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Lost Lords of London #2
In the Dark with the Duke
A lady of reserve and a fierce street fighter find common ground in the second Lost Lords of London novel by USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell.
Eight years ago, Lady Lila March retreated to the safe shadows of her family’s estate after a devastating tragedy. Weary of being a whisper of her former self, she is determined to brave the dangers of the outside world again. No man is better equipped to train her in the art of defense than the Savage Gentleman, East London’s undefeated street fighter.
Hugh Savage reigns as king—of the underworld. Physically invulnerable, emotionally battered, he has his reasons for bare-knuckle brawling. Though Hugh longs to break free of the ring and leave behind the brutal world of violence, he’s intrigued by the challenge Lady Lila poses. A mysterious lady of the peerage willfully descending into the dangerous rookeries? That bespeaks a woman with secrets of her own.
As their unconventional pact progresses, Hugh comes to admire the resolve in Lila’s heart. And beneath his hard surface, she sees a tenderness that touches her to the quick. They’ll soon discover how much they need each other—to face their pasts together, and to fight for a future they deserve.
Eight years ago, Lady Lila March retreated to the safe shadows of her family’s estate after a devastating tragedy. Weary of being a whisper of her former self, she is determined to brave the dangers of the outside world again. No man is better equipped to train her in the art of defense than the Savage Gentleman, East London’s undefeated street fighter.
Hugh Savage reigns as king—of the underworld. Physically invulnerable, emotionally battered, he has his reasons for bare-knuckle brawling. Though Hugh longs to break free of the ring and leave behind the brutal world of violence, he’s intrigued by the challenge Lady Lila poses. A mysterious lady of the peerage willfully descending into the dangerous rookeries? That bespeaks a woman with secrets of her own.
As their unconventional pact progresses, Hugh comes to admire the resolve in Lila’s heart. And beneath his hard surface, she sees a tenderness that touches her to the quick. They’ll soon discover how much they need each other—to face their pasts together, and to fight for a future they deserve.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2020
About the author
Christi Caldwell
130 books2,320 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 269 reviews
June 11, 2020
Release Day
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 hearts
I definitely like the concept of the Lost Lords of London series, where sons of the gentry were stolen away and presumed dead so others could inherit. In the Dark with the Duke is the second book of the series and follows another boy brought up in the underbelly of London only to find out later he is noble born.
This is one of those Historical Romances that I really wish I knew more about the time period. The heroine has been in isolation since she was part of the crowd at the massacre of Peterloo. I really didn’t know anything about the events of that day in English history and so it felt like it took forever to get to why she was basically a hermit for almost a decade. Lila has a pretty severe case of PTSD but to help her sister re-enter society, she wants to feel like she can defend them if another tragedy should strike. Who better to teach her than the undefeated champion of the underground fighting rings?
Savage was taken at a young age and doesn’t remember his life before being in a thieving gang. He was sold into fighting a few years after that and only barely escaped the life before he got killed. Now he fights for his own reasons and to help the kids he left behind, now men, find the gentry responsible for running the ring. He doesn’t need the distraction that is Lila, but there is something about the woman and her tenaciousness he can’t seem to forget, that sings to him. What harm will it be to help her learn a few things about fighting?
Overall, I liked the slow burn of the story. Lila really struggled with social interactions and sarcasm was totally lost on her. It was a little endearing to be honest and made me like her character in her struggle to re-enter the world. Hugh Savage is also a pretty likable character, he has been through some hard times and is trying to make up for his past in the only way he knows how. There are a few things about his character that aren’t very believable but like most romances I read I pretty much let them go and didn’t let it derail my reading.
Like most historical romance, you don't need to have read any other books in the series or by this author to jump into it.
Narration:
Tim Campbell is no novice to the narration of Historical Romance and brings a very nice voice and tone to the book. I’m sure my enjoyment of this book was greater due to his narration. I listened to this at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 hearts
I definitely like the concept of the Lost Lords of London series, where sons of the gentry were stolen away and presumed dead so others could inherit. In the Dark with the Duke is the second book of the series and follows another boy brought up in the underbelly of London only to find out later he is noble born.
This is one of those Historical Romances that I really wish I knew more about the time period. The heroine has been in isolation since she was part of the crowd at the massacre of Peterloo. I really didn’t know anything about the events of that day in English history and so it felt like it took forever to get to why she was basically a hermit for almost a decade. Lila has a pretty severe case of PTSD but to help her sister re-enter society, she wants to feel like she can defend them if another tragedy should strike. Who better to teach her than the undefeated champion of the underground fighting rings?
Savage was taken at a young age and doesn’t remember his life before being in a thieving gang. He was sold into fighting a few years after that and only barely escaped the life before he got killed. Now he fights for his own reasons and to help the kids he left behind, now men, find the gentry responsible for running the ring. He doesn’t need the distraction that is Lila, but there is something about the woman and her tenaciousness he can’t seem to forget, that sings to him. What harm will it be to help her learn a few things about fighting?
Overall, I liked the slow burn of the story. Lila really struggled with social interactions and sarcasm was totally lost on her. It was a little endearing to be honest and made me like her character in her struggle to re-enter the world. Hugh Savage is also a pretty likable character, he has been through some hard times and is trying to make up for his past in the only way he knows how. There are a few things about his character that aren’t very believable but like most romances I read I pretty much let them go and didn’t let it derail my reading.
Like most historical romance, you don't need to have read any other books in the series or by this author to jump into it.
Narration:
Tim Campbell is no novice to the narration of Historical Romance and brings a very nice voice and tone to the book. I’m sure my enjoyment of this book was greater due to his narration. I listened to this at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
May 22, 2020
In the Dark With the Duke is the second book in Christi Caldwell's Lost Lords of London series. This wonderfully woven tale pairs Lady Lila March, who suffered greatly during the tragedy at Peterloo, and street fighter/Lost Lord, Hugh Savage.
Both characters, deeply scarred, attempt to heal each other in unconventional ways. Both Hugh and Lila transform each other's lives in ways that only can be imagined by delving into this dark to light tale.
In the Dark With the Duke by Christi Caldwell, is yet another triumph to her credit. A fan of darker romance, this story sated my appetite for the dark along with the build up to an perfect HEA.
Both characters, deeply scarred, attempt to heal each other in unconventional ways. Both Hugh and Lila transform each other's lives in ways that only can be imagined by delving into this dark to light tale.
In the Dark With the Duke by Christi Caldwell, is yet another triumph to her credit. A fan of darker romance, this story sated my appetite for the dark along with the build up to an perfect HEA.
June 10, 2020
Since she was caught up in a devastating tragedy nine years ago, Lady Lila March has hidden away in her family's townhouse and become a mere shadow of her former self. Now, fed up with her own limitations, Lila is determined she'll venture into the dangers of the outside world again. First she must equip herself to defend her family from any would-be attackers and in order to find the best man to train her she must venture to East London in search of the notoriously undefeated street fighter known as the Savage Gentleman.
As an orphan on the streets of London, Hugh Savage learned to fight as a means of survival. He lives on his reputation as an unbeatable fighter, but in truth he has always abhorred that violence and longs to be free of it. Though he's been determined not to teach anyone to fight, he finds himself unable to resist being intrigued by Lila and the challenge she brings, not to mention the secrets she so obviously carries with her.
As their lessons progress, Hugh and Lila develop a deeper relationship and reveal intimate details of their lives that neither has previously discussed with any other person. The more they come to know each other, the more alike they realize they are. It soon becomes apparent that they need each other in order to overcome their painful pasts and strive for a future together.
I have loved this book! Unfortunately I had to move right in the middle of reading it and my reading time has been severely curtailed. I hated having to put this down and attend to all my other responsibilities. I loved this book! This was emotional, like rip your heart out emotional. Both Lila and Hugh had some serious issues to work through but the development of their relationship, though rapid in terms of days, was excellent given how much they came to know each other and the honest conversations they had together. I loved how each was willing to forgive past mistakes and understand each other's growth and development as people, as well as that fact that they fought to be together despite obstacles. Lila and Hugh were fabulous together and now I'm hoping for a story for Sylvia.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As an orphan on the streets of London, Hugh Savage learned to fight as a means of survival. He lives on his reputation as an unbeatable fighter, but in truth he has always abhorred that violence and longs to be free of it. Though he's been determined not to teach anyone to fight, he finds himself unable to resist being intrigued by Lila and the challenge she brings, not to mention the secrets she so obviously carries with her.
As their lessons progress, Hugh and Lila develop a deeper relationship and reveal intimate details of their lives that neither has previously discussed with any other person. The more they come to know each other, the more alike they realize they are. It soon becomes apparent that they need each other in order to overcome their painful pasts and strive for a future together.
I have loved this book! Unfortunately I had to move right in the middle of reading it and my reading time has been severely curtailed. I hated having to put this down and attend to all my other responsibilities. I loved this book! This was emotional, like rip your heart out emotional. Both Lila and Hugh had some serious issues to work through but the development of their relationship, though rapid in terms of days, was excellent given how much they came to know each other and the honest conversations they had together. I loved how each was willing to forgive past mistakes and understand each other's growth and development as people, as well as that fact that they fought to be together despite obstacles. Lila and Hugh were fabulous together and now I'm hoping for a story for Sylvia.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 10, 2020
In the dark with the Duke - Christi Caldwell
I received an ARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I have never read this author before and sadly I won’t bother with any more as this was not my cup of tea. Sorry, but I got very bored and struggled to stay on track.
The author can clearly write well, but I found this story incredibly disappointing. It was long-winded, meandering, and failed to come to life for me. As an expose of the horrors of the underworld of society in 1828, it worked but it nailed the message in with a hammer rather than a deft touch which might have been more effective. The Other characters were so one dimensional that I was bored rigid. Congratulations to the writer for highlighting the infamous massacre of Peterloo.
The descriptions of all the vicious, cruel and unpleasant things in the book went on for far too long, and there seemed to me to be little to redeem the unrelieved gloom of the story. I kept waiting for the lighter touches to contrast the gloom. Lila and Hugh were a lovely couple and I was pleased they had a happy ending even though it was a bit too fairy tale like to fit in with the overall tone of the book. .
There were some seriously puzzling plot elements. If Hugh been kidnapped about age 14, it would make sense that he remembered much of what would have been a classical education. However, kidnapped as young, as he was, he would not yet have started that education, so where did all his knowledge come from? Certainly not in a cage!
Also, Hugh managed to retain his upper class speech patterns and accent despite being kidnapped so young and then living in amongst people who certainly did not speak as he did. It was a puzzle that asked for too much suspension of disbelief.
I’m disappointed that I didn’t enjoy this more as I am always on the lookout for authors Who are new to me. Sadly, I will not be dipping into Christi’s back catalogue.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I have never read this author before and sadly I won’t bother with any more as this was not my cup of tea. Sorry, but I got very bored and struggled to stay on track.
The author can clearly write well, but I found this story incredibly disappointing. It was long-winded, meandering, and failed to come to life for me. As an expose of the horrors of the underworld of society in 1828, it worked but it nailed the message in with a hammer rather than a deft touch which might have been more effective. The Other characters were so one dimensional that I was bored rigid. Congratulations to the writer for highlighting the infamous massacre of Peterloo.
The descriptions of all the vicious, cruel and unpleasant things in the book went on for far too long, and there seemed to me to be little to redeem the unrelieved gloom of the story. I kept waiting for the lighter touches to contrast the gloom. Lila and Hugh were a lovely couple and I was pleased they had a happy ending even though it was a bit too fairy tale like to fit in with the overall tone of the book. .
There were some seriously puzzling plot elements. If Hugh been kidnapped about age 14, it would make sense that he remembered much of what would have been a classical education. However, kidnapped as young, as he was, he would not yet have started that education, so where did all his knowledge come from? Certainly not in a cage!
Also, Hugh managed to retain his upper class speech patterns and accent despite being kidnapped so young and then living in amongst people who certainly did not speak as he did. It was a puzzle that asked for too much suspension of disbelief.
I’m disappointed that I didn’t enjoy this more as I am always on the lookout for authors Who are new to me. Sadly, I will not be dipping into Christi’s back catalogue.
June 4, 2020
Series: Lost Lords of London #2
Publication Date: 6/9/20
Number of Pages: 365
Lady Lila March and Hugh Savage have more in common than either of them realizes and it was fun to watch them figure that out. The book is well-written and I liked the story, but it did leave me scratching my head about a few things. I liked both Lila and Hugh, but some of the other characters just seemed to be space fillers. I also think this is one of those books that just begged for an epilogue. I would have dearly loved to see how Lila’s family reacted and maybe learn a bit about the wedding, etc. – but definitely, I would like to see things maybe a year out into their future.
For the last nine years, Lady Lila March has lived the life of a recluse. She goes nowhere and she sees no one. A couple of years ago, she realized she needed to get some of her life back, so she sought out someone to help her return to her love of music. That helped, but with all of the news in the scandal rags about children of the ton being kidnapped, she is terrified for her small nephew. Nine years ago, she was helpless and couldn’t protect herself – and now she is determined that won’t happen again. She’s going to learn to fight – to defend herself and those she loves – and she’s going to find the very best person to teach her. He’s undefeated, he’s even killed in the ring – she just has to convince him to show her how it is done.
Hugh Savage was forced to fight from the time he was a young boy. Luckily, he was very good at it and that is the only reason he survived his childhood. Each bare-knuckle match became bloodier and bloodier until it was the expectation that one opponent would die. All of that terror, degradation, blood, and slaughter just for the jeering entertainment of the toffs. When Hugh escaped his prison, he joined the army – only to find himself begging on the streets after returning from the horrors of the Napoleonic wars. He abhors violence and wants no part of it, but when two former fight-mates rescue him from the street, he returns to the fight clubs. Though he rarely has to enter the ring, he still wants out of it altogether.
When Hugh is approached by a slip of a girl who wanted him to teach her to fight, his reaction was to send her away. No way would he teach anyone – especially someone like her – how to fight. Then, he saw the fear and despair in her eyes. Hugh and Lila were attracted to each other from the moment they saw each other. The aristocracy sickens Hugh and he refuses to have any dealings with them – but something about Lila tells him there is more to her than meets the eye.
I loved how Lila just kept mowing down all of Hugh’s defenses and I loved that Hugh was really a gentle giant who hated the life he’d had to live in order to survive.
I was puzzled throughout the entire book though. Hugh was stolen and sold to a crime lord when he was very, very young. He had no memories of his parents at all – yet he spoke perfect aristocratic English. Also, he had all kinds of knowledge about things he just ‘knew’, but didn’t know how he knew it. Thus my conundrum – if he were old enough to have learned about battle strategies and to speak perfect English – why wouldn’t he have some memories of his parents. But, if he were stolen very young (as the story implies), how would he speak perfect English and where would his knowledge have come from? Also, he was basically locked in a cage until he was at least 15 years old. Then he went into the army – so where did he learn how to plan and run a business?
The puzzles didn’t keep me from enjoying the story, but they did keep me scratching my head trying to figure out what happened. I hope you’ll enjoy the story – I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 6/9/20
Number of Pages: 365
Lady Lila March and Hugh Savage have more in common than either of them realizes and it was fun to watch them figure that out. The book is well-written and I liked the story, but it did leave me scratching my head about a few things. I liked both Lila and Hugh, but some of the other characters just seemed to be space fillers. I also think this is one of those books that just begged for an epilogue. I would have dearly loved to see how Lila’s family reacted and maybe learn a bit about the wedding, etc. – but definitely, I would like to see things maybe a year out into their future.
For the last nine years, Lady Lila March has lived the life of a recluse. She goes nowhere and she sees no one. A couple of years ago, she realized she needed to get some of her life back, so she sought out someone to help her return to her love of music. That helped, but with all of the news in the scandal rags about children of the ton being kidnapped, she is terrified for her small nephew. Nine years ago, she was helpless and couldn’t protect herself – and now she is determined that won’t happen again. She’s going to learn to fight – to defend herself and those she loves – and she’s going to find the very best person to teach her. He’s undefeated, he’s even killed in the ring – she just has to convince him to show her how it is done.
Hugh Savage was forced to fight from the time he was a young boy. Luckily, he was very good at it and that is the only reason he survived his childhood. Each bare-knuckle match became bloodier and bloodier until it was the expectation that one opponent would die. All of that terror, degradation, blood, and slaughter just for the jeering entertainment of the toffs. When Hugh escaped his prison, he joined the army – only to find himself begging on the streets after returning from the horrors of the Napoleonic wars. He abhors violence and wants no part of it, but when two former fight-mates rescue him from the street, he returns to the fight clubs. Though he rarely has to enter the ring, he still wants out of it altogether.
When Hugh is approached by a slip of a girl who wanted him to teach her to fight, his reaction was to send her away. No way would he teach anyone – especially someone like her – how to fight. Then, he saw the fear and despair in her eyes. Hugh and Lila were attracted to each other from the moment they saw each other. The aristocracy sickens Hugh and he refuses to have any dealings with them – but something about Lila tells him there is more to her than meets the eye.
I loved how Lila just kept mowing down all of Hugh’s defenses and I loved that Hugh was really a gentle giant who hated the life he’d had to live in order to survive.
I was puzzled throughout the entire book though. Hugh was stolen and sold to a crime lord when he was very, very young. He had no memories of his parents at all – yet he spoke perfect aristocratic English. Also, he had all kinds of knowledge about things he just ‘knew’, but didn’t know how he knew it. Thus my conundrum – if he were old enough to have learned about battle strategies and to speak perfect English – why wouldn’t he have some memories of his parents. But, if he were stolen very young (as the story implies), how would he speak perfect English and where would his knowledge have come from? Also, he was basically locked in a cage until he was at least 15 years old. Then he went into the army – so where did he learn how to plan and run a business?
The puzzles didn’t keep me from enjoying the story, but they did keep me scratching my head trying to figure out what happened. I hope you’ll enjoy the story – I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 8, 2020
Stolen lives redeemed!
I am so caught up in the Lost Lord series. I love it. This latest novel is another winner. Here we have Hugh Savage, the Savage Gentleman, a ferocious bare knuckled fighter involved in these vicious matches from childhood, starting on the road to salvation. Not through being a reinstated kidnapped child of the peerage, but through the actions of a woman, Lady Lila March, a recluse of eight years, an agoraphobic, living in the shadows of night, who turns to him to help free herself from her fears.
Her's is a stolen life!
I love this trope, the flawed hero, and the damaged heroine, coming together and in the process, despite setbacks, being the agent of healing for each other. And Caldwell has so upped the dramatic ante! Sigh!
That both harbour secrets their ashamed of, that both have crossed paths (even here I'm unsure if this is at a distance, or is there a hint here of something closer--maybe that becomes the reader's privilege) and both are now at a confluence, an intersection that if they allow, will change their lives.
Hugh has survivor's guilt and punishes himself for circumstances that happened during his childhood that were outside of his ability to control. Nevertheless he's trapped in that guilt. His co-owners of the fight club have their own agenda, one that in the end will destroy Hugh unless he breaks free. First however, he has to want to. Lila becomes the light that will guide him out of that dark place, if he can but follow.
Tracking this group of stolen children stories is becoming a must read for me.
A tartly, bitter sweet read!
A Montlake Romance ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
I am so caught up in the Lost Lord series. I love it. This latest novel is another winner. Here we have Hugh Savage, the Savage Gentleman, a ferocious bare knuckled fighter involved in these vicious matches from childhood, starting on the road to salvation. Not through being a reinstated kidnapped child of the peerage, but through the actions of a woman, Lady Lila March, a recluse of eight years, an agoraphobic, living in the shadows of night, who turns to him to help free herself from her fears.
Her's is a stolen life!
I love this trope, the flawed hero, and the damaged heroine, coming together and in the process, despite setbacks, being the agent of healing for each other. And Caldwell has so upped the dramatic ante! Sigh!
That both harbour secrets their ashamed of, that both have crossed paths (even here I'm unsure if this is at a distance, or is there a hint here of something closer--maybe that becomes the reader's privilege) and both are now at a confluence, an intersection that if they allow, will change their lives.
Hugh has survivor's guilt and punishes himself for circumstances that happened during his childhood that were outside of his ability to control. Nevertheless he's trapped in that guilt. His co-owners of the fight club have their own agenda, one that in the end will destroy Hugh unless he breaks free. First however, he has to want to. Lila becomes the light that will guide him out of that dark place, if he can but follow.
Tracking this group of stolen children stories is becoming a must read for me.
A tartly, bitter sweet read!
A Montlake Romance ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
September 8, 2020
Wow, um okay, this is awkward. I've read a few really good reviews for this book and I thought for sure I would love it too but sadly, I can't relate to them. I feel like the biggest mistake I made was to buy the audiobook since I was behind for reviewing my e-arcs. Unfortunately, the narrator's voice was not for me. AT ALL. From now on, I'll stay away from the audios he narrated at least for historical romances. From the very beginning, I knew it was going to be a problem and I had a very hard time focusing on the story. I didn't like his voice and his accent or tone made me want to sleep through it.
In the dark with the Duke follows Lady Lila after an accident that left her with sequels. She's scared but wants to know how to protect herself if need be. So when she hears about a "savage gentleman", a street fighter, she goes and offers him a job. She wants to hire him but it doesn't really go as smoothly as she expected. This man is actually a noble who has been kidnapped when he was younger and after a while, he'll find out the truth about who he was.
I didn't feel the romance or the sparks between our main characters which left me disappointed. I might try another book by this author someday but this one just didn't do it for me.
(Thank you for letting me read and review an arc via Netgalley)
In the dark with the Duke follows Lady Lila after an accident that left her with sequels. She's scared but wants to know how to protect herself if need be. So when she hears about a "savage gentleman", a street fighter, she goes and offers him a job. She wants to hire him but it doesn't really go as smoothly as she expected. This man is actually a noble who has been kidnapped when he was younger and after a while, he'll find out the truth about who he was.
I didn't feel the romance or the sparks between our main characters which left me disappointed. I might try another book by this author someday but this one just didn't do it for me.
(Thank you for letting me read and review an arc via Netgalley)
June 9, 2020
4.5 stars.
Hugh and Lila were two engaging characters. They had both suffered a traumatic experience, although Hugh had experienced many such occasions, and were trying to deal with it in their own way, so that they could move on with their lives. As they got to know each other, so their feelings for each other deepened. However, they both have secrets and when discovered could have an affect on their relationship. This is not a lighthearted romance but it will have you gripped until the end, when several discoveries are made. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Hugh and Lila were two engaging characters. They had both suffered a traumatic experience, although Hugh had experienced many such occasions, and were trying to deal with it in their own way, so that they could move on with their lives. As they got to know each other, so their feelings for each other deepened. However, they both have secrets and when discovered could have an affect on their relationship. This is not a lighthearted romance but it will have you gripped until the end, when several discoveries are made. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 11, 2020
In the Dark with the Duke
Lost Lords of London Series #2
Christi Caldwell
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorChrist...
Release date 06/09/2020
Publisher Montlake
Blurb :
Eight years ago, Lady Lila March retreated to the safe shadows of her family’s estate after a devastating tragedy. Weary of being a whisper of her former self, she is determined to brave the dangers of the outside world again. No man is better equipped to train her in the art of defense than the Savage Gentleman, East London’s undefeated street fighter.
Hugh Savage reigns as king—of the underworld. Physically invulnerable, emotionally battered, he has his reasons for bare-knuckle brawling. Though Hugh longs to break free of the ring and leave behind the brutal world of violence, he’s intrigued by the challenge Lady Lila poses. A mysterious lady of the peerage willfully descending into the dangerous rookeries? That bespeaks a woman with secrets of her own.
As their unconventional pact progresses, Hugh comes to admire the resolve in Lila’s heart. And beneath his hard surface, she sees a tenderness that touches her to the quick. They’ll soon discover how much they need each other—to face their pasts together, and to fight for a future they deserve.
My review :
Will learning to fight be enough to face her fear and free her to love finally, when he only wants to let all kind of violence behind ...
She did it again, Mrs Christi Caldwell once more unsettled me, when I thought she had explored most of the darkest places in her characters life, she finds a secret passageway to add more evil layers to her already ugly dark world.
How a sad and painful life Hugh has lived, his whole life he has only been used for the coins he would yield or the death he would cause. He is victim living in the heinous ness of his deeds. Actions commandeered by others. Using his guilt, anger or fears to bring him to heel, he survived the sins of others, but it left him bereft of hope, lost to any other thought than living one day after another, an empty shell, wary of other’s demands.
My heart bled for him and the horror he overcame, and each time it looked like he had finally found his place, he was robbed of it, online to begin back at the beginning again, begging for some scraps of food. He had been trampled by life, over and over, and still he stands up, but the more harshness he gets over, the more he bends his head, all hope lost of a better future. He is no king in his kingdom, only a hurt boy doing what he had to to live one more day.
Until a flittermouse stumbles in his life, and shows him he can ask for more and deserves it.
Lila is a survivor too, of a different nature, she was left scarred and scared after one day of I dulled liberty. Since she lives in the shadow of her own self. But now she wants be able to protect those close to her, thus her need to retrieve the part of herself she has lost so many years ago.
When she lived estranged from her own world, she became in the eyes of those around a fragile thing, afraid of her shadow, too hurt to face strangers gaze.
While with Hugh, he does not see a wounded creature but a strong woman who wants to be able to take her destiny in hand.
Their tale is one of missed rendezvous, she hides who she is, he conceals what he did too. Both very private about why they stand as they are now. Yet, through their griefs, they are also able to recognize a kindred spirit. Then, before names are exchanged, they feel a connection, something much deeper than classic insta-lust, she sees the man with profond scars and wounds still not healed, he gives her the strength to face her nightmares.
So when identities are revealed, past anger time, will this soul-connection be enough for them to stand for the other.
Mrs Caldwell one more time has shaken my certitudes, Hugh despite his strength and talent is so destroyed in the inside and lost, he will do anything for those who threw him some scraps, refusing to see what lies really behind their “kindness”, when Lila after years of being just the shadow of herself, can’t stand it anymore, decided to regroup herself to become a new version of her past self, more aware of the outside world and its dangers. While Lila lacks in physical force, it is her inner strength that will save Hugh and her own will to change the course of her life.
5 stars for this poignant tale of two survivors finding their way to one another.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Montlake, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Lost Lords of London Series #2
Christi Caldwell
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorChrist...
Release date 06/09/2020
Publisher Montlake
Blurb :
Eight years ago, Lady Lila March retreated to the safe shadows of her family’s estate after a devastating tragedy. Weary of being a whisper of her former self, she is determined to brave the dangers of the outside world again. No man is better equipped to train her in the art of defense than the Savage Gentleman, East London’s undefeated street fighter.
Hugh Savage reigns as king—of the underworld. Physically invulnerable, emotionally battered, he has his reasons for bare-knuckle brawling. Though Hugh longs to break free of the ring and leave behind the brutal world of violence, he’s intrigued by the challenge Lady Lila poses. A mysterious lady of the peerage willfully descending into the dangerous rookeries? That bespeaks a woman with secrets of her own.
As their unconventional pact progresses, Hugh comes to admire the resolve in Lila’s heart. And beneath his hard surface, she sees a tenderness that touches her to the quick. They’ll soon discover how much they need each other—to face their pasts together, and to fight for a future they deserve.
My review :
Will learning to fight be enough to face her fear and free her to love finally, when he only wants to let all kind of violence behind ...
She did it again, Mrs Christi Caldwell once more unsettled me, when I thought she had explored most of the darkest places in her characters life, she finds a secret passageway to add more evil layers to her already ugly dark world.
How a sad and painful life Hugh has lived, his whole life he has only been used for the coins he would yield or the death he would cause. He is victim living in the heinous ness of his deeds. Actions commandeered by others. Using his guilt, anger or fears to bring him to heel, he survived the sins of others, but it left him bereft of hope, lost to any other thought than living one day after another, an empty shell, wary of other’s demands.
My heart bled for him and the horror he overcame, and each time it looked like he had finally found his place, he was robbed of it, online to begin back at the beginning again, begging for some scraps of food. He had been trampled by life, over and over, and still he stands up, but the more harshness he gets over, the more he bends his head, all hope lost of a better future. He is no king in his kingdom, only a hurt boy doing what he had to to live one more day.
Until a flittermouse stumbles in his life, and shows him he can ask for more and deserves it.
Lila is a survivor too, of a different nature, she was left scarred and scared after one day of I dulled liberty. Since she lives in the shadow of her own self. But now she wants be able to protect those close to her, thus her need to retrieve the part of herself she has lost so many years ago.
When she lived estranged from her own world, she became in the eyes of those around a fragile thing, afraid of her shadow, too hurt to face strangers gaze.
While with Hugh, he does not see a wounded creature but a strong woman who wants to be able to take her destiny in hand.
Their tale is one of missed rendezvous, she hides who she is, he conceals what he did too. Both very private about why they stand as they are now. Yet, through their griefs, they are also able to recognize a kindred spirit. Then, before names are exchanged, they feel a connection, something much deeper than classic insta-lust, she sees the man with profond scars and wounds still not healed, he gives her the strength to face her nightmares.
So when identities are revealed, past anger time, will this soul-connection be enough for them to stand for the other.
Mrs Caldwell one more time has shaken my certitudes, Hugh despite his strength and talent is so destroyed in the inside and lost, he will do anything for those who threw him some scraps, refusing to see what lies really behind their “kindness”, when Lila after years of being just the shadow of herself, can’t stand it anymore, decided to regroup herself to become a new version of her past self, more aware of the outside world and its dangers. While Lila lacks in physical force, it is her inner strength that will save Hugh and her own will to change the course of her life.
5 stars for this poignant tale of two survivors finding their way to one another.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Montlake, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
June 14, 2020
This is book 2 of the latest Lost Lords series and is totally fine read as a stand alone novel.
Lila has a tragedy in her past that has kept her from society. She is content to just stay home, even though her family around her and some of her friends are moving on. After 8 years, she thinks she is ready to venture out again because she's found a way to keep herself safe. She only needs the cooperation of The Savage Gentleman.
Hugh Savage is considered a legend in the underworld of London. He has never – ever – lost a fight in all of his bare knuckle matches. He is wrapped up in the ring even though he wants to leave. While not an owner, he owes debts to others that keep him chained. The newspapers have dubbed him The Savage Gentleman and he soon finds himself cornered by Lila, who wants lessons.
I think you should give this book a try if you are interested in
-an bit of an anti-hero – he mostly grew up on the streets and is a legendary fighter in the London underworld
-a slow burn
-an ex-soldier hero
-a scarred heroine
-a bit of real history mixed in – this book touches on the massacre at Peterloo
So, I have really been struggling with writing this review. There were things I liked about this book. There were things I didn't like about this book. But it didn't leave me overall with any strong feelings about, well, anything, so perhaps that's why. This story has a lot to love in it. Two broken characters that are perfect for each other. I'm sure the story will be an emotionally gripping read for many. For me, I think the beginning just irritated me so bad it couldn't recover. The beginning is SO SLOW. I had to force myself to read that first 30%. It tries to establish a bit of what's going on with each character, their pain and past, their demons they face. And it was better done with Hugh I think. I was able to get a bit of connection with him and character depth regarding his life. But something with Lila, there was just, I don't know this “mystery” created around her that started to drive me nuts. I get I'm not supposed to know all the secrets until the end of the book (most likely) but this was just circles and circles and circles of her not being able to do anything but she must. Why must she? Who knows. It's so important. Why is it so important? Well she just must. She can't go on like this. It's been so long. But if she dares....Dare she? I mean I know that makes NO SENSE but that's basically what I felt like I was reading page after page in the beginning. It would almost give you a hint about her past then it would go in another circle about why she couldn't. Basically it took her 30% of the book to ask Hugh to teach her to fight. I thought it was absurd and I was beyond ready for anything else to happen.
At that point, the book does pick up. I think this is one of the only books I can say I enjoyed the second half way more than the first. Once they are together I enjoyed their banter and interactions together. But some things still didn't connect with me. I thought some of Lila's actions just didn't make sense. And her big plan that forms later in the book just seemed totally out of the blue to me. Perhaps if instead during that first 30% my head was twirling in circles reading the same thing over and over it would have said something about the possibility of this plan forming I would have been more accepting of it. And because it creates a large rift between the characters it was a big deal to me that it was out of the blue and a bit out of character for her. There were a few things about Hugh's past too that were confusing and I kept waiting to get cleared up but they never did. I'm unsure if a later book in the series will end up addressing some of these questions regarding the lost lords? I also felt like the ending didn't really pull it together enough. I don't want to get into spoilers about specifics. But I was just left feeling lackluster about it all.
I will say kudos to the author for touching on the massacre at Peterloo. I had no idea that ever happened and it sent me down a bit of historical research that was fascinating and heartbreaking.
I did read the first book in this series and liked it a lot more. This is my second Christi Caldwell. I will definitely try her again even though this one wasn't my favorite.
I give 2.5 rounded to 3
Thanks netgalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions regarding this novel are my own.
Lila has a tragedy in her past that has kept her from society. She is content to just stay home, even though her family around her and some of her friends are moving on. After 8 years, she thinks she is ready to venture out again because she's found a way to keep herself safe. She only needs the cooperation of The Savage Gentleman.
Hugh Savage is considered a legend in the underworld of London. He has never – ever – lost a fight in all of his bare knuckle matches. He is wrapped up in the ring even though he wants to leave. While not an owner, he owes debts to others that keep him chained. The newspapers have dubbed him The Savage Gentleman and he soon finds himself cornered by Lila, who wants lessons.
I think you should give this book a try if you are interested in
-an bit of an anti-hero – he mostly grew up on the streets and is a legendary fighter in the London underworld
-a slow burn
-an ex-soldier hero
-a scarred heroine
-a bit of real history mixed in – this book touches on the massacre at Peterloo
So, I have really been struggling with writing this review. There were things I liked about this book. There were things I didn't like about this book. But it didn't leave me overall with any strong feelings about, well, anything, so perhaps that's why. This story has a lot to love in it. Two broken characters that are perfect for each other. I'm sure the story will be an emotionally gripping read for many. For me, I think the beginning just irritated me so bad it couldn't recover. The beginning is SO SLOW. I had to force myself to read that first 30%. It tries to establish a bit of what's going on with each character, their pain and past, their demons they face. And it was better done with Hugh I think. I was able to get a bit of connection with him and character depth regarding his life. But something with Lila, there was just, I don't know this “mystery” created around her that started to drive me nuts. I get I'm not supposed to know all the secrets until the end of the book (most likely) but this was just circles and circles and circles of her not being able to do anything but she must. Why must she? Who knows. It's so important. Why is it so important? Well she just must. She can't go on like this. It's been so long. But if she dares....Dare she? I mean I know that makes NO SENSE but that's basically what I felt like I was reading page after page in the beginning. It would almost give you a hint about her past then it would go in another circle about why she couldn't. Basically it took her 30% of the book to ask Hugh to teach her to fight. I thought it was absurd and I was beyond ready for anything else to happen.
At that point, the book does pick up. I think this is one of the only books I can say I enjoyed the second half way more than the first. Once they are together I enjoyed their banter and interactions together. But some things still didn't connect with me. I thought some of Lila's actions just didn't make sense. And her big plan that forms later in the book just seemed totally out of the blue to me. Perhaps if instead during that first 30% my head was twirling in circles reading the same thing over and over it would have said something about the possibility of this plan forming I would have been more accepting of it. And because it creates a large rift between the characters it was a big deal to me that it was out of the blue and a bit out of character for her. There were a few things about Hugh's past too that were confusing and I kept waiting to get cleared up but they never did. I'm unsure if a later book in the series will end up addressing some of these questions regarding the lost lords? I also felt like the ending didn't really pull it together enough. I don't want to get into spoilers about specifics. But I was just left feeling lackluster about it all.
I will say kudos to the author for touching on the massacre at Peterloo. I had no idea that ever happened and it sent me down a bit of historical research that was fascinating and heartbreaking.
I did read the first book in this series and liked it a lot more. This is my second Christi Caldwell. I will definitely try her again even though this one wasn't my favorite.
I give 2.5 rounded to 3
Thanks netgalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions regarding this novel are my own.
May 12, 2020
Wow, what a story! Christi Caldwell never ceases to amaze me with her stories and this one will be known as one of my favourites. It's not a light, airy romance, this is more of a dark, nitty gritty kind of story but it's so well written and you'll be in love with both the hero and heroine before you can blink.
If you love a hero with a tortured soul, you've come to the right book! My heart ached for Hugh, for the childhood that was stolen from him, for the fighting that he hated and for the lack of any kind of love in his life. As for the heroine, Lila, she has been a recluse for almost 10 years, not being able to go out during the day when so many people are around due to a tragedy that changed her life.
When Lila decides she wants to try to overcome her demons, she sets her sights on a man who has never lost a bare-knuckle fight, Hugh, and demands that he teach her how to protect herself. Hugh has demons of his own to fight and wants nothing to do with Lila but he soon learns that she does not take "no" for an answer!!
Two broken souls who help each other heal turns into a beautiful love story.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
If you love a hero with a tortured soul, you've come to the right book! My heart ached for Hugh, for the childhood that was stolen from him, for the fighting that he hated and for the lack of any kind of love in his life. As for the heroine, Lila, she has been a recluse for almost 10 years, not being able to go out during the day when so many people are around due to a tragedy that changed her life.
When Lila decides she wants to try to overcome her demons, she sets her sights on a man who has never lost a bare-knuckle fight, Hugh, and demands that he teach her how to protect herself. Hugh has demons of his own to fight and wants nothing to do with Lila but he soon learns that she does not take "no" for an answer!!
Two broken souls who help each other heal turns into a beautiful love story.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Read
June 15, 2020(I review as I read!)
For some reason the prologue of this novel reminds me of “The Wild One”. I liked the hero from the jump and for some reason, picturing him as the person on the cover endeared him to me. I didn’t really like Lila on first introduction. Was skeptical about her paranoid nature.
Ugh, just remembered why I barely read British historical romance. Too wordy.
“Tell me something no one knows about you.” I think every guy on earth says these words when they start falling in love. Cute how Hugh didn’t know it then.
For some reason I couldn’t really relate to Hugh’s past. I understood that it was terrible. But maybe it was because it was all his character thought and spoke about -over and again. He’s saying this to Lila and asking himself, “why am I sharing this” yet he doesn’t stop. If he’s not saying it, he’s thinking it. It was almost all the plot revolves around...
I think it’s a good read for people who enjoy English historical romance though.
For some reason the prologue of this novel reminds me of “The Wild One”. I liked the hero from the jump and for some reason, picturing him as the person on the cover endeared him to me. I didn’t really like Lila on first introduction. Was skeptical about her paranoid nature.
Ugh, just remembered why I barely read British historical romance. Too wordy.
“Tell me something no one knows about you.” I think every guy on earth says these words when they start falling in love. Cute how Hugh didn’t know it then.
For some reason I couldn’t really relate to Hugh’s past. I understood that it was terrible. But maybe it was because it was all his character thought and spoke about -over and again. He’s saying this to Lila and asking himself, “why am I sharing this” yet he doesn’t stop. If he’s not saying it, he’s thinking it. It was almost all the plot revolves around...
I think it’s a good read for people who enjoy English historical romance though.
June 13, 2020
Lila and Hugh
What an unconventional love story!
We know Lila March as the reclusive younger sister of the starchy Earl of Waterson, Henry March. A traumatic experience at Peterloo as rendered her scarred an unfit for Polite Society at a young age. Her family appears to have simply bundled her up and left her to her own devices for years. She’s been a veritable shadow for many years. Damaged beyond repair many would say. Who does damage repair better than Christi Caldwell?
Hugh Savage, our unknowing titular duke, has known nothing but the dog eat dog world of St. Giles. He is known far and wide for his brutal bare knuckle boxing style accompanied by genteel speech patterns, the Savage Gentleman. When these two tortured souls meet at Lila’s insistence sparks inevitably fly.
Through technical lessons on the sweet science these two become bonded for life.
What an unconventional love story!
We know Lila March as the reclusive younger sister of the starchy Earl of Waterson, Henry March. A traumatic experience at Peterloo as rendered her scarred an unfit for Polite Society at a young age. Her family appears to have simply bundled her up and left her to her own devices for years. She’s been a veritable shadow for many years. Damaged beyond repair many would say. Who does damage repair better than Christi Caldwell?
Hugh Savage, our unknowing titular duke, has known nothing but the dog eat dog world of St. Giles. He is known far and wide for his brutal bare knuckle boxing style accompanied by genteel speech patterns, the Savage Gentleman. When these two tortured souls meet at Lila’s insistence sparks inevitably fly.
Through technical lessons on the sweet science these two become bonded for life.
August 9, 2020
4.5 stars
I loved it for so many reasons and it reminds me of my favourite historical romance of all times
It’s not your usual historical romance story and maybe because the hero is not a pompous high ranked society peer was even better for me.
The characters and interaction are perfectly designed and you can feel the chemistry and that flicker of hope and love coming their way soon enough.
If you’re in a mood for a great historical romance pick up this book and you won’t regret it.
I loved it for so many reasons and it reminds me of my favourite historical romance of all times
It’s not your usual historical romance story and maybe because the hero is not a pompous high ranked society peer was even better for me.
The characters and interaction are perfectly designed and you can feel the chemistry and that flicker of hope and love coming their way soon enough.
If you’re in a mood for a great historical romance pick up this book and you won’t regret it.
May 27, 2020
In the Dark with the Duke
Lost Lords of London Series #2
Christi Caldwell
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorChrist...
Release date 06/09/2020
Publisher Montlake
Blurb :
Eight years ago, Lady Lila March retreated to the safe shadows of her family’s estate after a devastating tragedy. Weary of being a whisper of her former self, she is determined to brave the dangers of the outside world again. No man is better equipped to train her in the art of defense than the Savage Gentleman, East London’s undefeated street fighter.
Hugh Savage reigns as king—of the underworld. Physically invulnerable, emotionally battered, he has his reasons for bare-knuckle brawling. Though Hugh longs to break free of the ring and leave behind the brutal world of violence, he’s intrigued by the challenge Lady Lila poses. A mysterious lady of the peerage willfully descending into the dangerous rookeries? That bespeaks a woman with secrets of her own.
As their unconventional pact progresses, Hugh comes to admire the resolve in Lila’s heart. And beneath his hard surface, she sees a tenderness that touches her to the quick. They’ll soon discover how much they need each other—to face their pasts together, and to fight for a future they deserve.
My review :
Will learning to fight be enough to face her fear and free her to love finally, when he only wants to let all kind of violence behind ...
She did it again, Mrs Christi Caldwell once more unsettled me, when I thought she had explored most of the darkest places in her characters life, she finds a secret passageway to add more evil layers to her already ugly dark world.
How a sad and painful life Hugh has lived, his whole life he has only been used for the coins he would yield or the death he would cause. He is victim living in the heinous ness of his deeds. Actions commandeered by others. Using his guilt, anger or fears to bring him to heel, he survived the sins of others, but it left him bereft of hope, lost to any other thought than living one day after another, an empty shell, wary of other’s demands.
My heart bled for him and the horror he overcame, and each time it looked like he had finally found his place, he was robbed of it, online to begin back at the beginning again, begging for some scraps of food. He had been trampled by life, over and over, and still he stands up, but the more harshness he gets over, the more he bends his head, all hope lost of a better future. He is no king in his kingdom, only a hurt boy doing what he had to to live one more day.
Until a flittermouse stumbles in his life, and shows him he can ask for more and deserves it.
Lila is a survivor too, of a different nature, she was left scarred and scared after one day of I dulled liberty. Since she lives in the shadow of her own self. But now she wants be able to protect those close to her, thus her need to retrieve the part of herself she has lost so many years ago.
When she lived estranged from her own world, she became in the eyes of those around a fragile thing, afraid of her shadow, too hurt to face strangers gaze.
While with Hugh, he does not see a wounded creature but a strong woman who wants to be able to take her destiny in hand.
Their tale is one of missed rendezvous, she hides who she is, he conceals what he did too. Both very private about why they stand as they are now. Yet, through their griefs, they are also able to recognize a kindred spirit. Then, before names are exchanged, they feel a connection, something much deeper than classic insta-lust, she sees the man with profond scars and wounds still not healed, he gives her the strength to face her nightmares.
So when identities are revealed, past anger time, will this soul-connection be enough for them to stand for the other.
Mrs Caldwell one more time has shaken my certitudes, Hugh despite his strength and talent is so destroyed in the inside and lost, he will do anything for those who threw him some scraps, refusing to see what lies really behind their “kindness”, when Lila after years of being just the shadow of herself, can’t stand it anymore, decided to regroup herself to become a new version of her past self, more aware of the outside world and its dangers. While Lila lacks in physical force, it is her inner strength that will save Hugh and her own will to change the course of her life.
5 stars for this poignant tale of two survivors finding their way to one another.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Montlake, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Lost Lords of London Series #2
Christi Caldwell
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorChrist...
Release date 06/09/2020
Publisher Montlake
Blurb :
Eight years ago, Lady Lila March retreated to the safe shadows of her family’s estate after a devastating tragedy. Weary of being a whisper of her former self, she is determined to brave the dangers of the outside world again. No man is better equipped to train her in the art of defense than the Savage Gentleman, East London’s undefeated street fighter.
Hugh Savage reigns as king—of the underworld. Physically invulnerable, emotionally battered, he has his reasons for bare-knuckle brawling. Though Hugh longs to break free of the ring and leave behind the brutal world of violence, he’s intrigued by the challenge Lady Lila poses. A mysterious lady of the peerage willfully descending into the dangerous rookeries? That bespeaks a woman with secrets of her own.
As their unconventional pact progresses, Hugh comes to admire the resolve in Lila’s heart. And beneath his hard surface, she sees a tenderness that touches her to the quick. They’ll soon discover how much they need each other—to face their pasts together, and to fight for a future they deserve.
My review :
Will learning to fight be enough to face her fear and free her to love finally, when he only wants to let all kind of violence behind ...
She did it again, Mrs Christi Caldwell once more unsettled me, when I thought she had explored most of the darkest places in her characters life, she finds a secret passageway to add more evil layers to her already ugly dark world.
How a sad and painful life Hugh has lived, his whole life he has only been used for the coins he would yield or the death he would cause. He is victim living in the heinous ness of his deeds. Actions commandeered by others. Using his guilt, anger or fears to bring him to heel, he survived the sins of others, but it left him bereft of hope, lost to any other thought than living one day after another, an empty shell, wary of other’s demands.
My heart bled for him and the horror he overcame, and each time it looked like he had finally found his place, he was robbed of it, online to begin back at the beginning again, begging for some scraps of food. He had been trampled by life, over and over, and still he stands up, but the more harshness he gets over, the more he bends his head, all hope lost of a better future. He is no king in his kingdom, only a hurt boy doing what he had to to live one more day.
Until a flittermouse stumbles in his life, and shows him he can ask for more and deserves it.
Lila is a survivor too, of a different nature, she was left scarred and scared after one day of I dulled liberty. Since she lives in the shadow of her own self. But now she wants be able to protect those close to her, thus her need to retrieve the part of herself she has lost so many years ago.
When she lived estranged from her own world, she became in the eyes of those around a fragile thing, afraid of her shadow, too hurt to face strangers gaze.
While with Hugh, he does not see a wounded creature but a strong woman who wants to be able to take her destiny in hand.
Their tale is one of missed rendezvous, she hides who she is, he conceals what he did too. Both very private about why they stand as they are now. Yet, through their griefs, they are also able to recognize a kindred spirit. Then, before names are exchanged, they feel a connection, something much deeper than classic insta-lust, she sees the man with profond scars and wounds still not healed, he gives her the strength to face her nightmares.
So when identities are revealed, past anger time, will this soul-connection be enough for them to stand for the other.
Mrs Caldwell one more time has shaken my certitudes, Hugh despite his strength and talent is so destroyed in the inside and lost, he will do anything for those who threw him some scraps, refusing to see what lies really behind their “kindness”, when Lila after years of being just the shadow of herself, can’t stand it anymore, decided to regroup herself to become a new version of her past self, more aware of the outside world and its dangers. While Lila lacks in physical force, it is her inner strength that will save Hugh and her own will to change the course of her life.
5 stars for this poignant tale of two survivors finding their way to one another.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Montlake, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
June 12, 2020
I didn't too much care for the boxing part of the story.
Plus Lily and Hugh didn't have that spark to me.
There was no connection that I seen.
Both had horrible secret pasts but the love for each other I didn't see.
Plus Lily and Hugh didn't have that spark to me.
There was no connection that I seen.
Both had horrible secret pasts but the love for each other I didn't see.
June 9, 2020
In the Dark with the Duke by Christi Caldwell
Lost Lords of London #2
After years of being a recluse, the idea of being unable to protect herself and those she loves leads Lady Lila March to seek out Hugh Savage for instruction in self-defense. He is less than excited about the idea, but Lila is tenacious and persists till she succeeds in wearing him down. And thus, begins a dance the two will continue throughout the story. Hugh has battle scars from fighting for his life on the streets, in the children’s bare-knuckle boxing ring and later as a soldier while Lila has scars from a horrible day that changed her life significantly. Whether or not the two can find a way to overcome their issues and forge a future together is what this book is about.
What I liked:
* Hugh – a big man in body and spirit – a gentle giant with a lethal punch…and the perfect man for Lila.
* Lila – a woman who is ready to leave her life as a recluse, become stronger and reach out for what she wants – she is perfect for Hugh
* The plot and writing AND that it had me looking up female pugilists and finding they existed in the timeframe of this story.
* The look into life in the rookery and how grim it must have been.
* The back story of Hugh and his friends
* The mystery of what happened to Valerie
* Finding out who the bad guys were and what skullduggery they had been up to.
* Knowing that there is at least one more book in the series
What I did not like:
* Knowing that the men using children as they did in this book no doubt still use children in similar ways today
* That some of the characters in the book were so amoral
* Finishing the story and wondering what the future held in store for more than one character in the book.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
Lost Lords of London #2
After years of being a recluse, the idea of being unable to protect herself and those she loves leads Lady Lila March to seek out Hugh Savage for instruction in self-defense. He is less than excited about the idea, but Lila is tenacious and persists till she succeeds in wearing him down. And thus, begins a dance the two will continue throughout the story. Hugh has battle scars from fighting for his life on the streets, in the children’s bare-knuckle boxing ring and later as a soldier while Lila has scars from a horrible day that changed her life significantly. Whether or not the two can find a way to overcome their issues and forge a future together is what this book is about.
What I liked:
* Hugh – a big man in body and spirit – a gentle giant with a lethal punch…and the perfect man for Lila.
* Lila – a woman who is ready to leave her life as a recluse, become stronger and reach out for what she wants – she is perfect for Hugh
* The plot and writing AND that it had me looking up female pugilists and finding they existed in the timeframe of this story.
* The look into life in the rookery and how grim it must have been.
* The back story of Hugh and his friends
* The mystery of what happened to Valerie
* Finding out who the bad guys were and what skullduggery they had been up to.
* Knowing that there is at least one more book in the series
What I did not like:
* Knowing that the men using children as they did in this book no doubt still use children in similar ways today
* That some of the characters in the book were so amoral
* Finishing the story and wondering what the future held in store for more than one character in the book.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
May 28, 2020
There is nothing I love more than a broken hero and Christi Caldwell’s heroes from the Lost Lords series have master being broken down to an art form!
These fated mates, Lady Lia and Hugh Savage were destined for each other! I loved how their pasts experiences mirrored, allowing them to finally be the person to make the other person whole again.
Brooding hero Hugh has fought for survival, fought for his freedom, fought for king and country and now he fights for his living. He may be unbeatable but he no longer wants to fight.
In steps reclusive Lady Lila who has been hiding from society for years and needs Hugh’s help to learn how to fight back in order to face her fears and go out in society again.
The chemistry between these two is electric, especially
juxtaposed with the differing ambitions and social stations of both Lila and Hugh.
I could not put this book down! I had wondered how you could create a series based on the return of lost lords and continue to make it plausible and captivating. Christi has definitely succeeded in captivating me! I am now anxiously awaiting to see where the next lost lord will pop up!
In the Dark with the Duke by Christi Caldwell is scheduled to release June 9th, 2020.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Montlake Romance through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Blog: https://pinkcowlandreads.blogspot.com...
#IntheDarkwiththeDuke #ChristiCaldwell #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads
These fated mates, Lady Lia and Hugh Savage were destined for each other! I loved how their pasts experiences mirrored, allowing them to finally be the person to make the other person whole again.
Brooding hero Hugh has fought for survival, fought for his freedom, fought for king and country and now he fights for his living. He may be unbeatable but he no longer wants to fight.
In steps reclusive Lady Lila who has been hiding from society for years and needs Hugh’s help to learn how to fight back in order to face her fears and go out in society again.
The chemistry between these two is electric, especially
juxtaposed with the differing ambitions and social stations of both Lila and Hugh.
I could not put this book down! I had wondered how you could create a series based on the return of lost lords and continue to make it plausible and captivating. Christi has definitely succeeded in captivating me! I am now anxiously awaiting to see where the next lost lord will pop up!
In the Dark with the Duke by Christi Caldwell is scheduled to release June 9th, 2020.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Montlake Romance through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Blog: https://pinkcowlandreads.blogspot.com...
#IntheDarkwiththeDuke #ChristiCaldwell #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads
May 20, 2020
Oh I do love the way Christi Caldwell brings characters to such vibrant life that they jump off the page right into your heart. Lila has suffered a devastating trauma and Hugh's life is no different. She needs to feel she can help to protect her loved ones from the savages she knows exist in the world. Hugh thinks of himself as one of those savages. We long for each of them to be healed and to learn to live free and love. Somehow Ms. Caldwell makes this magic happen and we once again have a beautifully wrought Regency Romance.
My only negative is that I thought making Hugh the Lost Lord was done quickly and not enough paid attention to his transition. This in no way made the book less readable.
I received this book free for review from the publisher.
http://ladeetdareads.wordpress.com
My only negative is that I thought making Hugh the Lost Lord was done quickly and not enough paid attention to his transition. This in no way made the book less readable.
I received this book free for review from the publisher.
http://ladeetdareads.wordpress.com
August 13, 2020
I did not really "feel" this book, but I will not be deducting any stars for that. I should not have read it since I was not in the mood for it, so that is not the authors fault.
I liked the plot a lot because I am a sucker for tortured souls- and both MC’s are haunted and suffer from PTSD. I did deduct a star because it felt a little disjointed. We were in the MC’s heads a lot and it just seemed that is was lacking something. This book verges on the darker side, no complaints there because that is my favorite. However, do not jump into this book expecting fluff. While there are some cute moments, it is gritter and darker than most historical romance reads.
I liked the plot a lot because I am a sucker for tortured souls- and both MC’s are haunted and suffer from PTSD. I did deduct a star because it felt a little disjointed. We were in the MC’s heads a lot and it just seemed that is was lacking something. This book verges on the darker side, no complaints there because that is my favorite. However, do not jump into this book expecting fluff. While there are some cute moments, it is gritter and darker than most historical romance reads.
July 12, 2020
I got tired of reading about the hero go on and on and on and onnn about his past, geez
September 18, 2020
Loved everything about this thrilling story. I found it rather exciting to read. Loved it! 5☆
June 10, 2020
London 1828
Tales of stolen children and murdered families... the Lost Lords
Lady Lila March had hidden herself away for nine years. Fear, evil, danger lurked outside. She had experienced it. But with the almost kidnapping of her nephew, she decided it was time to reenter the world, but she would be prepared. That is when she saw the article about the "Savage Gentleman" , Hugh Savage, part of a fight club and had never been defeated. Her plan formed.
Hugh Savage. A devastating childhood.. No he had never had the opportunity to truly be a child and know the simple things... He had survived.. But at what cost? The tortured hero that pulled at my heart.
When these two met Hugh recognized the look in her eyes. She wanted him to teach her to fight.
An intense story with the scarred hero and heroine that Christi is a master at writing. My very favorite troupe and she owns it! There is no one better at bringing the harshness of the times out and having her characters maneuver themselves to redemption.. But it is a long journey but one that will bring light in the end. Brilliant.
Tales of stolen children and murdered families... the Lost Lords
Lady Lila March had hidden herself away for nine years. Fear, evil, danger lurked outside. She had experienced it. But with the almost kidnapping of her nephew, she decided it was time to reenter the world, but she would be prepared. That is when she saw the article about the "Savage Gentleman" , Hugh Savage, part of a fight club and had never been defeated. Her plan formed.
Hugh Savage. A devastating childhood.. No he had never had the opportunity to truly be a child and know the simple things... He had survived.. But at what cost? The tortured hero that pulled at my heart.
When these two met Hugh recognized the look in her eyes. She wanted him to teach her to fight.
An intense story with the scarred hero and heroine that Christi is a master at writing. My very favorite troupe and she owns it! There is no one better at bringing the harshness of the times out and having her characters maneuver themselves to redemption.. But it is a long journey but one that will bring light in the end. Brilliant.
March 30, 2021
Meh; boring; weak hero
Can’t put my finger on precisely why this book fizzled flat for me—the premise was great and should’ve been filled with passion and heart-wrenching intensity. Instead it was just tedious and plodding and boring AF. The hero was beta as a guppy and the heroine, who was supposedly this meek and timid woman, a recluse who could barely look at a man, is striding around town, arguing with bare knuckle fighters, and basically behaving completely uncharacteristic to what the author was “telling.” It was discordant and unappealing.
I also didn’t like how they slept together and then acted as if it didn’t mean anything. This isn’t set in the modern world, where women treat their bodies like a subway station for dudes to get on and off in, this was set in regency England where having sex and giving ones body to a man MEANT SOMETHING and they just brush it off as if it’s no big deal and they’re in the modern age, as if it were just another meaningless exchange of bodily fluids.
Then there was the fact that the hero, who has been tormented for his entire life, for the acts of violence he has committed to survive, isn’t given a chance to use those skills to protect the woman he loves, to find redemption and to realize they can be used for good. Instead the heroine isn’t strong enough to let her man feel useful and needed and HEROIC, something a man NEEDs for his own self-respect and self-worth, but of course she has to be the one to save the day while he stands by like a castrated soy boy. Ughhhh. And if that wasn’t bad enough, the heroine proposes to the hero! And I was done. Just no. There was no swoon. No sense of exhilaration or connection or claiming or emotional intensity.
Can’t put my finger on precisely why this book fizzled flat for me—the premise was great and should’ve been filled with passion and heart-wrenching intensity. Instead it was just tedious and plodding and boring AF. The hero was beta as a guppy and the heroine, who was supposedly this meek and timid woman, a recluse who could barely look at a man, is striding around town, arguing with bare knuckle fighters, and basically behaving completely uncharacteristic to what the author was “telling.” It was discordant and unappealing.
I also didn’t like how they slept together and then acted as if it didn’t mean anything. This isn’t set in the modern world, where women treat their bodies like a subway station for dudes to get on and off in, this was set in regency England where having sex and giving ones body to a man MEANT SOMETHING and they just brush it off as if it’s no big deal and they’re in the modern age, as if it were just another meaningless exchange of bodily fluids.
Then there was the fact that the hero, who has been tormented for his entire life, for the acts of violence he has committed to survive, isn’t given a chance to use those skills to protect the woman he loves, to find redemption and to realize they can be used for good. Instead the heroine isn’t strong enough to let her man feel useful and needed and HEROIC, something a man NEEDs for his own self-respect and self-worth, but of course she has to be the one to save the day while he stands by like a castrated soy boy. Ughhhh. And if that wasn’t bad enough, the heroine proposes to the hero! And I was done. Just no. There was no swoon. No sense of exhilaration or connection or claiming or emotional intensity.
August 3, 2022
I LOVE THIS COUPLE! the first (i think) book i read by CC is the spitfire which was about lila's brother and right away i put this one on my list because I wanted to know her story. the ONLY COMPLAINT I HAVE IS WHY ARE HER ENDINGS SO ABRUPT?!?? wHY DONT WE GET AN EPILOGUE SKDJHFSKJ
November 13, 2020
In a hurry so you get the short version:
Fighter who does not want to fight
Heroine who DOES want to learn to fight
Both came across as unreal
Story was still very good but the "goal" was uninteresting, the secrets wore thin but the ending few chapters almost got it into the 4 Star rating for me but this book REALLY needed a epilogue since there were several threads that went unanswered and not for a new book just left the reader with more of a "fill in the blank" feeling. 3 Stars
Fighter who does not want to fight
Heroine who DOES want to learn to fight
Both came across as unreal
Story was still very good but the "goal" was uninteresting, the secrets wore thin but the ending few chapters almost got it into the 4 Star rating for me but this book REALLY needed a epilogue since there were several threads that went unanswered and not for a new book just left the reader with more of a "fill in the blank" feeling. 3 Stars
May 30, 2020
*** WARNING: spoilers ahead. You have been warned. ***
In the Dark with the Duke by Christi Caldwell is the second in her Lost Lords of London series. While its in a series, I found you didn’t need to have read the first book to enjoy this one. The theme of young lordlings being kidnapped was consistent, but you didn’t see the characters from the first book appear in this story (although there are characters from some of Christi’s other series and I adore this crossover as you get to revisit old friends).
Our heroine is Lila March, who is a recluse after being at Peterloo and being horribly injured physically, mentally, and emotionally. Hugh Savage is our hero who was sold into a fight club where young boys and girls fought, sometimes to the death, for the entertainment of the peerage. It is a dark subject, but Christi does a good job of enlightening her audience without the book drowning in dark subjects.
Lila is being asked to come back into Society by her family. While she has no desire to do so, she feels she must protect them as she sees monsters and darkness in every corner after her experience at Peterloo. She seeks out Hugh, the best street fighter out there, to give her self-defense lessons so she can venture back into Society to protect her family.
The attraction between the two simmers for a short period of time, but once Hugh learns Lila is a lady, he calls off their relationship (he rightfully so despises the nobility and cannot bring himself to separate Lila from the experiences of his youth). As it turns out, he is a long-lost Duke and upon being restored to his title, he calls upon Lila to help him exact revenge on those who used him as a young man. Of course, she helps him although their relationship is far from what it once was.
I greatly enjoyed the first installment of this series and the second did not disappoint. The story is complex, moves at a good pace and you can understand the character’s perspective, even if you do not agree with it. There was a fair amount of steam between the characters and felt believable, something Christi does well (nothing so over the top or unbelievable).
On a side note, I did not receive an epilogue in this book. I personally love epilogues as you get to see into the couple’s happily ever after and feel this would have added to the story in this case (perhaps seeing Lila’s self defense school take off or what became of their family life a few years down the road). It did not take away from the story, but I do love ending a book with a good epilogue and was disappointed one was not included after this lovely story.
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion; all opinions stated above are my own. I enjoyed this story, giving it 5-stars and would recommend it to a friend.
In the Dark with the Duke by Christi Caldwell is the second in her Lost Lords of London series. While its in a series, I found you didn’t need to have read the first book to enjoy this one. The theme of young lordlings being kidnapped was consistent, but you didn’t see the characters from the first book appear in this story (although there are characters from some of Christi’s other series and I adore this crossover as you get to revisit old friends).
Our heroine is Lila March, who is a recluse after being at Peterloo and being horribly injured physically, mentally, and emotionally. Hugh Savage is our hero who was sold into a fight club where young boys and girls fought, sometimes to the death, for the entertainment of the peerage. It is a dark subject, but Christi does a good job of enlightening her audience without the book drowning in dark subjects.
Lila is being asked to come back into Society by her family. While she has no desire to do so, she feels she must protect them as she sees monsters and darkness in every corner after her experience at Peterloo. She seeks out Hugh, the best street fighter out there, to give her self-defense lessons so she can venture back into Society to protect her family.
The attraction between the two simmers for a short period of time, but once Hugh learns Lila is a lady, he calls off their relationship (he rightfully so despises the nobility and cannot bring himself to separate Lila from the experiences of his youth). As it turns out, he is a long-lost Duke and upon being restored to his title, he calls upon Lila to help him exact revenge on those who used him as a young man. Of course, she helps him although their relationship is far from what it once was.
I greatly enjoyed the first installment of this series and the second did not disappoint. The story is complex, moves at a good pace and you can understand the character’s perspective, even if you do not agree with it. There was a fair amount of steam between the characters and felt believable, something Christi does well (nothing so over the top or unbelievable).
On a side note, I did not receive an epilogue in this book. I personally love epilogues as you get to see into the couple’s happily ever after and feel this would have added to the story in this case (perhaps seeing Lila’s self defense school take off or what became of their family life a few years down the road). It did not take away from the story, but I do love ending a book with a good epilogue and was disappointed one was not included after this lovely story.
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion; all opinions stated above are my own. I enjoyed this story, giving it 5-stars and would recommend it to a friend.
June 15, 2020
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
In the Dark with the Duke is the second book in the Lost Lords of London series and it can most definitely be read as a standalone. It does have a loose connection with The Spitfire from the Wicked Wallflowers series, but it still works as a standalone.
Lady Lila March is a survivor of the Peterloo massacre, a historical event I had no prior knowledge of. One thing that I love about Caldwell's books is that I always learn something new and this book motivated me to read up on the Peterloo massacre. After surviving that horrible event, Lila became a recluse with a strong fear of crowds. But when she suspects that her sister and baby nephew might be in danger, Lila is determined to stop living in the shadows and actually do something to protect her loved ones. After reading about Hugh Savage's bare knuckle fighting in the newspapers, she decides to find him and ask him to teach her self defense.
Hugh Savage has no recollection of his childhood, except for living on the streets and being exploited as a fighter from a young age. Now he is looking for the people who founded the original Fight Club that had victimized him and other innocent children. It took a while for the story to take off for me, but Lila and Hugh had great chemistry and I enjoyed their fighting lessons. I think my main issue with this book is the pacing. At times, it was very slow to the point where it felt that nothing significant was happening. I really like that the main characters, who at first being opposites, actually ended up having so many things linking them together. Lila did annoy me at a certain part, but she ends up realizing and acknowledging her privilege, which was superbly written.
The storyline about the mysterious founder of the original Fight Club was very well-written. I wanted to learn more about that particular villain. The threads all came together in a way that I hadn't seen coming. I do wonder what happened with Hugh's partners though...that's the only loose end.
3.5 stars
In the Dark with the Duke is the second book in the Lost Lords of London series and it can most definitely be read as a standalone. It does have a loose connection with The Spitfire from the Wicked Wallflowers series, but it still works as a standalone.
Lady Lila March is a survivor of the Peterloo massacre, a historical event I had no prior knowledge of. One thing that I love about Caldwell's books is that I always learn something new and this book motivated me to read up on the Peterloo massacre. After surviving that horrible event, Lila became a recluse with a strong fear of crowds. But when she suspects that her sister and baby nephew might be in danger, Lila is determined to stop living in the shadows and actually do something to protect her loved ones. After reading about Hugh Savage's bare knuckle fighting in the newspapers, she decides to find him and ask him to teach her self defense.
Hugh Savage has no recollection of his childhood, except for living on the streets and being exploited as a fighter from a young age. Now he is looking for the people who founded the original Fight Club that had victimized him and other innocent children. It took a while for the story to take off for me, but Lila and Hugh had great chemistry and I enjoyed their fighting lessons. I think my main issue with this book is the pacing. At times, it was very slow to the point where it felt that nothing significant was happening. I really like that the main characters, who at first being opposites, actually ended up having so many things linking them together. Lila did annoy me at a certain part, but she ends up realizing and acknowledging her privilege, which was superbly written.
The storyline about the mysterious founder of the original Fight Club was very well-written. I wanted to learn more about that particular villain. The threads all came together in a way that I hadn't seen coming. I do wonder what happened with Hugh's partners though...that's the only loose end.
June 4, 2020
Physical and emotional wounds from years ago have kept Hugh and Lila locked in their pasts, with little hope for a better future. Both eaten up with haunting memories that would give no escape. Lady Lila March can live with the fear and reclusiveness no longer. She has decided it’s time to form a plan and take responsibility for her own safety and that of her sister and nephew. Determined to make the acquaintance of Hugh Savage, the renowned bare-knuckled fighter, and convince him to train her in self defense, she boldly sets out alone for Savage’s Fight Society, located in the roughest part of East London. She will find him dead set against her request and not easily swayed. And so their story begins...
Christi Caldwell gives us yet another brilliant and heart wrenching tale of two flawed individuals, one fierce and full of anger, and one tenacious and capable of achieving the change she so desires. While butting heads, it doesn’t stop the immediate chemistry between the two, which is sizzling and spirited, even at times, warm and tender. There’s so much to overcome before lessons are learned and healing can begin, and as training continues and their relationship builds, secrets and surprises emerge and threaten success. Never a dull moment with this amazing love story, a page turner from beginning to end. And yes, have the tissues handy, and be prepared to be captivated by some totally lovable characters.
I received an arc for my honest opinion, as well as purchasing for my kindle library. If you enjoy a great romance with a shock of emotion, this should be your next must read. 💛💕💖💛
Christi Caldwell gives us yet another brilliant and heart wrenching tale of two flawed individuals, one fierce and full of anger, and one tenacious and capable of achieving the change she so desires. While butting heads, it doesn’t stop the immediate chemistry between the two, which is sizzling and spirited, even at times, warm and tender. There’s so much to overcome before lessons are learned and healing can begin, and as training continues and their relationship builds, secrets and surprises emerge and threaten success. Never a dull moment with this amazing love story, a page turner from beginning to end. And yes, have the tissues handy, and be prepared to be captivated by some totally lovable characters.
I received an arc for my honest opinion, as well as purchasing for my kindle library. If you enjoy a great romance with a shock of emotion, this should be your next must read. 💛💕💖💛
June 10, 2020
I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. In the Dark with the Duke by Christi Caldwell is the second book in her Lost Lords of London series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I enjoyed the first book and do recommend reading it too.
The premise of the series is that greedy relatives sold off young heirs to a Fagan like crime lord in order to claim the inheritance for themselves. Hugh Savage has no memory of his life before he became a fighter, was kept locked up and forced to fight in increasingly brutal matches with other children until it became a kill or be killed situation. Years later as an undefeated fighter he meets Lady Lila March when she comes to Savages Fight Society looking to learn how to defend herself in violent situations. Lila became a recluse after being caught up in the violence of Peterloo and she feels that learning how to defend herself will help her to reclaim her life. While seemingly opposites these two have much in common and I really enjoyed reading their stories and watching as they found their way to each other. Fairly high on the angst scale. Medium Steam. Publishing Date: June 9, 2020. #NetGalley #ChristiCaldwell #InTheDarkWithTheDuke #HistoricalRomance #MontlakePublishing #bookstagram
The premise of the series is that greedy relatives sold off young heirs to a Fagan like crime lord in order to claim the inheritance for themselves. Hugh Savage has no memory of his life before he became a fighter, was kept locked up and forced to fight in increasingly brutal matches with other children until it became a kill or be killed situation. Years later as an undefeated fighter he meets Lady Lila March when she comes to Savages Fight Society looking to learn how to defend herself in violent situations. Lila became a recluse after being caught up in the violence of Peterloo and she feels that learning how to defend herself will help her to reclaim her life. While seemingly opposites these two have much in common and I really enjoyed reading their stories and watching as they found their way to each other. Fairly high on the angst scale. Medium Steam. Publishing Date: June 9, 2020. #NetGalley #ChristiCaldwell #InTheDarkWithTheDuke #HistoricalRomance #MontlakePublishing #bookstagram
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