BOOK REVIEW: To Trust a Rogue by Christi Caldwell

Title: To Trust a Rogue

Author: Christi Caldwell

Series: The Heart of Duke #8

Genre: Historical Romance 

Blurb

A rogue 

Marcus, the Viscount Wessex has carefully crafted the image of rogue and charmer for polite Society. Under that façade, however, dwells a man whose dreams were shattered almost eight years earlier by a young lady who captured his heart, pledged her love, and then left him, with nothing more than a curt note. 

A widow 

Eight years earlier, faced with no other choice, Mrs. Eleanor Collins, fled London and the only man she ever loved, Marcus, Viscount Wessex. She has now returned to serve as a companion for her elderly aunt with a daughter in tow. Even though they’re next door neighbors, there is little reason for her to move in the same circles as Marcus, just in case, she vows to avoid him, for he reminds her of all she lost when she left. 

Reunited 

As their paths continue to cross, Marcus finds his desire for Eleanor just as strong, but he learned long ago she’s not to be trusted. He will offer her a place in his bed, but not anything more. Only, Eleanor has no interest in this new, roguish man. The more time they spend together, the protective wall they’ve constructed to keep the other out, begin to break. With all the betrayals and secrets between them, Marcus has to open his heart again. And Eleanor must decide if it’s ever safe to trust a rogue. 

My Review

5/5 stars

“It is me and you, as it always meant to be and as it has always truly been.”

Christi Caldwell never disappoints. From her renowned wallflowers to her scandalous rogues, I can definitely say now that I will read anything this woman writes. She carries every word with ease and an escalating excitement in every page. 

To Trust a Lord shows another side of Christi Caldwell that I reeeaaallly love. With the succeeding books she’s been releasing, I’ve been continuously supplied with a new “Christi Caldwell” feels that is so different from the last book. She keeps getting better and better with every book. 

This book was a hypnotizing mix of love, betrayal, revenge, hope, and reconciliation. Miss Christi effortlessly tied this complicated storyline with such ease and emotion that it was totally impossible for me to drop it when I started reading it. There was an element of suspense with how details unfolded that kept the whole reading experience more exhilarating. The story was so sweet, heart-quenching, and fun all at the same time. This is definitely the kind of book that soothes every freaking mood I have. I can read this a couple of times and still love every bit of it. Now it’s getting harder to pick a favorite Christi Caldwell book…

BOOK REVIEW: The Heart of a Scoundrel by Christi Caldwell

BLURB

Ruthless, wicked, and dark, the Marquess of Rutland rouses terror in the breast of ladies and nobleman alike. All Edmund wants in life is power. After he was publically humiliated by his one love Lady Margaret, he vowed vengeance, using Margaret’s niece, as his pawn. Except, he’s thwarted by another, more enticing target--Miss Phoebe Barrett.

Miss Phoebe Barrett knows precisely the shame she’s been born to. Because her father is a shocking letch she’s learned to form her own opinions on a person’s worth. After a chance meeting with the Marquess of Rutland, she is captivated by the mysterious man. He, too, is a victim of society’s scorn, but the more encounters she has with Edmund, the more she knows there is powerful depth and emotion to the jaded marquess.

The lady wreaks havoc on Edmund’s plans for revenge and he finds he wants Phoebe, at all costs. As she’s drawn into the darkness of his world, she risks being destroyed by his ruthlessness. And Phoebe who desires love at all costs, has to determine if she can ever truly trust the heart of a scoundrel.

MY REVIEW

5/5 STARS

I. Am. In. Awe. I've craved and raved for Christi Caldwell's genuine, sweet, and light romances but she absolutely shocked me in The Heart of Scoundrel. For the first time, she ventured into a darker character and a sexier plot. This story just totally stole my heart away. 

His kiss and actions were not the ones of a gentleman gently loving a delicate lady, but rather a primitive male who sought to brand a woman forever his.

Edmund, the Marquess of Rutland, knew revenge and control flowed with the black blood in his veins. He will never tolerate any breathing soul who would dare hurt him. Damn, I love Edmund's character. I've always had a weakness for broken heroes but Edmund was more than broken. He was ignited with strong (although wrong) emotions that drove his actions. Strong emotions that could potentially ruin a lady....or love a lady truly if the strength of that emotion was diverted to love. 

“You deserve a gentleman, a lord with pretty words and an honorable soul, and I know there is little use with the heart of a scoundrel, but I’d give it to you, anyway.”

With Phoebe's scandalous family background that placed her in the least marriageable women in the ton,  all she hoped for in life was a man who would love her truly and travel with her. I loved Phoebe's uniqueness. Her quick wit and desire for knowledge was quite a great source of entertainment. She had the mind of an explorer. She has a capability to see more than just the surface, love more than just the surface. 

With her effervescent spirit, she was spring to his dark winter.

I was completely drawn to this story! Once I started it, I was stuck and couldn't put it down. I've read a almost all of Christi Caldwell's book and yet this one stands out among others. There was a new Christi Caldwell here, a daring, angsty, and  sexy Christi Caldwell. And I looooved it so much! She maintained the easy-flowing vibe that she is known for but this time, she added fire and made the story burn.

NEW RELEASE & REVIEW: Captivated by a Lady's Charm by Christi Caldwell

TITLE: Captivated by a Lady's Charm

AUTHOR: Christi Caldwell

SERIES: Lords of Honor #2

RELEASE DATE: September 12, 2015

AMAZON • NOOK • iBOOKS • KOBO

 

MY REVIEW
4.5/5 STARS

Another gem from Miss Christi Caldwell! She really lives up to my expectation each time I pick up one of her new books. Captivated by a Lady's Heart was like a waltz; slow, intimate, and warm with unexpected turns of emotions and events. Although her familiar, sweet, and ever-loved characters continue to enchants, Miss Caldwell gets better and better!

This woman fit not at all into the plans forced upon him as marquess and yet she drew him like a Siren hopelessly battering him at sea.

Lady Prudence Tidemore has already accustomed herself into tapping her foot into the music of the waltz, content by just imagining herself dancing. Tainted by the scandalous acts of love her brother and sisters have gone through, she found herself in a doubtful situation of gaining a husband. Pru was a refreshing character. She might be shackled by the scandals of her siblings but she was a free soul. I admired her quick wit and free mind, honesty, and passion.

At best he was a rogue. At worst he was a coward.

Marquess of St. Cyr, the title Christian Villiers have recently filled in, brought less than the grandness of its title. It brought an insurmountable amount of debt and the fastest and only solution he had was to marry a lady with a fat dowry. Christian was a great mix of bravery and fear. His firm and devoted hold on making sure his family was in a good state was admirable, but I revelled on the time when he would slip into the sweet and caring man than he really was. I love the contrast of his confidence and brokenness. Although his strength as a hero wasn’t dependent on his title and power, Christian still possessed the endearing strength of valour and devotion.

“I was not supposed to care. I did not want to find a woman who cared for me and respected me, but you were always there and I always wanted you to be there.”

The book was continuously delightful. There wasn't a part of it that bore me. The plot was generally light and easy-going but there were certain sparks and steamy scenes that escalated the story from light to gripping. The characters were consistently interesting and their chemistry was beautifully established! I just really couldn’t put it down the moment I read it. I can’t wait for what’s next of Christi Caldwell's books!  

BOOK REVIEW: Loved by a Duke by Christi Caldwell

 TITLE: Loved by a Duke

AUTHOR: Christi Caldwell

SERIES: The Heart of a Duke #4

RELEASE DATE: April 27, 2015

For ten years, Lady Daisy Meadows has been in love with Auric, the Duke of Crawford. Ever since his gallant rescue years earlier, Daisy knew she was destined to be his Duchess. Unfortunately, Auric sees her as his best friend's sister and nothing more. But perhaps, if she can manage to find the fabled heart of a duke pendant, she will win over the heart of her duke.

Auric, the Duke of Crawford enjoys Daisy's company. The last thing he is interested in however, is pursuing a romance with a woman he’s known since she was in leading strings. This season, Daisy is turning up in the oddest places and he cannot help but notice that she is no longer a girl. But Auric wouldn’t do something as foolhardy as to fall in love with Daisy. He couldn’t. Not with the guilt he carries over his past sins... Not when he has no right to her heart...But perhaps, just perhaps, she can forgive the past and trust that he’d forever cherish her heart—but will she let him?

 

 

I’ve been a constant follower of Christi Caldwell since I started reading her books and she has kept my interest without fail. Loved by a Duke was a tantalizing tale of love, friendship, and loyalty. It’s definitely one of Christi Caldwell’s best!

“Lady Daisy Meadows.” The lady who refused to stay buried in the proper chambers of his mind.

Lady Daisy Meadows was invisible. She was used to being out of the ton’s sights. She didn’t care much, though. She only wanted to capture one person’s attention anyway. I can’t put into words how much I loved Daisy’s character! One would expect she’d be drunk on her own insecurities and would be playing the traditional damsel in distress role. But Daisy possessed an infectious sense of positivity and vigour that made her unique. Christi Caldwell did a magnificent job in balancing her vulnerabilities and highlighting her strengths.

She’d merely thought his feelings were those reserved for a younger sister. Where she had loved him with a woman’s heart.

Auric, the 8th Duke of Crawford is in search for his duchess. After losing his battle to win Lady Anne’s heart, Auric had to find another woman worthy of his family name. Little did he know that he already had her for more than a decade... There were a number of times in the book when I wanted to hit Auric hard in the head. He was stubborn but I guess it was part of his unique charm and I won’t fall in love with him this much if it wasn’t for his dukish ways. If Daisy was a contrast of vulnerability and strength, Auric was a perfect mix of power and passion. Man, that duke could charm!

She’d tasted of springtime and life and innocence and he’d wanted to drown himself in the sweetness of her.

There was something really special with Auric and Daisy’s relationship. Although half of the time, Daisy was mooning over Auric and Auric was doing everything to fight what he felt for Daisy, there was an unspoken attraction between them that pulled me from page to page. The way they knew each other, the way they reminisced their childhood together, and that fondness that prompted that fiery passion between them.

I must say that Christi Caldwell stepped up on this one! There was more heat and more pull, the story progressed wonderfully, each scene more felt and engaging. Versed with Christi Caldwell’s engaging prose and characters that will keep readers wanting, Loved by a Duke is a sweet and emotionally-stirring story that appeals to every lover of happily-ever-afters!

 

BOOK BLITZ + REVIEW: The Love of a Rogue (The Heart of a Duke #3) by Christi Caldwell

 TITLE: The Love of a Rogue

AUTHOR: Christi Caldwell

SERIES: The Heart of a Duke #3

DATE OF PUBLICATION: March 17, 2015

Lady Imogen Moore hasn’t had an easy time of it since she made her Come Out three Seasons ago. With her betrothed, a powerful duke breaking it off to wed her sister, she’s become the tons favorite piece of gossip. Never again wanting to experience the pain of a broken heart, she’s resolved to make a match with a polite, respectable gentleman. The last thing she wants is another reckless rogue.

Lord Alex Edgerton has a problem. His brother, tired of Alex’s carousing has charged him with chaperoning their remaining, unwed sister about ton events. Shopping? No, thank you. Attending the theatre? He’d rather be at Forbidden Pleasures with a scantily clad beauty upon his lap. The task of chaperone becomes even more of a bother when his sister drags along her dearest friend, Lady Imogen to social functions. The last thing he wants in his life is a young, innocent English miss.

Except, as Alex and Imogen are thrown together, passions flare and Alex comes to find he not only wants Imogen in his bed, but also in his heart. Yet now he must convince Imogen to risk all, on the heart of a rogue. 

  

 

 *An e-ARC was graciously given by the author in exchange for an honest review*

Christi Caldwell has a certain magic in her writing that I can’t seem to resist. I literally couldn’t put this one down when I started reading it. Every page charms and enchants, made more irresistible by her fun and compelling characters.

“I’m nothing more than the less desirable second son, who ladies would take to their beds but not the man who’d truly be desired for anything more.”

Lord Alexander Edgerton was known to polite society as a rake to be avoided by proper ladies. But inside the man’s facade was a heart that yearned to be loved. Alex has been a character I’ve looked forward to since I read Harry’s story. I have a weakness toward rakes with an undiscovered heart and Alex fit my liking quite perfectly. I loved how he would unleash his charms towards Imogen but also end up unleashing a deeper part of him through her.

Alexander might set her heart aflutter and send heat coursing through her body, but he was a rogue and she’d have a gentleman who was constant or no one at all.

Lady Imogen Moore was twice burned in the eyes of the ton. The second one still left a burning scar in her heart that reminded her why she shouldn’t fall for Lord Alexander’s charm. What I really loved about Imogen was that she didn’t appear to be a weak heroine even with the unfortunate stain her recent scandal has brought her. She was still self-assured and practical, accepting whatever situation she ends up with.

“Everyone has a heart, Alex.” She gave him a sad look. “You may have forgotten how to use it because it’s been so hurt, but it s there and someday you will find the person who teaches that organ to again beat.”

I love love love Alex and Imogen together. The way they complement each other’s personality was really enchanting. I cannot get enough of them. Alex was like a soul-less man and Imogen was his soul. Their connection was strong and known; Alex just had to know how to come in terms with it.

Miss Christi’s writing prose is light but engaging. Every scene will keep you hooked until you finish the book. I also loved the secondary characters of this story. Miss Christi knows how to keep a reader interested and craving for more in this on-going series of love, friendship, and honor. I can’t wait for the next book!

 

 

    



IN NEED OF A DUKE 
(The Heart of a Duke #0.5)

 

 
 


FOR THE LOVE OF THE DUKE 
(The Heart of a Duke #1)

CLICK TO READ MY REVIEW

 

 

MORE THAN A DUKE 
(The Heart of a Duke #2)

CLICK HER TO READ MY REVIEW
   
   
 

 
 

USA 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 southern Connecticut where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, chasing around her feisty six-year-old son and caring for her twin princesses in training!

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