make each other smile and both Phillipa and Lettie notice and believe they are both in love. Rhys thinks Alice still loves Henry because he and his mother and Miles caught Henry kissing Alice in the hallway when she actually was seeking Rhys out. Phillipa tells Rhys that she sent Alice after him so they could be together. Alice had already gone back home. Rhys went to her home and proposed. She said yes.
Meet Cute
Brothers House Party at Christmas . Alice went outside in the freezing blizzard to avoid seeing her former fiancé Henry Pratt and his wife enter Brookfield Mansion for the same house party she was also a guest of Lettie Brookfield sister to the Marquess and Lady Phillipa ( his wife) also an Edgerton. Lettie sent her single rogue brother Rhys outside to find her so she wouldn’t freeze to death. He found her in a copse of trees laying on the ground hiding. He hid with her. He even teasingly insulting her hat. He could see she was sad and thought she needed to smile.
Hang ups
Rhys Brookfield is the only one who can carry on the family line, so his mother is trying to force him to get married to Aria Sibbing, Viscount Lovell’s youngest daughter ( they are all at the house party). Rhys makes a pact with Alice pretending to court her so can avoid Aria and she can make Henry Pratt jealous.
Hangups
Alice went to the house party to avoid feeling sad about Henry throwing her over for his zest to become wealthy. When he shows up with his bride she wants to flee. Rhys helps her laugh again.
Heart Necklace ( No mention of it)
Epilogue
Both Alice and Rhys make each other smile and both Phillipa and Lettie notice and believe they are both in love. Rhys thinks Alice still loves Henry because he and his mother and Miles caught Henry kissing Alice in the hallway when she actually was seeking Rhys out. Phillipa tells Rhys that she sent Alice after him so they could be together. Alice had already gone back home. Rhys went to her home and proposed. She said yes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2025
alice is still heartbroken after henry broke their betrothal. she thought attending lettie’s party would help her heal, but she didn’t expect henry and his wife to be there. talk about awkward. and don’t even get me started on rhys’ mom—she’s constantly deprecating her son, calling him a scoundrel, lazy, and dishonorable. it’s infuriating because despite his reputation, rhys is a remarkable brother and an awesome uncle to his nieces.
i absolutely loved rhys’ character. he’s surprisingly kind, sweet, and playful. on the outside, people might think he’s a degenerate, but you only have to see him with his nieces to know he’s nothing like the man his reputation suggests. it’s a testament to his true character. as for alice, she’s longed for a passionate, fierce love and she believed that was what she had with henry. but in a short span of 13 days, she falls for rhys—a love that’s just as deep but more real, more genuine.
overall, the book is great. the chemistry between alice and rhys is perfect—their different personalities balance each other out so well. the dynamic between them is compelling, making this story a total win.
i absolutely loved rhys’ character. he’s surprisingly kind, sweet, and playful. on the outside, people might think he’s a degenerate, but you only have to see him with his nieces to know he’s nothing like the man his reputation suggests. it’s a testament to his true character. as for alice, she’s longed for a passionate, fierce love and she believed that was what she had with henry. but in a short span of 13 days, she falls for rhys—a love that’s just as deep but more real, more genuine.
overall, the book is great. the chemistry between alice and rhys is perfect—their different personalities balance each other out so well. the dynamic between them is compelling, making this story a total win.
March 11, 2019
I have enjoyed this 15 book series by Caldwell. I am giving this book a 4 star. Somewhere along the way, the theme of The Heart of the Duke slipped away and I think that is a bit disappointing. It began in a necklace gifted by a gypsy lady, progressed to a bracelet and then just disappeared all together. This book is not my favorite in the series, but it is very well written. Looking forward to reading more of Caldwell's work
May 12, 2019
4 stars
Caldwell's Sinful Brides Series
Book 1 — The Rogue's Wager (4.5 stars)
Book 2 — The Scoundrel's Honor (4.5 stars)
Book 3 — The Lady's Guard (4-4.5 stars)
Book 4 — The Heiress's Deception (4 stars)
Caldwell's Wicked Wallflowers Series
Book 1 — The Hellion (4 stars)
Book 2 — The Vixen (4.5 stars)
Book 3 — The Governess (TBR)
Book 4 — The Bluestocking (4.5 stars)
Book 5 — The Spitfire (TBR)
Other Caldwell Books I've Loved (and Enjoyed Out of Order)
The Lady Who Loved Him (The Brethren, #2) — 4.5 stars
Tempted by a Lady's Smile (Lords of Honor, #4) — 4 stars
To Tempt a Scoundrel (The Heart of a Duke, #15) — 4 stars
Caldwell's Sinful Brides Series
Book 1 — The Rogue's Wager (4.5 stars)
Book 2 — The Scoundrel's Honor (4.5 stars)
Book 3 — The Lady's Guard (4-4.5 stars)
Book 4 — The Heiress's Deception (4 stars)
Caldwell's Wicked Wallflowers Series
Book 1 — The Hellion (4 stars)
Book 2 — The Vixen (4.5 stars)
Book 3 — The Governess (TBR)
Book 4 — The Bluestocking (4.5 stars)
Book 5 — The Spitfire (TBR)
Other Caldwell Books I've Loved (and Enjoyed Out of Order)
The Lady Who Loved Him (The Brethren, #2) — 4.5 stars
Tempted by a Lady's Smile (Lords of Honor, #4) — 4 stars
To Tempt a Scoundrel (The Heart of a Duke, #15) — 4 stars
November 25, 2017
Wonderful!
It began as a ruse. Lady Alice attends a house party given by the mother of her best friend. Alice hasn't been out much, she's hidden in her own family home after that humiliating problem of being dumped by her fiance months prior. While at the party Alice meets Rhys, second son of the party's hostess and notable rake. Actually Rhys is quite notable as he is very attractive, funny, and kind, but not one who cares much for the opinions of others.
Alice is faced with the unexpected appearance of her former fiance and his new wife, and Rhys is being pushed by his mother to marry another party goer, in whom he has no interest. So Alice and Rhys agree to 'help each other out' by pretending to court each other during the weeks at this house party out in the country.
The plot is a familiar one in romance novels, but these two characters make this story special. There is humor, and yes, antics ensue, but there is poignancy in each of their lives that explains why each is where they currently find themselves. The heat and longing between the two is lovely, and the ending near perfect. The outlying characters in the story were entertaining as well.
I have read each book in this series, and loved them all, this is no exception. I know that each can be read as a stand alone- but why miss out? Rhys was a character who had more depth that he appeared to have throughout his past appearances, and pairing him with Lady Alice was wonderful.
Well worth a long afternoon or evening, as I read from start to finish! I highly recommend this book and series!
It began as a ruse. Lady Alice attends a house party given by the mother of her best friend. Alice hasn't been out much, she's hidden in her own family home after that humiliating problem of being dumped by her fiance months prior. While at the party Alice meets Rhys, second son of the party's hostess and notable rake. Actually Rhys is quite notable as he is very attractive, funny, and kind, but not one who cares much for the opinions of others.
Alice is faced with the unexpected appearance of her former fiance and his new wife, and Rhys is being pushed by his mother to marry another party goer, in whom he has no interest. So Alice and Rhys agree to 'help each other out' by pretending to court each other during the weeks at this house party out in the country.
The plot is a familiar one in romance novels, but these two characters make this story special. There is humor, and yes, antics ensue, but there is poignancy in each of their lives that explains why each is where they currently find themselves. The heat and longing between the two is lovely, and the ending near perfect. The outlying characters in the story were entertaining as well.
I have read each book in this series, and loved them all, this is no exception. I know that each can be read as a stand alone- but why miss out? Rhys was a character who had more depth that he appeared to have throughout his past appearances, and pairing him with Lady Alice was wonderful.
Well worth a long afternoon or evening, as I read from start to finish! I highly recommend this book and series!
November 25, 2017
To Tempt a Scoundrel by Christi Caldwell
Heart of a Duke Series Book Fifteen
Lady Alice Winterbourne had made a fool out of herself over a man. Being jilted can make a girl do crazy things. Or at least that was the case for Alice. She had The Scandal and then made things worse with THE SCANDAL. So, no more men for her.
Lord Rhys Brookfield had learned long ago how fickle women could be. That's why, as a second son, he now lived his life as a rogue. Enjoying physical contact without ever having to involve his heart. And one woman in particular was worse than any other. His mother. Who is planning on him marrying into her friend's family since his older brother failed at doing so. No. He wasn't marrying any woman for any reason.
There were more surprises than Alice ever expected at her friend's house party. A very terrible, unexpected surprise. Alice and Rhys soon find they can help each other out—as two people hurt by love and neither having a desire to find it again. Loved this story as I do all of Christi Caldwell's books.
**Sensual content
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Heart of a Duke Series Book Fifteen
Lady Alice Winterbourne had made a fool out of herself over a man. Being jilted can make a girl do crazy things. Or at least that was the case for Alice. She had The Scandal and then made things worse with THE SCANDAL. So, no more men for her.
Lord Rhys Brookfield had learned long ago how fickle women could be. That's why, as a second son, he now lived his life as a rogue. Enjoying physical contact without ever having to involve his heart. And one woman in particular was worse than any other. His mother. Who is planning on him marrying into her friend's family since his older brother failed at doing so. No. He wasn't marrying any woman for any reason.
There were more surprises than Alice ever expected at her friend's house party. A very terrible, unexpected surprise. Alice and Rhys soon find they can help each other out—as two people hurt by love and neither having a desire to find it again. Loved this story as I do all of Christi Caldwell's books.
**Sensual content
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
November 26, 2017
A Wintery and Wonderful Love Story ❤️
Two wounded hearts... She dreamed of love with one who treasured her above all else in his life. So when her betrothal was broken, leaving her scandalized, she resigned herself to a life alone. And he, betrayed by his fiancé and best friend, closed his heart, and chose a life dedicated to his business and the wild carefree life of a rogue, void of emotions. They find themselves thrown together at a country house party, which makes for a very interesting and fun change of events, attitudes, and dreams. He will discover there is so much more to this beautiful, strong, and spirited lady that the ton has turned their backs on, and she will learn that he is far different than the rogue he portrays to society. As feelings grow for each other, will they be able to recover from past hurts and open their hearts to what could be?
As always, this author creates a welcoming world that will draw you in and give you a story filled with so many amazing and believable characters and situations. I absolutely loved Rhys and Alice's story! It's full of emotion, caring, tenderness and love. A definite 5 Stars!
Two wounded hearts... She dreamed of love with one who treasured her above all else in his life. So when her betrothal was broken, leaving her scandalized, she resigned herself to a life alone. And he, betrayed by his fiancé and best friend, closed his heart, and chose a life dedicated to his business and the wild carefree life of a rogue, void of emotions. They find themselves thrown together at a country house party, which makes for a very interesting and fun change of events, attitudes, and dreams. He will discover there is so much more to this beautiful, strong, and spirited lady that the ton has turned their backs on, and she will learn that he is far different than the rogue he portrays to society. As feelings grow for each other, will they be able to recover from past hurts and open their hearts to what could be?
As always, this author creates a welcoming world that will draw you in and give you a story filled with so many amazing and believable characters and situations. I absolutely loved Rhys and Alice's story! It's full of emotion, caring, tenderness and love. A definite 5 Stars!
November 27, 2017
The next installment (book 15) in The Heart of a Duke series is here, and I was totally enchanted with the story by the third chapter.
You really have it all in To Tempt a Scoundrel, from overbearing and controlling mothers, to sweet nieces, and from scandals to risking your heart, Alice and Rhys take you on a heartbreakingly, beautiful love story, that really gives you that warm and fuzzy glow by the end of the book.
Overall the story is wonderful written, and the story so enchanting, that its one that I wish would never come to an end, but it does, but the one (of many) thing I love about Christi Caldwell's books, is that the story never truly comes to an end, because all the characters are woven together, which just makes the authors "England" a little more real to me.
I give To Tempt a Scoundrel 5 stars
You really have it all in To Tempt a Scoundrel, from overbearing and controlling mothers, to sweet nieces, and from scandals to risking your heart, Alice and Rhys take you on a heartbreakingly, beautiful love story, that really gives you that warm and fuzzy glow by the end of the book.
Overall the story is wonderful written, and the story so enchanting, that its one that I wish would never come to an end, but it does, but the one (of many) thing I love about Christi Caldwell's books, is that the story never truly comes to an end, because all the characters are woven together, which just makes the authors "England" a little more real to me.
I give To Tempt a Scoundrel 5 stars
November 26, 2017
Lord Rhys is a rake who once had his heart broken and now never intends to marry. Lady Alice was betrothed but he threw her over for the boss's daughter. They have one thing in common, his sister Lettie is her best friend. They meet at his family's house party. Unfortunately, her former fiance and his wife were also invited as well as a nice young woman that his mother is trying to fi
x him up with.
As usual, Christi Caldwell does an amazing job of writing characters you can't help but love. Their dialog is witty and you can see how perfect they are for each other, even if they don't always see it themselves.
As the story plays out, you can't help but want these two to get together even though everything and almost everyone is trying to keep them apart.
x him up with.
As usual, Christi Caldwell does an amazing job of writing characters you can't help but love. Their dialog is witty and you can see how perfect they are for each other, even if they don't always see it themselves.
As the story plays out, you can't help but want these two to get together even though everything and almost everyone is trying to keep them apart.
December 11, 2017
Heartwarming
Two people brought together by circumstances & find love. Alice is feisty but sad after her heart was broken. Rhys is jaded after his heart was broken years ago. Together they hatch a scheme to help each other at an awful house party, they find they have much in common & get on well together. Ultimately they find love but one former betrothed & a dreadful mother try to prevent them getting together. Eventually love prevails. Another wonderful story by Christi, who never fails to deliver. Can’t recommend this book highly enough, some light relief after the darker, grittier stories of late.
Two people brought together by circumstances & find love. Alice is feisty but sad after her heart was broken. Rhys is jaded after his heart was broken years ago. Together they hatch a scheme to help each other at an awful house party, they find they have much in common & get on well together. Ultimately they find love but one former betrothed & a dreadful mother try to prevent them getting together. Eventually love prevails. Another wonderful story by Christi, who never fails to deliver. Can’t recommend this book highly enough, some light relief after the darker, grittier stories of late.
July 9, 2024
5 STARS, CAN 2 BROKEN HEARTS LOVE AGAIN
5 STARS for Book 15 in this well written & poignant storyline in the Series: The Heart of a Duke along with a great BLURB. Characters from past Books in the series allows the reader to have some comfort with the read especially in this case; because Alice has been thrown over by her Fiance with a written note. Henry decided that he needed to be more concerned with bringing riches & power back to the Partts & he felt he couldn't trust his titled older brother to do so. Writing the break up note Henry then proceeded to marry the daughter of his boss, where he had joined as a Barrister. His future at that place of business definitely secured.
Alice felt brokenhearted which if she would have really gave it much thought she probably would have been relieved. They had been engaged a little over a year & only kissed once plus never danced the waltz. She had to initiate that one & only kiss that he had seemed embarrassed with & quickly disengaged. She was glad when it was over & didn't want another one, in fact, she had some guilty feelings because of how she felt because of it. Her actions when he broke it off was her reaction to rejection because of how it was done. To get away from her scandals & London she accepted her friend's invitation to her brother's houseparty during a 2 week of winter near Christmas.
Rhys was present for his brother's houseparty, he had been heartbroken when he was 19 yrs old & so had been a rogue ever since. However, after a serious talk with his brother he learned information that he was the one who needed to have children to carry forward the family titles & names, unsettling for one who was the Spare. To top that off since his brother married a person he loved & the Lady did the same, his mother & a family acquaintance the one who had planned on them marrying each other now planned for him to marry her younger sister. The younger sister, 17 yrs old, fresh out of the school room but was his Mother's goddaughter.
The first day of the houseparty & Alice finds out that Henry & Wife, the newlyweds, fresh from their wedding trip (honeymoon) would be joining them & was freaking out decided she needed some air because she pack her bags back & leave because of the winter storm that had started a or so ago. Rhys sister sends him out to find her in the fading light of daylight & horrible wind.
Wet & cold with the wind whipping at them they each felt heat just from the meeting & being in close contact. Now it was left to see what fate had in store for them with maybe just a little just desserts for Henry ending up being a jerk without empathy.
I love how it shows how heartbreak can affect a person's life in lots of ways for long periods of time even years. Yet, if they still remain open to the idea of love they can find it & it can happen in the meeting of the eyes for some people. That is the strange power of love & the plain fact is it is mystical.
RECOMMEND
5 STARS for Book 15 in this well written & poignant storyline in the Series: The Heart of a Duke along with a great BLURB. Characters from past Books in the series allows the reader to have some comfort with the read especially in this case; because Alice has been thrown over by her Fiance with a written note. Henry decided that he needed to be more concerned with bringing riches & power back to the Partts & he felt he couldn't trust his titled older brother to do so. Writing the break up note Henry then proceeded to marry the daughter of his boss, where he had joined as a Barrister. His future at that place of business definitely secured.
Alice felt brokenhearted which if she would have really gave it much thought she probably would have been relieved. They had been engaged a little over a year & only kissed once plus never danced the waltz. She had to initiate that one & only kiss that he had seemed embarrassed with & quickly disengaged. She was glad when it was over & didn't want another one, in fact, she had some guilty feelings because of how she felt because of it. Her actions when he broke it off was her reaction to rejection because of how it was done. To get away from her scandals & London she accepted her friend's invitation to her brother's houseparty during a 2 week of winter near Christmas.
Rhys was present for his brother's houseparty, he had been heartbroken when he was 19 yrs old & so had been a rogue ever since. However, after a serious talk with his brother he learned information that he was the one who needed to have children to carry forward the family titles & names, unsettling for one who was the Spare. To top that off since his brother married a person he loved & the Lady did the same, his mother & a family acquaintance the one who had planned on them marrying each other now planned for him to marry her younger sister. The younger sister, 17 yrs old, fresh out of the school room but was his Mother's goddaughter.
The first day of the houseparty & Alice finds out that Henry & Wife, the newlyweds, fresh from their wedding trip (honeymoon) would be joining them & was freaking out decided she needed some air because she pack her bags back & leave because of the winter storm that had started a or so ago. Rhys sister sends him out to find her in the fading light of daylight & horrible wind.
Wet & cold with the wind whipping at them they each felt heat just from the meeting & being in close contact. Now it was left to see what fate had in store for them with maybe just a little just desserts for Henry ending up being a jerk without empathy.
I love how it shows how heartbreak can affect a person's life in lots of ways for long periods of time even years. Yet, if they still remain open to the idea of love they can find it & it can happen in the meeting of the eyes for some people. That is the strange power of love & the plain fact is it is mystical.
RECOMMEND
June 22, 2018
4.5 stars
I really liked the atmosphere in this book. It was a beautiful, lighthearted, and winsomely romantic tale that swept me away to a land of castles in the snow (there weren't any castles, but it was in the atmosphere). The reason it didn't get the full five stars is owing to the fact that it was a little too short. There were things that should have been expanded upon , and the lack of these expounded-upon-things, meant that whilst the lovely and brief resolution suited the style of this short, sweet romance, the climax felt rushed, and there was no assuaging epilogue to placate me. Thus, it did receive a demotion.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed this one a good deal. I genuinely loved both Rhys and Alice's characters A LOT (which is why I would have enjoyed a longer book, so I could continue reading about them). A delightful read for the winter.
I really liked the atmosphere in this book. It was a beautiful, lighthearted, and winsomely romantic tale that swept me away to a land of castles in the snow (there weren't any castles, but it was in the atmosphere). The reason it didn't get the full five stars is owing to the fact that it was a little too short. There were things that should have been expanded upon , and the lack of these expounded-upon-things, meant that whilst the lovely and brief resolution suited the style of this short, sweet romance, the climax felt rushed, and there was no assuaging epilogue to placate me. Thus, it did receive a demotion.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed this one a good deal. I genuinely loved both Rhys and Alice's characters A LOT (which is why I would have enjoyed a longer book, so I could continue reading about them). A delightful read for the winter.
July 23, 2018
With most authors the more you read, the more you like them. It is the opposite with Caldwell for me. At first, the writing was atrocious but her characters were unique and enchanting. As you read further, though, the characters as well as the writing quickly become repetitive and tedious. All men are 6'3 or 4 and all women have heart-shaped faces, and everyone has notably perfect even teeth---and that's just the tip of the iceberg. She uses the EXACT same phrases and descriptions over and over ad infinitum, about people, places, clothing, thoughts and FURNITURE (?!?) in every single book.
In my reviews, I have tried to note which are the better books in this series. Do yourself a favor and only read one or two. After that, you can just stop. The rest are all the same and you'll only cause yourself annoyance. At this point, I find myself making more notes on the grammar, editing and repetitiveness than actually just reading the story.
In my reviews, I have tried to note which are the better books in this series. Do yourself a favor and only read one or two. After that, you can just stop. The rest are all the same and you'll only cause yourself annoyance. At this point, I find myself making more notes on the grammar, editing and repetitiveness than actually just reading the story.
November 13, 2023
Alice is caught in a scandal when Henry her betrothed marries another and Alice storms his office and his wedding. Post breakup Alice turns to academics to distract herself from her hurt. Rhys became a rogue after his own heart was shredded by his fiance. Rhys at his mothers house party expected to marry Aria since his brother Miles married Phillipa instead of Sybil (Aria's older sister). Rhys enjoys annoying his mother. Rhys challenges Alice to be practical and romantic and to revel in life's simple pleasure like snowball fights, reading Gothic novels. Rhys and Alice help each start to enjoy life together with a fake courtship but their path to love does not go smoothly due to their previous hurts and a mother determined to have her way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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