Hello

Apologies for the late notice, but I have decided not to review this title. While I am certain it's obvious by now, I wanted to also clear this off NetGalley, so it's not showing as open for either of us.

Thanks,
Laura

Book 2! So, I did not love book 1 but thought I'd give the series another try. I liked this one better, but it doesn't compare to Maclean or other class-crossing romances out now.

I did really enjoy this romance, and I would recommend it for someone who's just starting out reading historical romance. It's really character focused, without too much detail on actual historical focus. Lila was a really mature and real person, and she made the story for me. Hugh was a pretty traumatized mmc, but his growth was also really good.

Lily and Hugh's story in In the Dark with the Duke is fiery and emotional. Christi Caldwell is certainly a writer who can keep a reader engaged and intrigued in the story. The plot was interesting and the pace didn't lag. The characters were well-developed and relatable and easy to fall in love with! I recommend this book to all who enjoys a wonderfully told romance!

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Lady Lila March has been left scarred - both physically and mentally - by her experience at St Peter's Field that fateful day in August 1819. A recluse, she hasn't left her home since she recovered, and relies on the support of her family. However, enough is enough. Lila wants to be strong, and find the way to rejoin society, and feels that she needs to learn how to protect herself, and anyone else, if she finds herself in a dangerous situation again. She turns to Hugh Savage, East London’s undefeated street fighter, for his help, but he refuses - stating he doesn't teach others. He can't remember his early childhood, but knows that from a young age, he had to fight to survive, and was used as a pawn for the rich peers of London as entertainment. He managed to get his way out, but his experiences in the army, at Waterloo and Peterloo, left him scarred, and back in the ring in London. Will they be able to help each other, especially when it's revealed that Hugh is the long lost Duke of Wingate?

I've heard so much about Christi's books, and this was my first - but definitely not my last. Both of her main characters were wonderfully written, well rounded, and had such a growth throughout the course of the the book that it was a joy to see. Because of their past experiences, especially at Peterloo, they were damaged and broken inside - in different ways - and it was with each other, that they slowly were able to recover and move on with their lives. Lila had her family - her mam, brother, and widowed sister - there to support her, but even they were getting a little annoyed with her hiding from society. She's now 26/27ish, and should realistically be married by now, but it as just as she was starting her first season when she was caught up in the events in Manchester, and she never really had that experience of life. Even so, she was strong, and stood for what she wanted when she met Hugh, and didn't let him scare her or get her to back down. Hugh was sharp, and could be prickly and difficult, but he had a softer side we saw when he was with Lila - and only with Lila. He had had to develop this persona and wall to protect himself, and it was a hard one to crack through, but Lila did it. There's a mystery aspect of the book too, to find out who it was behind the Fight Club, and had caused Hugh and the others so much pain. I liked how it was resolved, and the ending of the book too. The couple had the happy ending they deserved, though I wish there was an epilogue or something. Hopefully we see more of the couple in the next book, which I'll be starting as soon as.

Deeper than the usual regency romance, we find two damaged people trying to make their way in the world. Well written and and interesting through the end, I recommend this to anyone who wants more than an easy romance.

In the Dark with the Duke ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
By Christi Caldwell

This novel both haunted and full filled the needs of a true romance reader. Ms Caldwell stepped out of her comfortable writing and put together a satisfying dark but beautiful love story.

We knew of Lady Lila March and her suffering over the tragedy at Peterloo. She lead the life of a recluse frightened to go out, frightened to be in crowds and the physical scars she bore.
She sought the aid of a renowned street fighter Hugh Savage. Her reason being she wished to protect herself and her loved ones. Little does she know of the scars he too carries.

Both Lila and Hugh help heal each other by bringing to light their deep dark pass. Watching the two grow and put behind them the trauma each has suffered is masterfully done my Ms Caldwell. I enjoyed this book immensely this was a page turner.

In the Dark with the Duke (Lost Lords of London #2). By Christi Caldwell. 2020. Montlake Romance (ARC eBook).

Lady Lila March and street fighter Hugh Savage have tragic pasts and prefer to hold themselves away from people and emotions. But when Lila grows tired of hiding she decides to brave the rookeries to enlist the help of the Savage Gentleman. Impressed by her strength of character, Hugh agrees to teach her the art of fighting, despite desperately wishing to leave his violent past and present behind him.

I loved reading In the Dark with the Duke by Christi Caldwell, the second book in the Lost Lords of London series. Lia and Hugh’s story is beautifully written. And the accounting of London’s fight societies, Peterloo and the premise of recovering heirs who were “lost” as children is as engrossing as the romance. I look forward to the next book.

This second instalment in the Lost Lords of London Series was a bit of a let down for me.
The whole lost lord part seemed like an afterthought and was glossed over easily. It came very late in the book, I kept thinking I’d missed it.

The two main characters come from a traumatic past and I think the main focus of the story should have been that (not the lost lord part).

Hugh Savage is a fighter who is being used and manipulated by almost everyone. He is given the chance to escape his situation early in the book but for someone who seems so tough, he is constantly doing what others want of him. I found him to be almost weak (whilst being physically capable).

Lila is an odd character and there were times where I could figure out if she was strong or cowering. She wanted to learn to fight and protect herself so she sought out Hugh, yet she is a recluse and never comes outside. It takes a long time to find out what her trauma is and that gets frustrating. And given her level of trauma, I think in the end she overcomes it way too quickly and easily.

Her venture idea seemed to come from nowhere and seemed out of character given her PTSD at the time.

I liked the plot twist at the end and the two stories aligning, but it seemed to wrap up quickly and left a few loose ends.

The pacing of the book was very slow at the beginning and I almost gave up. I loved the first book in the series, it focused more on finding out who the lost lord is and not - oh by the way - you are a Lord, continue on with fighting and mystery story.

In the end, this is 3 stars from me, I’m enjoying the series but this one is not one of my favourites.


I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own

This was a very well written, emotional read that I enjoyed very much. I would have liked a little more romance and humor in the story, but it was still a very enjoyable and entertaining read. It just felt like a heavy read.

I have really enjoyed so many books by this author, she often writes about people from the wrong side of the tracks mixing and often not fitting in with the aristocracy in regency England. However, for some reason I really struggled to finish this one. Christie’s prose is always a little flowery, but for some reason I found that I noticed it much more in this one, and although the set up and plot line seemed intriguing, I struggled to care much about the characters at all. Hugh felt as if he was at the mercy of everybody, and he didn’t break out of the prison his so called friends had trapped him in, and Lila was just by turns weak and feeble and then brave. I found it hard to relate to her behaviour at all. A.so the pacing at the beginning of the book was very slow, and then felt rushed at the end.

I did like the historical detail about the Peterloo massacre, and how they both experienced it, that is when the book came alive for me and the characters got more interesting.. I also loved the cover - I am very hard to please on this point!

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own

I missed the first book in this series but it didn’t matter. I was grateful to receive an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review so thank you to the publishers and author.
It’s so pleasing when the heroine is flawed and not a perfect, beautiful diamond of the first water. I am sick to death of reading regency romances when the heroine is flawlessly beautiful. Lila March has scars on the inside and out. She has suffered and carries the memory of horrific events in her past which prevent her from feeling comfortable in the outside world. But she is also brave and protective of her family so she seeks out the one man in London who can help her to defend them and herself,
The hero is also a flawed character with a past that casts a long shadow over him. Hugh Savage is a fighter and an orphan who has suffered mistreatment and abuse and hates the aristocracy because of it,
When they meet they find much in common, even though their backgrounds are vastly different, they find honour and goodness in each other and, ultimately, draw the strength that they need to survive from each other. So much better than falling instantly in love at first sight just because of the way someone looks. Sure, physical attraction is part of it, and this book is plenty steamy - but there’s a lot more to it than a crowded ballroom and perfect physical symmetry.
We need more of these stories in historical romance. 4.5 stars!

Interesting plot idea, but the characters and pacing did not not really do it for me. I may go back and finish it but for now it is a DNF.

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)

I really enjoyed reading this book. Christi has a way of drawing you into the story. I loved that Hugh wasn't part of the Ton. I always enjoy stories where the main characters are from different backgrounds. The chemistry between Lila and Hugh is immediate, but it takes time for them to realize that they are perfect for each other.
Thank you Christi Caldwell, Monlake Romance and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

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.

We are back with the second book of The Lost Lords of London series by Christi Caldwell and this book in my humble opinion is even better than the first! As it takes on a whole other suspenseful edge and you are not quite sure just what's going to happen next!

Huge Savage is the man, the myth and the legend of the underground fighting ring in London, and while a lot of his reputation is the myth, he is a man who as a child was made to fight in an illegal boxing ring, and after escaping, he ended up in a place filled with such horror! But now he is back in London and this pesky woman is demanding that he teach her how to fight, and despite his feelings, he knows it's all going to end in disaster.

Lady Lila March has lived in the shadows, as that is the only place she doesn't feel scared, but after 8 years of living like an almost hermit in the heart of society. But now it was time to take power into her own hands, quite literally in fact! And never again will she feel scared, at least that’s what she tells herself when she bangs on the door of The Savage Gentleman's boxing establishment, to demand lessons from the man himself, to teach her the art of defense.

Oh, Christi Caldwell! You honestly blew me away with this story, you reduced me to a sobbing mess of a woman, but I loved every second of it! This series has brought a new world to historical romance, going places that many authors fear to adventure and for that I applaud you.

I had a hard time with the beginning of this book. I was not interested in the boxing underworld and felt the story was moving to slowly. I am so glad that I stuck with this book. This book really picks up speed and doesn't let you go. Hugh and Lila are perfect for each other. They both know this but need to let their secrets out so they can trust each other with their hearts.

DNF 61%, sorry!

This was my first book by this author but sadly I felt way too bored and had a hard time pushing through this far...
The basic idea is that Lila has some trauma to work through and decides learning how to fight is the best way to deal with that and protect her loved ones, so she decides to ask Hugh, a famous fighter in town I guess, to teach her. He hates fighting, he has his own trauma, and I guess he was kidnapped and lost his memory of being a Duke, considering... the title gives away that, well, he is a duke.

At first I was already surprised with the darker vibe of the whole book, considering we have scenes with the characters having flashbacks and stuff related to their PTSD. At first it was fine, interesting really to see how they see the world and react to situations around them, but after it started taking over so many pages it got very old and tiring.

Lila and Hugh by themselves aren't bad characters (the few side characters have very small roles, and I couldn't even remember their names or existence in the story). They're complex and I think it could be interesting to see them healing from their pasts and all that, but so far I could not see a single spark or chemistry between them. Which is not good in a romance.

The writing itself is fine, no issues there, but I couldn't get past this feeling that... even if they kissed and slept together, there was absolutely nothing keeping them together. I couldn't even believe the physical attraction, honestly.

So, yeah, it was pretty disappointing and I don't think it's worth putting the effort to finish the rest of it, sorry!

I went on a six week hiatus from reviewing, and when I got back, I didn't start with this book. And that was my mistake, because oh my goodness, I LOVED it! At first I wasn't sure, it was a little slow to start for me, and I didn't immediately feel a connection with the characters. However, as the story picked up, and we got to see more interaction between the two main characters, my heart twitched and paid more attention. No doubt this book is on my Favorite Reads of 2020 list, and I'm so excited about that. Christi Caldwell continues to amaze me in her ability to write stories that are always unique, never follow a standard script, and always leave me reeling with feelings.

Hugh Savage has quite the reputation as a fighter, despite the fact that he would rather live his life never raising his hands in violence again. Forced to fight as a young boy, and only escaping that life by doing the unthinkable, he is back in the ring to repay a debt and only hopes that one day he can live a life in peace. One night, while fighting is going on at his partners' fight society, he spots a distressed woman just outside the doors and knows immediately that she does not belong. Lady Lila March has lived in relative isolation for nine years, ever since a traumatic event left both physical and emotional scars in its wake. With London feeling less safe after word spreads of the kidnapping of noble children, she decides her time in the shadows must come to an end, so that she can protect herself and her family. She has heard of Hugh Savage and sees in him the opportunity to learn self defense from the best London has to offer. Hugh resists at first, but Lila is determined and eventually a partnership forms between them. However, not everything is as it seems, and as secrets come into the light, both must face their past and determine what they want their future to look like.

Hugh and Lila are perhaps my favorite couple of the year so far. Both had so much to learn from each other, and their character growth as the story progressed was heartwarming. In their own ways, each suffered from what nowadays would be called PTSD, and their methods of coping formed their defense mechanisms. Hugh was angry yet repentant, and he saw fighting as his way of repaying the debt his guilt instilled in him. Lila, on the other hand, had become meek and withdrawn, and she rarely left her house during the day. So while one of them took action in response to their trauma, the other made as little motion as possible. This made them the perfect healing couple, as they could take away different forms of healing from each other. Lila needed help coming out of her shell, and Hugh needed help learning to forgive himself. Their secrets were monumental, but out of them came a love that was touching and real. I felt so connected to this couple by the end of the book that they will be floating around in my mind for many months to come.

I'm excited to read more - no doubt Christi will come up with a unique story that I will dive right into!

**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**