So compelling! This story has some really tough undertones and nuances, which makes the story so much more intriguing. Lila and Hugh each have deep seated scars and fears. Unbeknownst to each other they compliment and heal each other. Secrets and dark forces keep the reader on pins and needles and make this story one that will stay with you for a while. I loved this book!

3.5 stars

In the Dark with the Duke is the second book in the Lost Lords of London series and it can most definitely be read as a standalone. It does have a loose connection with The Spitfire from the Wicked Wallflowers series, but it still works as a standalone.

Lady Lila March is a survivor of the Peterloo massacre, a historical event I had no prior knowledge of. One thing that I love about Caldwell's books is that I always learn something new and this book motivated me to read up on the Peterloo massacre. After surviving that horrible event, Lila became a recluse with a strong fear of crowds. But when she suspects that her sister and baby nephew might be in danger, Lila is determined to stop living in the shadows and actually do something to protect her loved ones. After reading about Hugh Savage's bare knuckle fighting in the newspapers, she decides to find him and ask him to teach her self defense.

Hugh Savage has no recollection of his childhood, except for living on the streets and being exploited as a fighter from a young age. Now he is looking for the people who founded the original Fight Club that had victimized him and other innocent children. It took a while for the story to take off for me, but Lila and Hugh had great chemistry and I enjoyed their fighting lessons. I think my main issue with this book is the pacing. At times, it was very slow to the point where it felt that nothing significant was happening. I really like that the main characters, who at first being opposites, actually ended up having so many things linking them together. Lila did annoy me at a certain part, but she ends up realizing and acknowledging her privilege, which was superbly written.

The storyline about the mysterious founder of the original Fight Club was very well-written. I wanted to learn more about that particular villain. The threads all came together in a way that I hadn't seen coming. I do wonder what happened with Hugh's partners though...that's the only loose end.

I received an ARC from netgalley but this review is my honest opinion.

In the Dark with the Duke is the story of Lila March, a young woman who has become terrified of the world she lives in, due to a terrible tragedy she suffered though earlier in her life. She decides to take control of her life and face her fears by hiring fighter Hugh Savage to teach her to defend herself. The two end up facing their fears together to heal...

I had a hard time enjoying this book more because of a few reasons. 1. So much was made of Lilas tragedy, but the bits and pieces of it in the first half of the book almost made it more confusing than it needed to be. Also, once the tragedy was revealed, it didn’t seem to be as dramatic as it was made out to be. 2. I had a really hard time feeling any emotion for the two main characters. There was such a slow unfolding of the story, that I started to get bored with their story, and couldn’t really sympathize froth them much. And lastly, 3. The first 1/3 of the story was very slow. I had to force myself to pick up the book and keep reading. The second part of the book was much better and more enjoyable, but by then, I had kind of lost interest.

I am sorry to say I really struggled with this book. I loved the first Lost Lords book and was so excited to read this one, but it didn’t live up to my high hopes. I just could not get into this book; it moved so slowly, and the first 40% of the book or so felt repetitive. I felt like I was reading the same scene over and over again. I thought perhaps it was just me and that I wasn’t in the right headspace, but during the two weeks I struggled to read this book I read two other books, each in 24 hour time spans. So, clearly I was in the mind frame to read a book—just not this book, apparently. I’m bummed.

In the Dark with the Duke is the second book in the Lost Lords of London. The storyline of the series, recovery of heirs that are lost as children, is unique and the author was able to totally pull it off and make it story believable. The book was beautifully written, full of emotions, and so hard to put down once I started reading. The characters were so easy to fall in love with and were perfect for each other. They were able to help each other overcome their past and create a better life together.
Lady Lila March was traumatized eight years earlier when her naïve idea to attend a rally in Manchester turned into a disaster, leaving her scarred, scared of crowds, and a recluse. Lila has become tired of hiding in the shadows decides she wants to learn how to fight so she can keep herself and her family safe. She was brave and determined enough to go to East London and find Hugh Savage, a ruthless fighter for help.
As a child, Hugh Savage had no choice but to fight as a child and he hated the ruthless noble lords who were responsible for locking up the children and making them fight until death. When he escaped, he thought he was done fighting but with no other options for surviving, he joined the Army. When he returned from the war, two of his previous childhood fighters helped him. They were determined to have revenge against the noble lords and Hugh understood but he was so tired of violence.
Lila and Hugh were two troubled souls with dark pasts. Together they manage to overcome their pasts and become stronger individuals. Even though Hugh hates violence and doesn’t want to be part of teaching it he understands Lila’s dream and is willing to help her. Lila recognizes she doesn’t understand what it is like to have no options, so she could not judge Hugh for the decisions he made in the past. She understands his abhorrence of violence and is overwhelmed that he was willing to help her obtain her dreams. This was another terrific book for the series, and I can’t wait for the next book.

This was my first book by Christi Caldwell and it did NOT disappoint. The MCs, Lila and Hugh, were wonderfully developed and it was easy to like and love both of them. Hugh is a professional fighter, someone who has been fighting as a child, in an underground child fighting ring. He carries his guilt about killing someone to escape the ring, and then serving in British forces in the Napoleonic wars and then being a part of the Peterloo massacre. I loved how Christi pulled this in piece of British history that really happened but may not be a part of the average American mind. Lila is a recluse who has been on the edges of society after being greatly wounded as a spectator at Peterloo. Of course, they don't know this about the other when Lila approaches Hugh to teach her self-defense. Hugh falls in love with Lila quickly, but then feels betrayed when he finds out she is a (former) lady of the Ton. Hugh later finds out that he is a Duke, having been kidnapped as a child, and so he becomes a part of Lila's circles once again. All in all, a wonderful read and I can't wait to read even more in this series!

I loved this book! Christi Caldwell knows how to bring characters and their tortured souls to life! Lila and Hugh are the two brought together in this book. Lila has removed herself from life after being witness to a horrible event. Hugh is the Savage who uses fighting to earn his keep and chase away his demons. How they unfold and become stronger together is wonderful to read.

5 stars

Great story but then Christi regularily delivers books that make me think. Hugh is a prize fighter but actually one of the lost lords. This is book 2 in the series. Lila was a flippant debutante whose life radically altered.

The story links into important historical events. The hero and heroine are suffering from PTSD in part because of the same incident. The one unexplained item in the book was why the hero spoke well and had read profusely but didn't have memories from his youth. I read on an NHS website that if trauma is done in early years this is viewed as complex PTSD and can have emotional development considerations so perhaps this explains Hugh. Its a lovely narrative and I wasn't sure that there would be a HEA as they both had such emotional journeys to tread. I like how Christi's characters are well constructed and not just black and white archetypes.

I'd recommend the whole series but especially this novel.

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

This Lost Lords of London series has proven to be nothing short of phenomenal. The hauntingly beautiful and deeply emotional historical romance that Christi Caldwell is known and loved for. Lila and Hugh were two broken individuals leading lonely existences. Both had witnessed first- hand the evils the world was capable of. Their vulnerabilities made them real and able to relate to one another. Through the sharing of all they’d endured, they discovered feelings they’d not had in a long time and had thought to never feel. Christi Caldwell does a magnificent job of showing the nuances of PTSD in both of these characters as they strive to recover from painful pasts and find their place in the world. Through Hugh and Lila’s story, she gives readers the gift of understanding that trauma doesn’t make you weak or unlovable. Watching these characters change and grow through the support of each other was heartwarming and incredibly romantic. The slow build of their romance as they learn to fight their demons was written with such emotion that I felt exhausted and wrecked by the end. But in a good way. Those issues, both physical and emotional, posed challenges for Hugh and Lila, but they discovered they were stronger together. If you’re looking for a book that will tug at your heart strings, this multi-layered plot and complex characters, combined with unexpected twists, turns, and revelations will make for a truly addictive read

This book is unlike any I have ever read. Lila, a young lady of eighteen, traumatized to the point of becoming a recluse for the next several years finally decides to take some action to fight her demons. It leads her to Hugh, The Savage Gentleman, the undefeated fighter in the rookeries of St Giles. This story deftly weaves together a tale of the stealing of heirs as children and selling them to fight clubs; also, of stealing poor children off the streets and enslaving them into these fight clubs where they fight to survive. The children who survive and grow into adults who vow to avenge the violent treatment of themselves and others by going after the nobility who ran this circus. Lila is trying to claw her way to have some control in her life while Huge is trying just to survive day to day, live with his remorse and regrets and work towards finding those in charge of the fight club and make them pay. Lila convinces Hugh to give her instruction on self-defense against his better judgement. Two broken people come together and get to know each other, surprisingly have much in common and more importantly learn life lessons from each other. This story surprisingly has some startling unpredictable twists and turns. I definitely did not see them coming. Also, as Lila and Hugh bear their souls to each other it brings about unexpected results. This is not a book for the faint of heart. This is a hard-hitting drama filled soul searching, pain filled recollection of the past, shocking surprises in the present with a slow burn of romance. This is a must read. One of Christi Caldwell's best work. I highly recommend it.

This is book 2 of the latest Lost Lords series and is totally fine read as a stand alone novel.

Lila has a tragedy in her past that has kept her from society. She is content to just stay home, even though her family around her and some of her friends are moving on. After 8 years, she thinks she is ready to venture out again because she's found a way to keep herself safe. She only needs the cooperation of The Savage Gentleman.

Hugh Savage is considered a legend in the underworld of London. He has never – ever – lost a fight in all of his bare knuckle matches. He is wrapped up in the ring even though he wants to leave. While not an owner, he owes debts to others that keep him chained. The newspapers have dubbed him The Savage Gentleman and he soon finds himself cornered by Lila, who wants lessons.

I think you should give this book a try if you are interested in
-an bit of an anti-hero – he mostly grew up on the streets and is a legendary fighter in the London underworld
-a slow burn
-an ex-soldier hero
-a scarred heroine
-a bit of real history mixed in – this book touches on the massacre at Peterloo

So, I have really been struggling with writing this review. There were things I liked about this book. There were things I didn't like about this book. But it didn't leave me overall with any strong feelings about, well, anything, so perhaps that's why. This story has a lot to love in it. Two broken characters that are perfect for each other. I'm sure the story will be an emotionally gripping read for many. For me, I think the beginning just irritated me so bad it couldn't recover. The beginning is SO SLOW. I had to force myself to read that first 30%. It tries to establish a bit of what's going on with each character, their pain and past, their demons they face. And it was better done with Hugh I think. I was able to get a bit of connection with him and character depth regarding his life. But something with Lila, there was just, I don't know this “mystery” created around her that started to drive me nuts. I get I'm not supposed to know all the secrets until the end of the book (most likely) but this was just circles and circles and circles of her not being able to do anything but she must. Why must she? Who knows. It's so important. Why is it so important? Well she just must. She can't go on like this. It's been so long. But if she dares....Dare she? I mean I know that makes NO SENSE but that's basically what I felt like I was reading page after page in the beginning. It would almost give you a hint about her past then it would go in another circle about why she couldn't. Basically it took her 30% of the book to ask Hugh to teach her to fight. I thought it was absurd and I was beyond ready for anything else to happen.

At that point, the book does pick up. I think this is one of the only books I can say I enjoyed the second half way more than the first. Once they are together I enjoyed their banter and interactions together. But some things still didn't connect with me. I thought some of Lila's actions just didn't make sense. And her big plan that forms later in the book just seemed totally out of the blue to me. Perhaps if instead during that first 30% my head was twirling in circles reading the same thing over and over it would have said something about the possibility of this plan forming I would have been more accepting of it. And because it creates a large rift between the characters it was a big deal to me that it was out of the blue and a bit out of character for her. There were a few things about Hugh's past too that were confusing and I kept waiting to get cleared up but they never did. I'm unsure if a later book in the series will end up addressing some of these questions regarding the lost lords? I also felt like the ending didn't really pull it together enough. I don't want to get into spoilers about specifics. But I was just left feeling lackluster about it all.

I will say kudos to the author for touching on the massacre at Peterloo. I had no idea that ever happened and it sent me down a bit of historical research that was fascinating and heartbreaking.

I did read the first book in this series and liked it a lot more. This is my second Christi Caldwell. I will definitely try her again even though this one wasn't my favorite.

I give 2.5 rounded to 3

*An enjoyable read*

This is the first novel I have read by this author and I thought it was really, really good. I felt the writing style really worked well, and admired the attention to detail that I felt was absolutely spot on. I was wholeheartedly transported to Georgian England.

I loved the two main characters Lila and Hugh. They both had their secrets and they had both survived awful past's. Through an unlikely beginning, Lila and Hugh meet when he is a street fighter and she a Lady looking for a tutor to teach her self defence. From this point onwards, an intricate and absorbing story unfolds.

Hugh and Lila's past's are, unknown to them, interlinked, and although they are both broken people they begin to fall deeply in love with each other. I loved their chemistry, and the sparkle they had together.

This story had an element of suspense and mystery about it, with a pretty unexpected and exciting ending. The story built up at a good pace, and really drew me in. I would absolutely recommend this to lovers of historical romance books.

This is a complete standalone story. You wouldn't need to have read the first book in the series to enjoy this novel.

I really liked the story concept, which I now know is part of a series. It’s definitely stand alone.

It’s a nice read with two engaging characters and it’s well set. Happily recommended

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I adored this book. Lila has become a complete recluse never leaving her home after her being in a horrific attack. So she seeks out Hugh Savage, and undefeated fighter, to teach her self defense. Hugh is haunted by his time as a child street fighter and as a soldier but though he hates fighting he cant seem to say no to Lila. I loved the relationship between Hugh and Lila and how they were able to support each other and help each heal. Their relationship felt genuine and real. Love this book and cant wait for the next novel by this author.

In the Dark with the Duke by Christi Caldwell is a historical fiction novel. The book however does not follow the traditional path. Although it does end the appropriate way after numerous twists and turns.

In this novel, Lila March goes looking for someone to help teach her how to protect herself. She decides on a brawler named Hugh Savage. Lila is tired of always being afraid. She creeps around at night to find Savage and to get him to help her. Savage is more than just a brawler. He keeps turning her down and she keeps showing up and that is when things get interesting for both of them.

Since Christi Caldwell is a newer author to me I am still finding out her style and whether I like her books. I did enjoy this novel and will be looking for other books by this author in the future. In the Dark with the Duke by Christi Caldwell is a good read.

This book felt eerily appropriate to read as people all around us are protesting against police brutality and racial inequality. It is based on the Peterloo massacre where people were gathered to demand parliamentary reform. The characters of Lila and Hugh are really well written and I felt their pain and struggles throughout the book. I sobbed as I read about the pain Lila has gone through just to be able to step outside after being a victim of the brutality. I would say this is a difficult book to read if violence triggers you as there is mention of abuse and brutality that both Lila and Hugh suffer in the course of their lives. The romance is sweet but takes a backseat to the story of hero and heroine's path to being survivors. I really liked it except for the fact that there are absolutely no people of color in this and other books from this author. I am really disappointed in some of my favorite authors like Christi Caldwell who have written so many beautiful stories. It seems like it is only written in a white British society which we know is not historically accurate. There are so many characters in these books but not a single person of color. My heart breaks a little reading it as the author is only focused on one race in the books. It made a 5 star book a 3 star book for me and just makes my heart sad because it comes from an author I adore and love.

This is book two in the Lost lords of London series but can be read as a stand-alone.


* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

Lady Lila March is still recovering from a terror she experienced eight years ago a Peterloo. She’s been left scarred both inside and out. She decides it’s time to learn how to defend herself and not be the victim again and seeks out the best fighter in London’s underworld Hugh Savage. Savage reigns as king of the underworld, an undefeated bare knuckled fighter. He’s had to be brutal to survive and its left him emotional scared living as an orphan and from his life in the King’s army. He against fighting and when Lila approaches him he’s totally against teach a young woman to fight, but she convinces him with her determination. I love this story of two wounded souls, both have been emotionally scarred and soon discover they have much in common. Despite their differences and their attraction one another love grows between them. I have voluntarily read and reviewed this amazing story.

London 1828
Tales of stolen children and murdered families... the Lost Lords
Lady Lila March had hidden herself away for nine years. Fear, evil, danger lurked outside. She had experienced it. But with the almost kidnapping of her nephew, she decided it was time to reenter the world, but she would be prepared. That is when she saw the article about the "Savage Gentleman" , Hugh Savage, part of a fight club and had never been defeated. Her plan formed.
Hugh Savage. A devastating childhood.. No he had never had the opportunity to truly be a child and know the simple things... He had survived.. But at what cost? The tortured hero that pulled at my heart.
When these two met Hugh recognized the look in her eyes. She wanted him to teach her to fight.
An intense story with the scarred hero and heroine that Christi is a master at writing. My very favorite troupe and she owns it! There is no one better at bringing the harshness of the times out and having her characters maneuver themselves to redemption.. But it is a long journey but one that will bring light in the end. Brilliant.

Since she was caught up in a devastating tragedy nine years ago, Lady Lila March has hidden away in her family's townhouse and become a mere shadow of her former self. Now, fed up with her own limitations, Lila is determined she'll venture into the dangers of the outside world again. First she must equip herself to defend her family from any would-be attackers and in order to find the best man to train her she must venture to East London in search of the notoriously undefeated street fighter known as the Savage Gentleman.


As an orphan on the streets of London, Hugh Savage learned to fight as a means of survival. He lives on his reputation as an unbeatable fighter, but in truth he has always abhorred that violence and longs to be free of it. Though he's been determined not to teach anyone to fight, he finds himself unable to resist being intrigued by Lila and the challenge she brings, not to mention the secrets she so obviously carries with her.

As their lessons progress, Hugh and Lila develop a deeper relationship and reveal intimate details of their lives that neither has previously discussed with any other person. The more they come to know each other, the more alike they realize they are. It soon becomes apparent that they need each other in order to overcome their painful pasts and strive for a future together.

I have loved this book! Unfortunately I had to move right in the middle of reading it and my reading time has been severely curtailed. I hated having to put this down and attend to all my other responsibilities. I loved this book! This was emotional, like rip your heart out emotional. Both Lila and Hugh had some serious issues to work through but the development of their relationship, though rapid in terms of days, was excellent given how much they came to know each other and the honest conversations they had together. I loved how each was willing to forgive past mistakes and understand each other's growth and development as people, as well as that fact that they fought to be together despite obstacles. Lila and Hugh were fabulous together and now I'm hoping for a story for Sylvia.

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

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. In the Dark with the Duke by Christi Caldwell is the second book in her Lost Lords of London series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I enjoyed the first book and do recommend reading it too.
The premise of the series is that greedy relatives sold off young heirs to a Fagan like crime lord in order to claim the inheritance for themselves. Hugh Savage has no memory of his life before he became a fighter, was kept locked up and forced to fight in increasingly brutal matches with other children until it became a kill or be killed situation. Years later as an undefeated fighter he meets Lady Lila March when she comes to Savages Fight Society looking to learn how to defend herself in violent situations. Lila became a recluse after being caught up in the violence of Peterloo and she feels that learning how to defend herself will help her to reclaim her life. While seemingly opposites these two have much in common and I really enjoyed reading their stories and watching as they found their way to each other. Fairly high on the angst scale. Medium Steam. Publishing Date: June 9, 2020. #NetGalley #ChristiCaldwell #InTheDarkWithTheDuke #HistoricalRomance #MontlakePublishing #bookstagram