Christi Caldwell’s In the Dark with the Duke is another entry into her Lost Lords series. Unfortunately, the darkness and dejection and anger is all a bit overwhelming for me. The first scene again starts with Savage, a stolen children in a fight club. It paints the grimmest scene, Then, we are dropped directly into the world of Lady Lila who’s own trauma has caused agoraphobia. I’m too sensitive for the pile on of emotions. As the two interact and began to trust each other, I cannot overlook the ax hanging over my head.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

I read romance for the HEA, but it turns out that certain childhood traumas are just too sad. I am not triggered by them. I just cannot tolerate trauma being used as a plot device. Certain situations deserve certain gravity. This kind of writing does not make space for what’s required of authors. Very few people who have years of trauma can move on without a lot more work and intervention.

Lady Lila March is used to being scared of everything in general. To Lila everything, everyone and everywhere is unsafe. Lila has not been out in public avoiding society at all costs due to her fear. When Sylvia her sister-in-law invites Lila to a ball Lila is terrified from something that has happened in her past which continues to haunt her to this day. Lila must learn how to defend herself but really has no one to teach her until she reads about the undefeated fighter Mr. Hugh Savage. Lila has her answer and finds the courage to speak with him at his business Savage’s. Hugh attempts to get Lila to go away but as she keeps coming to his business Hugh unwillingly teaches her anyway. Hugh must hide that he is teaching her from everyone and Lila never tells Hugh who she really is. As Hugh and Lila get closer a strong affection develops everyone against them, who actually Hugh is and even what happened to Lila threatens to tear the two apart.
This book is wonderfully different and really puts a unique twist on the poor with a major chip on his shoulder plus a hidden identity hero and a scared but fearless heroine when the hero is around. The action-packed story moves quickly filled to the brim with unique plot twists, unpleasant but scary visualization of places and magnificent characters! Ms. Caldwell weaves an entrancing tale definitely draws you in and doesn’t let go until the very last page! Lila might have PTSD but attempts to break out from her mousy behavior especially showing her mettle when talking with Hugh. Hugh the callous miserly but really a morally just and true guy might not be the ideal book boyfriend is still a tremendous hero. The story is gorgeously written with a much neglected part of history the Peterloo massacre a scary politically fraught period from a bystander point of view but still affecting everyone involved.

If you enjoy Christi Caldwell I don't think you'll be disappointed. The writing and characters really draw you in but for some reason the plot kind of dragged on for me a bit. I also wanted a little more chemistry between the leads or just more time with them together. It still enjoyed it overall and will continue on with the series.

In the Dark With the Duke is book #2 in the Lost Lords of London series, and features a supporting character from one of Caldwell’s 2019 releases, The Spitfire. It can be read as a standalone, but reading The Spitfire first will give further insight into Lila’s growth as a character.

Lady Lila March is spunky and tenacious by night and filled with terror by day. Her past trauma from the events at Peterloo, where she was trampled during a military crackdown against the lower class, has scarred her both figuratively and literally. Lila seeks a way to cope in the world so that she doesn’t feel quite so helpless, and that connects her with Hugh Savage.

Hugh has experienced a life of violence and shame. He loathes what made him the man he is today, yet is still drawn to Lila’s entreaty for help. Events unfold that change his life in drastic ways and he must determine what from his past to hold onto, and what toxic pieces are worth shedding.

Both Hugh and Lila have good character growth in this story. They both have troubled pasts and demons, and while those will continue to haunt them, it bridged a connection between the two and allowed them to move forward in their lives.

In the Dark With the Duke starts out slow but picks up its pace about nine chapters in. It continues the discovery of the lost lords of London, revealing that the underground network of stolen noble children may be deeper than anticipated in Caldwell’s previous books (the first lost lord was found in the Wicked Wallflowers series).

I feel like a broken record at this point with Caldwell’s books, but I’ll say it again: the book needs an epilogue. We’re left not knowing what happens with Hugh’s partners or the antagonist of the book, and since both were involved in the plot, no epilogue leaves the ending feeling rushed and unresolved. (Don’t worry, there’s still a HEA. I’m just picky and want to know how everything works out, not just the relationship.)

Fans of Caldwell will not be disappointed with Lila and Hugo's story. Again, we see strong female leads meet their HEA with a strong male lead that appreciates the intellect and analytical thinking of their love interest. Readers who appreciate smart, witty dialogue and strong personalities will enjoy this book.

In the Dark with the Duke by Christi Caldwell Review⠀
4/5⠀
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Christi Caldwell has written some of my favorite historical romances. In the Dark with the Duke will become another one. Lila and Hugh are one of my favorite couples. Both have known extreme pain yet they learn to overcome it. I loved that Lila wants to protect her family and herself by fighting. I love that Hugh after a lifetime of violence wants peace. The only thing I didn't like was the ending. I wanted a little bit more than the HEA. I wanted to see the reunion between siblings and Lila's family meeting Hugh. It wasn't a bad ending, far from it, it just ended a scene or two too soon in my opinion. Otherwise I totally recommend this romance!

(3.5 rounded up)

In the Dark with the Duke is without a doubt the darkest book thus far in Caldwell's Lost Lords of London series. Caldwell really puts her characters through a swamp of misfortune. Told in alternating views between Hugh and Lila, both have been scarred by traumatic pasts. Caldwell uses heavy topics such as the Peterloo Massacre, PTSD, and violence against children to weave an admittedly grim setting before bringing two profoundly damaged individuals together in a heartwarming romance. 

I really love to delve into books with working-class heroes. I still count Hugh as he spent over half his life begging, fighting, and marching. The class difference makes for some intriguing internal strife for Hugh as he spends more time with Lila. If you are looking for a broody, scarred hero then look no further. In many of the historical romances I've read, usually, the broody and scarred characteristics are saved for the men, but Caldwell surprised me by pairing Hugh with a withdrawn, physically and emotionally scarred heroine. Lila starts as a whisper of herself, terrified of everything including sunlight. One of the most striking parts of this story is how both Hugh and Lila grow independently of the romance. While the interactions with Hugh are the incitement of Lila's reflection, all that work is done in her own head and heart. Hugh has a similar journey of self-reflection.

I adore the chemistry between Hugh and Lila. The tension between the characters was palpable during the fight instruction scenes. Consequently, those scenes are all at the top of my list of favorites for this story. 

So far this has been absolutely glowing, so why the 3.5 stars? I have no doubts about the romance, but I did find the pacing lagged for me a bit around the middle and my reading progress slowed significantly. I loved the self-reflection but there were some repetitive moments that could have been skipped over.

Even with the issues in the middle, the final third of the book was immensely satisfying. Hugh and Lila grew not only as individuals but as a duo with enough loyalty, respect, and adoration for their partner to spare. Hugh and Lila's quiet but confident love gave me all the warm fuzzies and definitely recommend for HR readers, especially those that like medium-slow burn romances. While this is the second book in the series, it is easily read as a standalone. Of course, I recommend starting with |In Bed with the Earl| as that has been one of my top historical romance reads in 2020!

Author Christi Caldwell's LOST LORDS series is unputdownable. I flew through both books and savored every moment. IN THE DARK WITH THE DUKE is a must read! Historical romance at it's finest. I give it 4.5 stars.

Christi Caldwell really has the knack for taking broken characters and lead them into triumph once paired with someone who brings out their inner strength.
While this series forces me to suspend belief a bit more than I would like, that is what a guilty pleasure book is about.
As so many of these stories involves many obstacles that the couple has to overcome, I still would love to see a epilogue.

Whatever souls are made of, Christi Caldwell’s and mine are the same.

Christi does feelings exactly the way I like them. Visceral and throbbing and almost painful. And I just soak them all up like a happy feelings sponge.

Five stars for In the Dark with the Duke! Here’s the gist: Lady Lila, who has survived a horrific trauma (not sexual, just fyi), seeks out Hugh, a bare-knuckle fighter, to teach to defend herself and her family. If that majorly hot dynamic isn’t enough for you, I don’t know what tell you. I particularly related to Christi’s depiction of mental health struggles and privilege. How do we address our own trauma while still owning and recognizing privilege? I wrestle with this constantly. That felt very timely to me.

Loved this book. Christi Caldwell has never ever ever let me down.

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Christi Caldwell is one of my go to authors - I didn't even look to see what this was about! And, as always, I was not disappointed. This has a Grumpy Hero, a Timid but Smart heroine, SO MUCH good tension, that Caldwell banter, a regency Boxing Gym, some shadowy pasts, and you know it's got that real good, Two Broken People Having Hot Sex scenes, all over the place. It's so good, go read it.

A woman who hides away in her house decides she needs to learn to fight. She goes the bowels of London to a fighting house to enlist the Savage. Once she talks him into teaching her to fight, she teaches him compassion. She is the light to his dark. But is it enough to accept his being a duke or are they too far apart in society to be together. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.

Ms. Caldwell's books get better and better but this one is by far my favorite! Fueled by an abundance of subtle wit and potent sensuality. This book was an exquisitely crafted love story by one of the romance gems. This book will have you hooked and captivated from the beginning.

Christi is a marvelous storyteller. I’ve read nearly all of her books and have yet to be disappointed . Love, passion, intrigue ! She’s got it all!

I did mostly enjoy this book and I do like the author's writing but for a while at the beginning, I was a little bored.

The story is well written.

I do recommend

IN THE DARK WITH THE DUKE is the second book in the LOST LORDS OF LONDON series. While I haven’t yet read the first book, IN BED WITH THE EARL, I didn’t feel lost since enough information was given relating to the backgrounds of the characters and their history.

The prologue sets the stage for the story and takes place in London in 1810. The story takes place in 1828. Lila is part of the ton but due to injuries she sustained many years ago she became a recluse. When she decides she wants to learn to fight to protect herself and those she loves, she goes to a fight club and has Hugh teach her.

Hugh and Lila have an instant attraction, but given the unsavory paths his life has taken him, he tries to keep her at a distance. They both have a lot of secrets, and that adds to the drama in the story.

The story involves the interesting Fight Society, which did slow my reading, trying to absorb it all. The romance is satisfying, the pacing perfect, and the characters rich with detail. The story does end rather abruptly, though happily. I hope that we meet up with Hugh, Lila, and the others in the third and final book in the series, UNDRESSED WITH THE MARQUESS.

This is the second in what I think is a truly ambitious series by Christi Caldwell. I adored the first Lost Lords and I do think this second installment has some great moments. It's just such a readable book with some intense heart-wrenching (in the best way possible) moments.

The pacing is certainly slower than most, with the book twisting and picking up speed around the ~60%. mark. The passion and force behind the last third especially make up for some inconsistencies in the parts that came before.

Hugh's childhood, history and internal anguish were so very well developed. It felt so real and raw--and together created such a unique take on a hero (especially given that he doesn't get his background reveal until much later). While I appreciated Lila (and do love stories of two scarred people finding love), she perhaps was not a character I connected to as easily. I loved her determination, but perhaps her motivations didn't always sing for me. Their love, however, felt genuinely full of affection and romance--and that's always such a joy to read!

I will admit, if I'm being honest, I mainly just left this book most excited for the heroine's sister, Sylvia, to get her shot at a romance. The book established such a great potential for her and I just cannot wait to see where her story goes!

I am a big fan of Christi Caldwell's regency romances. I find that they always have a good balance of romance and drama, and In the Dark with the Duke is no exception. Lila and Hugh are both scarred and broken, and they need someone to help them heal, but they don't think that they can. Hugh had a very troubled youth after being kidnapped by his family and sold into a fighting ring that was solely for the entertainment of the gentry. Lila, a member of the ton, suffered injuries in a public demonstration and now has both the physical scars and emotional scars to bear. They both consider themselves less-than-whole, and less-than-worthy of love.

Another well-written romance that blends history, drama, love and personal growth. Enjoyable and a great addition to Christi Caldwell's library.

I can honestly say I've never read a book like this. It's pretty hard to come up with an original plot for a historical romance, but Christi Caldwell has done it. I enjoyed this book so much I had a terrible book hangover once it was over. I particularly enjoyed that the heroine, Lila, had some serious issues, like PTSD, and was a recluse. Savage was also damaged in surprising ways. Somehow these two imperfect people were perfect for each other. I will definitely be reading more books by this author. I am excited to look through her backlog of books.

CW for the book: PTSD, child abuse, physical danger

In the Dark with the Duke ties the Wicked Wallflowers series to the Lost Lords of London series. Lila, the sister of the Earl in The Spitfire, is the heroine here. Hugh is the latest lost lord. Unlike the first Lost Lords book, In Bed with the Earl, it takes a very long time for Hugh to learn of his prior life. It is almost incidental, though here his privilege and title also provide a bit of a way forward for Hugh and Lila. However, this really is not a driving plot point.

Hugh and Lila's story is very much one of two very broken people, how they each learn to trust again, and how they help each other do that. This is a much darker story in both plot and emotion. The pace is much slower, which may just be too slow for some readers, I think. Ultimately, though, I think that pace is a reflection of the emotion and mental pain both Lila and Hugh are experiencing. It is hard. They both have significant PTSD. They each feel utterly alone. Hugh, in fact, is basically alone. Lila has family but has closed herself in as a recluse. The past weighs heavily. I found it hard to push through.

Only after finishing the whole book did I really see the pace as a reflection of the characters. It is also worth noting that the interactions between the characters in the first 2/3s are only a few - I believe Lila at one point says it's 4. They are meeting in the early dawn, when it's dark. There is a lot of detail about fighting here, frankly more than I needed but it does illustrate the evil of the world Hugh was in. All of this adds to the weight of the pace and atmosphere. I am not one who wishes for the quick sex scene but once they kissed and once they finally had sex, I was relieved.

The final 1/3 or so, is where the pace picks up. This is also where each characters makes a break through on dealing with their PTSD as well as falling in love. There is a major revelation that is a definite knife twist in the story. I think it was a good twist, but ((spoiler)), could have done more examination of how two people see and survive the same tragedy. I felt like Caldwell got there with Hugh but not so much with Lila. Lila was quickly accepting and moved on, which I didn't totally buy, given her level of PTSD.

The last 1/3 frankly saves the first 2/3. I smiled and was happy for Lila and Hugh, so I definitely learned to care about them and was happy for the HEA. However, I did not have the moments of light or humor that I've read in so many others of Caldwell's books. I was just glad that these two had found a way forward, so I was satisfied.

This was not one of my favorites by Caldwell. I enjoyed both of the other books that surround this one (The Spitfire, in the Wicked Wallflowers, and In Bed with the Earl (1st Lord Lords), so I will definitely read the next in the series.