Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy for the purpose of reading and reviewing In the Dark with the Earl by Christi Caldwell prior to publication. A delightful Regence romance. My opinions are my own and no one has influenced them.

In the Dark with the Duke is book 2 in Ms. Caldwell’s Lost Lords of London series. It’s another well-written novel with engaging characters and a unique plot. The writing is emotional and tugged at my heart. This novel had a slow beginning, but once I reached beyond the halfway point, the pacing picked up and engaged me, keeping enmeshed for the rest of the book.

Lady Lila March’s character is feisty and determined to protect herself, so she asks the hero to teach her fighting moves. I understood her desire to learn the skills needed to protect herself and her loved ones. I identified with her insecurities regarding her injuries received years before. My heart ached for all she’d suffered.

Hugh Savage is an intriguing hero. He’s lived in the underbelly of London from his earliest memories until his time in the Army. His memories of the horrifying battles plague him. He hates what he does and craves a way to leave his wretched career as a fighter, but he owes the two men who gave him succor after his time in the military. I experienced his pain and his bewilderment when he learns he’s inherited his title. I also understood his fears regarding allowing Lila into his life.

The romance between Lila and Hugh is sweet and more of a slow burn than blazing passion. Although there is plenty of desire on both sides. The emotions behind their love story is much more about their emotions than the physical attraction, which is something I enjoy in romance.

If you enjoy Regency romance with characters who will touch your heart and an emotionally charged plot, then you will love In the Dark with the Duke as much as I. This novel is a great addition to Ms. Caldwell’s newest series. Happy reading!

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.

Another untraditional historical romance, this time really dealing with a lot of PTSD. I enjoyed watching Hugh and Lila heal throughout the novel, and I thought it was refreshing to read a historical without all of the balls and fashionable adventures. Instead, Lila (a lady) seeks out the hero (Hugh) to help her learn self defense to get over her tragic past. Hugh hates fighting, but it is his whole career and way of life. It was interesting to see two characters struggle to overcome the same event in such different ways. The secondary characters were also interesting. I look forward to reading more about what happened offstage during this novel.

I received an advanced readers copy of this book from the publisher and Net Galley in return for a fair review.

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. 💛💕💖💛

I had been having a bad few days: washer quit, faucet leaking, I decided to read for a while and try to regain my sanity. All I can say is " This book hooked me from the very beginning. A heroine who is not typical at all:, practical, and willing to go toe to toe for what she thinks is rightfully hers. No shrinking violet here! The hero is handsome, .' if you like strong heroines, flawed but gorgeous heroes, and witty dialogue....this is it!

I've read Caldwell's work before and as before, I feel like this one also showed a lot of potential and possible references for previous and future books. I prefer my books to not have as many references as this one had.

Since the beginning of the book, I didn't really know where to put this book. Don't want to spoiler this book but they slept together after only knowing each other for a couple of days (at least that's how I saw it) and then suddenly the book turned out to be a slow burn. There's no much romance after that, no sexual scenes, nothing. I think they don't even kiss (after they slept together I mean). It's so unexpected and weird for a book to turn so dramatically.

I think I'm not spoiling anything since the title already mentions him being a duke. Apparently, he's a long lost duke. When he suddenly raises to his title, the author doesn't expand the scene. I was expecting the scene how he - a man from the bad side of the town, a man who never knew the privilege of being rich - adjust to the new properties, behaviour. I would expect amazement, fear, maybe some awkwardness but there's nothing. How do one just suddenly become a gentleman with decent manners? He never had a proper education as far as I know. We're just thrown into the scene where he's already well adjusted in the manor.

Once he became a lord and plan a business with Lila I find it so weird when they talked how much money she will give to invest in the business. They were working together. He was way wealthier than her. I was missing the equality specter in this situation.

I liked Lila's sister but I admit, I wanted to like Bragger and Maynard too. But they were characters that were likable one moment and hateable the next (is that even the word? Hateable???). Anyway, I'm curious about them. However, they should be nicer to Hugh.

I wish I could give in the Dark with the Duke more than 3 stars. But lately, I'm very picky with my books and this one just slowed me down. I don't like books that are fast and slow-paced. I loved how the author included Peterloo. I never heard of it before and at first, I thought it was part of author's imagination but then I Googled it and now I'm glad I learned something new.

Basically, the reason why this book didn't wow me is because I wanted more romance in the book and less ''I don't want to make a Fight Society'' thing.

ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Christi Caldwell continues to write books that touch somewhere inside each reader. I loved Lila and Hugh's story. I love it when a secondary character in other books finally comes into her own. Lila is so quiet and with Hugh she really learns to take her life back. Ms. Caldwell is an author I would buy just because her name is on the book. I know from that it is going to be fantastic.

Great addition to the Lost Lords of London Series.
Lila March is a recluse, frightened to go outside her home during the day, ever since a horrific night she endured years ago which left her scarred on the inside and out.
Hugh was a child living on the streets when he was forced to become a street fighter for the perverse pleasure of the men of the ton. He abhors fighting and hates what he has been forced to become.
Lila seeks out Hugh and begs him to teach her to fight, a new kind of fighting for self defense. Hesitant to help, Hugh is ready to make a deal. He helps her defend herself and she owes him a favor. When it comes to light that he is indeed a Lost Lord and now has a title and wealth, he needs Lila to help him become accepted. He needs the acceptance so that he can find those responsible for the Fight Society and finally get revenge.
I thought the book was great, I loved Lila and Hugh. I did however feel that at times the story jumped. The plot would be developing and then all of a sudden Hugh is living in a mansion with money. As if parts of the story were not as developed as the rest of the book.
I received an advance copy of this. book in exchange for my honest review.

This book is part of the Lost Lords series, but can be read as a stand alone.
I have to say, I had great difficulty getting into this story. I almost gave up on it. But I am so glad I didnt.
This is about 2 damaged people, Lila and Hugh. Each has experienced horror and tragedy in their lives, effecting how they live it.
Lila goes to Hugh for help. He reluctantly gives it. What developes is a friendship, a love that helps heal them both. And, as is the usual case with a Christi Caldwell book it brings out every emotion along the way. It has a few twists and turns, you may or may not see coming, but it keeps you intrigued.
If I had rated this book a third of the way thru, I would have given it 3stars. But by th time I finished it, I absolutely loved it. I'm giving it 4 1/2 stars for the slow start.
I want to thank Netgalley for the chance to review this book.

Enjoyed the story. It is well written, emotional and entertaining. The first part of the book tells of how children were forced to fight to survive which was a very emotional opening to this story. Then the story jumps about 18 years and picks up with Lila attempting to hire Hugh to teach her how to fight for self protection or if necessary to protect her family. There is a lot going on in this book that deals with another lost lord, nightmares, the Peterloo Massacre and how Lila and Hugh remember that day. In all of this chaos, Hugh and Lila find something that neither of them thought would come into their lives and that was a strong love for each other. It is a great story that is full of emotions. I would highly recommend it as a great read.

Love, love this book! Christi has a way of keeping you turning pages with the suspense and excitement she builds into her stories.

This book is fantastic! I love Crisiti Caldwell's stuff. She doesn't disappoint with this one. Hugh was sold off by dirty family members to steal his birthright. Years later he discovers he is a duke after leading a life of fighting to survive. He hates fighting! Then one day a timid woman walks into his life and turns it upside down, .She is sassy, and strong willed, and doesn't know how to take no for an answer. Read this book and fall involve with these two as they find love and happiness.

*** 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.

I have really loved Christi Caldwells Lost Lords of London series. This is the second book and it was just as good as the first. I love any hero described as King of the Underworld. You just know right away he is going to be powerful and mysterious and I was not disappointed. Hugh, our hero meets his match in Lila. A heroine who is tired of being afraid and wants to learn to fight to feel some semblance of power for herself. I loved all the interaction between the two! Highly recommend this one!

Note to self: Never start a Christi Caldwell historical romance at 5pm. If you do, you will find yourself rushing through dinner and bath time, putting the kids down a bit earlier than usual, and still awake at 2am — so sleepy, but on edge to find out who just came through the study door (gasp) and locked it? Yep, that was me! This book is SO good, maybe her best of the series yet. You should definitely read it, but you know, maybe don’t start reading it at 5pm.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In the Dark with the Duke (Lost Lords of London, #2)
by Christi Caldwell

In the Dark with the Duke is a gritty historical romance which deals with themes of PTSD and is number two in the Lost Lords series. Our heroine Lila, a recluse, seeks out infamous fighter Hugh Savage for lessons in self defence. Hugh, having been exploited as a fighter for many years has no wish to continue to fight, but finally agrees to teach Lila in exchange for a favour.

The premise of this book had me extremely excited. Also the main characters are great and likeable and all have REASONS for their behaviour. I loved the plot. I just found the pacing to be a problem. These main characters are so tortured and both have had bad experiences in the past and this was really hammered home in long long long paragraphs of inner angst. This became quite repetitive and I did find myself skimming over these after a while.

That said, the romance was great. I loved the chemistry between Hugh and Lila when he was teaching her to fight. I would have preferred if we had more time on this and less of the inner turmoil. Some humour and more sexual tension would have been welcome given the circumstances, but the tone of the story does remain angsty. If tortured souls are your catnip you will love this book.

The sexy times were hot and not fade to black. However, I would have preferred maybe another sexy scene in place of an angsty scene.

I would give the book 3 and half stars but have rounded up to four because I did want to know what happened in the end. Also, I am curious about a number of the supporting characters and will likely read another of this author's books. I just hope the next one might be a little less repetitive.

I received an ARC by Montlake Romance via Netgalley in return for an honest review.

Another dark tale from Christi Caldwell, this is the second in the Lost Lords series, but only the briefest mention is made of the first (and since it appears all of Caldwell’s stories live in the same universe, you never know who might turn up). The hero and heroine here (as well as any number of secondary characters) continually suffer from the fall out of traumatic experiences. And these are not minor events. I’m surprised they could still function rationally. So to witness their strength and redemption was a beautiful thing.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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/2020/05/in-dark-with-duke.html

#IntheDarkwiththeDuke #ChristiCaldwell #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

Christi Caldwell never ceases to amaze me with her stories and this one was no exception !!!😁👏

Christi wows again in this second book, part of her Lost Lords of London series. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but the first book is equaly amazing, trust me you'll want to read it😉
This author brings two characters together, from different walks of like, and blends them effortlessly and delightfully. I truly enjoyed reading the story of Hugh and Lila
This is story about two people who are trying to move from their pasts. Lila and Hugh have suffered so much physically and emotionally that it has consumed their lives. When Lila decides she wants to learn how to defend her to protect those she loves she finds Hugh, who is known as the best fighter in London.
Lila wants to find more ways to slowly become the person she once was. She is brave and resilient, honest, and has a no nonsense attitude that I love.
Hugh is a child of the streets. He was forced to fight for years before leaving to join the military.

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.