Young Percival Northrup was robbed of his birthright as a child. A greedy relative made him disappear into London's slums. He survived certain abuse and death by diving into a sewer....and found a protector that helped him to survive and thrive.
Verity Lovelace was born on the wrong side of the blanket and earned a living as a writer for The Londoner...until she didn't. She chased the story of the missing heir, but somehow another reporter in her office had her story. She was fired, but given the chance, a slim chance to keep her job....by finding the 'Lost Heir'.
Percy, living as Malcolm North, making a decent living 'recovering artifacts' from the sewers wants no part of his old life.
Ms. Caldwell's tale has greed, envy, evil, love, humor, romance and intrigue....and STEAM Her characters are lifelike, good and bad and some with bad choices.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC to peruse and offer my opinion freely.

What a lost heir to do once reinstituted to his right place when a woman is seeking out his secrets ...

Oh my !!!

It was a pages-turner read, why I could not read it previously, I needed a free-day devoted to this story.

Just a few sentences in Percival’s story and my heart was bleeding for him and the childhood he had been robbed once he became Malcom North.
Malcom is no more the sensible heir of an earldom, he has become a ruthless and merciless king of the underworld. Surviving the gutters, he has been stripped of any innocence and kindness he might have left after the brutal upbringing he was given.
Despite his apparent coldness, he is not the icy blooded monster everyone appears to think he has become. In his own way, even if he keeps everyone at arm’s length, he shows concern for the weakest under his protection. Over the years, he has gleaned a bunch of broken souls and risk takers, and whatever he might told himself, they are his kin and from all those he has won their indefectible loyalty.
Verity, without having the same dark past than Malcom, was not cuddled in a classically portrayed family, she had been shunned for her mother’s sins, whose sin was to have loved and trusted the wrong man. A man who loved them too, but too weak to fully take care of them. Why at the young age of twelve she became her remaining family only support. From then, she worked her skin to elevate her circumstances, alas it is well known women were seen as not fit for intellectual labors. And even if she is not one to cover, proving women’s worth is a challenge. And it is not prepared for the worst of the city, she runs head held high in the sewer and whatever are her mistakes, she fights like a hellion.

Both have experienced a good life with confort or some until they find themselves with nothing left and must fend for themselves or sank down.
Now together, they need to find their right place, she the illegitimate daughter and a woman, striving for acceptance in a world made by men for men and he the Earl raised in the slums of the city, to seek his bearing among his peers

Their story is one of small trusts won one at a time, until these morph to a deeper sentiment. Yet, with the past looming over them and some shadowy figures still ready to pounce, will their burgeoning feelings be enough.

As I came to learn with Mrs Christi Caldwell’s work, she has it mapped out, her heroes have oft connection with previous works.
And here, she does not disappoint, while her heroes have not been seen previously, they are linked to an other couple.
You can perfectly read this first in a series as what it is a standalone story, yet as I have read Courting Poppy Tidemore, I confess I adored watching the couple of heroes finds its own epilogue.
And what a sweet epilogue with the best revenge ever.
I can only praise Mrs Christi Caldwell for her so very unique insight of the historical period, far from the ballrooms and closer to the real people. She is the bearer of amazing tales which feed the reader a kaleidoscope of emotions.
A 5 stars for this tale of approval and embracing one’s true identity.

A particular mention for the cover which reflects perfectly the story said atmosphere, and the characters’ descriptions.

I was granted an advance copy through Netgalley by the publisher Montlake Publishing. I also preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.

I really liked the set up of the girl reporter and the Earl in hiding. I especially liked how it wrapped up at the end with the person who needed his comeuppance getting it.

I enjoyed this book so much - it starts with a very young child being kidnapped in London. We fast forward many years later and meet Verity Lovelace trying to track down the lost Earl of Maxwell as part of her role as Journalist for a London newspaper. As Verity uncovers the truth, she is drawn into a family associated with scandal, secrets and lies and the terrible lengths people will go to for money.

The story of this book is pretty predictable - but I was expecting it be! It was everything I wanted and expected and more. Verity is such a great character. She's really hardworking, decent but also really spunky! I liked her right from the beginning. Malcom is a more complex character but by the end, I was rooting for him too.

The title of this book is perhaps a bit misleading. There is some sexual content and while it's an important part of the story, it's not THE story. This is a story with a lot of hardship and sadness, but it's also great fun with really likeable characters. Some Americanisms managed to find their way in to some of the dialogue towards the end of the story - but I enjoyed it so much I am prepared to forgive them!

soooo implausible. who voluntarily continues wandering around in sewers when they come into sudden wealth??

thanks to the publisher for an ARC, this is my honest review.

Fans of Caldwell will not be disappointed with this book. This is a fabulous follow up to her last series. As usual, the characters are strong and well formed. North and Verity are multidimensional and unique. It is always so satisfying to read such an original story.

I had so many feelings about this book. So many feelings. Malcolm North (formerly Percival Northam), heir to the Earl of Maxwell, was kidnapped as a child soon after his parents both died from an illness. He was also very sick at the time. Over time he became a Tosher - an individual who makes his way by scavenging the sewers. It isn't really clear how that happened exactly - but it seems like he ran away from those who kidnapped him and instead of living on the streets and stealing - he because a scavenger. He ends up pretty much ruling the sewers and rounding up a band of "people." He keeps them all at a distance, but care for them and keeps them safe. He is surprised and not particularly happy when an investigator finds him and declares him the son of the Earl. Its not overwhelmingly clear how they actually make the determination that Malcolm is actually the son of the Earl, because Malcolm doesn't really remember much.

Verity Lovelace is a reporter. From a young age she has worked for a paper - working her way into the writing part of the newspaper business. She supports her sister and a nursemaid, turned all-work type of servant. in order to keep her job at the newspaper she needs to get the story of the Earl's life. She is willing to do anything and everything to get it.

I liked the premise of the book a lot - and the characters were each strong in their own right. The problem is - I just didn't like them together. Malcolm is one tough dude - and obviously needed to be reminded of his own humanity and care for others. But throughout the book, he just kept giving of himself (in spite of himself) and no one really took care of him. He falls in love with Verity despite a lot of REALLY shitty things. She is pretty much willing to take advantage of Malcolm in any way she can, regardless of his feelings on the matter. Pretty much assuming he should just let her do what she wants no matter what. Malcolm isn't nice to her - but did he really need to be? Despite not being all sweet and lovey dovey to her - he pretty much bows to her wishes all the time. He only gets the breadcrumbs of feelings from her - and not much else.

I guess in the end - I enjoyed the story - but didn't really like Verity. She was a tough cookie - and I don't dislike her professional ambition or putting herself first attitude. I just dislike how she treated her sister and Malcolm. I am guessing there are quite a few cameos from other Christi Caldwell stories in this book - which will probably be awesome for her regular readers. This was the first full length story from Christi Caldwell I've read.

I will also warn sticklers for period details - this is probably not the book for you. I had a lot of trouble dating the story - I am guessing it was supposed to be regency? but maybe not? I wasn't sure or clear. I also had problems with the age ranges - How old was Malcolm supposed to be? When he was kidnapped he seemed pretty young - I thought around 4 or 5? this takes place 20 years later - so that would put his age around 25? but he talk about not becoming a Tosher until he was a little older? Verity is 30 (and I don't have a problem with her being older - to be clear) - but she is still a virgin and very "innocent" even though she has lived in a fairly rough area of London with really no supervision. This seems a little suspect. Verity's sister was 16 or 17 - but read as MUCH younger. She didn't seem to work and was described as very sheltered. In a realistic situation - there is NO WAY she would have just been hanging out at home waiting for Verity to solve things. She would have been working too. I know Verity wanted a good life for her sister - but she kind of seemed to ignore her as a person and treated her like a 10 or 12 year old. At the time I think this book takes place - a 12 year old working is really no surprise.

Those details - as well as some language and gestures described (e.g. Malcolm giving Giles the finger) distracted me and confused me. Altogether - the book seemed unfocused and I couldn't get past Verity's treatment of others. I give Christi Caldwell credit for Malcolm confronting Verity about it - but at the same time, Verity doesn't really change or even admit that maybe she was using others to her own ends. I wouldn't accept this behavior in a male character - and I don't accept it in Verity.

I invite you to read it and let me know. Maybe I am being sexist in my thoughts on Verity's behavior - or maybe I just wanted a depth to the story that I didn't get. And maybe this story underlines all the things we don't get from mainstream media - but still read anyway.

I received this as an ARC - but these opinions (obviously) are all mine!

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately I was not impressed by this historical novel. The author is well known for writing great novels but this one missed the mark. North was raised in the sewers and learns he is really an Earls son. He meets the heroine as she attempts to find him for her story. I didn't feel the connection between the characters and the story felt slow.

I really liked that the author made the hero be a tosher, it’s the first time I’ve ever come across that term and work in historical romance, and it’s a breath of fresh air after so many gambling house owners and lords who make investments on railroads. I also liked the conversation about the female mc’s job that’s a reflection of how still a woman’s work is underpaid and sometimes we still need laws to make a fixed amount of women be able to get hired by companies.
I liked the couple and I’ve had a good time reading their banter. I’m sure other readers will also enjoy this book and I’m thankful for the opportunity I was given to read it.

Wow, in my opinion, this has got to be one of the best stories Christi Caldwell has ever written! Malcolm and Verity's story is filled with doing whatever it needs to survive, righting wrongs, memories returned, accepting the future, and oh, so much more. Malcolm is a hero like no other and even in his rage, he had my heart and I just wanted to hold him. Verity is a total spitfire and I absolutely adored her.

This is a story that will grip your interest from page one and with a couple of twists and turns that you never see coming, you will get to the end with a full heart.

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This was my first Christi Caldwell book, despite frequently seeing her name pop up in "recommended for you" lists, and it did not disappoint! The plot was very original for a historical romance novel and I appreciated that the characters dealt with real stakes and drama. Verity and Malcom's individual and joint emotional arcs were so well-done and had me rooting for them throughout the book. My only complaint was that the pacing of the first half seemed a bit disjointed, but it didn't diminish my overall enjoyment of the book. In Bed with the Earl is sure to be the first of many Christi Caldwell novels for me!

Set around the time of Poppy and Tristan's book, this book shows the other side of Tristan's story - the man becoming the Earl of Maxwell. It's interesting to meet him and see how he ticks. He makes a strong hero, and Verity is a great heroine. With neither of them raised in society there is less of the usual ton business going on. Rather, we focus on Verity trying to take care of her sister and servant, and Malcom trying to maintain his position as king of the sewers. Verity and Malcom have a contentious relationship, and though I wouldn't call it an enemies to lovers story, there's enough fun conflict between the two to take them on a fulfilling journey to love. I really enjoyed this one, and since I love Tristan and Poppy I was happy to see them get a couple appearances. I think you will get more from this book if you have read other Caldwell books (and there's a few different arcs that lead into this one), so my recommendation would be start with Sinful Brides #1 and Scandalous Seasons #4, reading the other Sinful Brides and the Wicked Wallflowers series, and also Courting Poppy Tidemore. All of those books are fantastic, and they make this one mean even more. If you have read all those, gobble this one up!

Is Malcolm the long lost kidnapped Earl of Maxwell or just a man earning a living in the sewers below London? Verity, writing for a gossip rag means to find out. She must support her sister and their nursemaid so she needs to get the scoop.

Although this is a familiar trope Christie Maxwell give it a fresh face. The characters are interesting and sympathetic. The sexy scenes are not overly graphic. However, the title does not seem to fit the book so that was consternating. In any age, I would recommend this book to my patrons.

Overall this was a good book. I felt like it started off at a fast pace bit definitely slowed down partway through the middle. Towards the end it picked up again. Great story. I would read it again.

In Bed with The Earl is book one in the Lost Lords of London series by Christi Caldwell. Although it is a stand alone - truly, I recommend reading this book after Courting Poppy Tidemore. The character of Poppy and Tristan make an appearance at the end of In Bed with The Earl, and it is just a richer experience when you understand the greater depth and history of the tale. This book impacted me on a very deep level. I couldn’t put it down. It left me enthralled and aching for more. Both of the main characters are masterfully developed, but I think Percival Northrop stole the show. “He was a glorious specimen, and yet his features were slightly too pronounced to ever be lauded as handsome by society's standards. He had slashing, bronzed cheekbones. A hard set to a square jaw, slightly too heavy. Prominent scars that stood out starkly, even with the day’s growth covering his face.” Caldwell trounces other romance authors with her ability to give her characters believable personalities. They have a depth that brings them to life in a very relatable way. I loved it. Probably one of my favorite Caldwell novels and I have read most of them. I was given a copy of this book.

I thank the author and Netgalley for this ARC, this author is new to me so I decided to know his work.
the story is not bad, I feel that the lack of lightness and emotion made it tedious and a bit boring, the main and secondary characters are good.

I really enjoyed this book! I’ve only read a few by Christi Caldwell but so far she has not disappointed me. I love how Malcom collects a misfit family even though he doesn’t realize he has, and that Verity is very tenacious and will do most anything to protect her sister. Even when scared, Verity stood up for herself and pushed onward. I did feel she felt she was owed something by a stranger and she took advantage. Overall I felt the story moved at a good pace and the chemistry was believable.

In Bed With the Earl was a delightful romp through a different lens of old London. I so appreciate when historical fiction is told from varying points of view - and Verity’s and Malcolm’s story does just that.
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Verity and Malcolm meet in the most unusual circumstances- the sewage tunnels of London. And once connected there is little that can break that connection, even when they would wish it so. Once again Christi Caldwell fully develops her characters and makes the story about more than just romance (although there is plenty of that)!
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While Verity, Malcolm and their dislike to love relationships was engrossing, I just loved Bram and Giles. They added so much to the story and had me smiling at their true nature.
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Thank you Netgalley and MontLake Romance for an e-arc in the exchange for my honest review. I loved this first book in the series and cannot wait for the next.

"I thought that this was a good story that was well written and it had really good attention to detail. The characters were well developed and they all worked really well together and helped to bring the story to life.

I thought that the story had a really good flow to it and it was an addictive read. I loved the plot line and it had the perfect mix of mystery and romance for me!

It is 4 stars from me for this one, I really enjoyed it - highly recommended!"

This is a story about a list Lord who does not want to be found and the tenacious female reporter who desperately needs to find him in order to keep her job and care for her family. Neither Malcom nor Verity is looking for love when they meet. She is merely looking for him in order to write his life's story while he is trying to avoid taking on his title. Many hijinxs occur throughout this story. I would have liked to see why the other reporter held so much animosity towards Verity. I don't think that was well addressed. Overall this is a good book and I enjoyed reading it. I cannot wait to read the next one! This is an ARC from Net Galley.