3/5 Stars

** I received this as an E-ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review, Thank you!**

This was just an average read for me. I found that the book was slow at the beginning and took a while before I felt invested in the plot. It wasn't until closer to the end that I really even cared about what was happening. I wasn't the biggest fan of the characters either. They seemed to annoy more than anything. I also wanted more from the plot. It felt very boring with just the "lessons" and nothing really significant happening. Overall it was just an average read for me. It was quick and easy to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

CW: death of parent in childbirth, grief, parental abandonment, classism

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f frenemies to lovers
-historical romance
-opposites attract
-elements of forbidden romance

This was such a fun and great sexual tension-filled historical romance. The banter and back and forth between the two MCs was fun. They were opposites yet related to each other in so many ways and got each other very quickly, knowing the best places to poke. I loved the adventure and the family tension aspects. Not angst filled it hit the right tone.

This was a short and fun read. I hope we get a peek at the other siblings as well.

Rating: 4
Steam: 3

Will their similarities tear them apart …

Don’t ask me why but I immediately pictured the heroine as a kind of Mary Poppins with her umbrella and satchel. A very clumsy Mary Poppins. She is always smiling, few things seem to rattle her, she has always a solution in hand and she is also full of fun.
Edwina is on a mission, one she could not fail as it would establish herself for the years to come.
I immediately loved even when she is cunning and deceptive. But war is war. And she will ensure she faces her charge toe to toe by whatever means there is to succeed and show him what he was reneging.
I was not so sure about Rafe, so filled with anger he is from the beginning, he left his prejudices and childhood’s hurt cloud his judgment. Blinding him of the possibility of the hand offered could afford to him and his siblings. His resentment colors his options in life, he might never had much choice as a young boy left to raise his siblings, but he is deaf to the reason why he should open up a bit to other possibilities. Yet he had over thirty years to fuel his anger, so I clearly understand he can’t bury it in a matter of days.
Then a little bird from the city comes and changes his perspectives, well she too alters his circumstances.

Edwina is one hell of a heroine, she is a warrior. She reinvented herself after the worst rejection, she became her own success and she owes nothing to no one except her hard work and dedication to it. With never anyone to care for her, she blames no one for her loneliness or unmarked place in society, as she never belonged anywhere. But she still longs to find a way to fit.
Rafe plays the uncouth fellow to unsettle her, when he is more his mother’s son than he wants everyone to believe. He had been a parent to his siblings, taking his responsibilities seriously as he does for the people under his care in the coal mines. But he never doubted who he was and where he stood.

It is a colorful entertaining moving enemies to lovers tale as they stand each on the way of the other, each with an agenda. There are witty tricks, deceit, sensuousness, heartache, everything to suck you into Rafe and Edwina’s tale. Christi Caldwell at her best.
5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Berkley, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

DNF at chapter 5

I've never read a book by this author, so I thought "ok, let's try". One thing I immediately noticed is that Caldwell interrupts dialogue with unnecessary exposition. This really detracted from my reading experience; I didn't feel allowed to get a sense of the pairing on my own. It was like being bossed about so that I understood them to be "just so". I dislike that method of character development and the breakneck speed at which the romance commences. To a lesser degree, the excessive (and incorrect) use of ellipses was also distracting.

Thank you to the publicist for sending an unrequested copy to me. Unfortunately, this is just not my preferred type of romance.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Along Came A Lady weaves a mesmerizing story of redemption and love. This opposite attracts love story enchants and delights the reader at every turn.

Rafe Audley and his three siblings are the abandoned illegitimate children of the Duke of Bentley. After thirty years, the Duke reaches out. A recalcitrant Rafe refuses to have anything to do with the representatives the Duke sends; Rafe wants to keep his everyday life in a coal-mining town. Edwina Dalrymple is the latest weapon in the Duke’s arsenal to get Rafe to London. Edwina prepares young ladies for their entry into society. Edwina is tasked with instructing Rafe in the ins and outs of the peerage while convincing him to go to London to meet his father.

I have never read two more tenacious characters than Rafe and Edwina; they meet their match in each other. The banter between the couple is deliciously written. As the book progresses, we discover the tragedies that have sculpted our couple. Both are damaged and untrusting. Rafe and Edwina have many similar difficulties, yet they handle them oppositely. Rafe’s loyalty and love for his family and community radiate off his character. At first, Edwina’s constant cheerfulness was grating; however, once I got to know and understand her, I learned to love Edwina.

The love-hate relationship of the couple flourished under the sharp, witty dialogue. Their journey to love for these enemies turn lovers is tumultuous, yet so well designed that I couldn’t put the book down. The attraction between the couple grew exponentially as the book progressed. The sensuality built gradually to a fiery culmination.

The plot unfolded effortlessly and flawlessly. There were so many nuances and depth that built layer upon layer of the poignant story. The story was engaging and written exceptionally well. Along Came A Lady is the first book in the All The Duke’s Sins series. These novels focus on the illegitimate children of a Duke who tries to enter into their lives many years too late. The bare bones of this story are the different facets of forgiveness. It focuses on the forgiveness of others. However, it also addresses how one must forgive themselves for situations that one cannot control. There is no peace with others until one finds peace within themselves, which resonated with me. A first-class, excellent start to an exhilarating romantic saga!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book sucked me in from the first page. I couldn't wait to see how it ended.

As with every Christi Caldwell book I read, I ended my reading experience feeling very satisfied and anxious for the next book in the series. Christi has a magic about her writing that always leaves me breathless, creating characters who are unique and relatable, a setting that makes you feel you are there alongside them, and a plot that shows you the way romance should be. The amazing thing is - she writes multiple books a year and yet, I never feel that an idea is recycled or a character reused. Each book is unique, each character is crafted with care, and I am always shocked when I get to the end and realize there is no more book. I always want more from this author, even when she ties everything up in a neat bow for us to feel closure.

Bastard born and living under a false identity, Miss Edwina Dalrymple is working hard to create a life for herself as an etiquette instructor for young ladies. She has been unable to break into the realm of aristocracy, however...until now. When she is summoned by the the Duke and Duchess of Bentley, she assume she is to help bring a female relation up to snuff for the coming season. She assumes wrong, because the relation is the duke's illegitimate child...and is a son. Tasked with retrieving him from the coalfields where he lives and bringing him back to London, Edwina is determined to succeed. Her livelihood depends on it. However, it requires the cooperation of a man who is also determined to stay far away from his errant father. Rafe Audley watched his mother die 18 years ago birthing the last of the duke's illegitimate children, with no sign of the duke's care or consideration for her welfare or that of her children. He has no intention of going to London. When two stubborn minds collide, it's winner takes all, and now they must both decide what winning really means.

I adored Edwina from the start - a determined, successful young woman making her way in a world that would normally shun her if they learned of her birth and circumstances, she was inspiring. I loved her good humor, the way she handled difficult situations, and her consistent dedication to getting the job done. It was hard watching her get to know Rafe, because he looked down on her, thinking she was just another highborn lady who has taken to service. He didn't know they had illegitimacy in common, and the reader could see that Edwina really wanted to have that connection with Rafe be known to him, if it weren't for her fear of revealing her secret. Rafe was a gruff, determined man who had no time for frivolity or manners. He was a working class coal miner who had his siblings to support, and the last thing he wanted to do was give his father the satisfaction of any sort of relationship. As the book progressed, I found it interesting how his gruff exterior changed to let a little vulnerability in - not too much but just enough to let Edwina get a foothold into his heart. He needed someone to show him what could be, and she provided an excellent perspective for him to view London from. Their relationship was very much a slow burn, and with a perceived class difference, I was at the edge of my seat waiting to see how things would be resolved. You will love it, as I did.

I am already eager to see where things go from here, as I always am after reading a novel by Christi Caldwell. If you haven't read her yet, let this be your sign to begin your journey with her writing now.

Rafe Audley is the illegitimate son of a duke. He supports his younger siblings by working as a foreman at a coalmine. Rafe wants nothing to do with the man that sired him and his three siblings. However, he cannot ignore the latest person the duke sent to retrieve him. The female persists in upending Rafe’s life and dragging him to London. He never expected to like her. Can Rafe resist Edwina’s brand of persuasion? Or will the relentless woman get her way?
Edwina Dalrymple teaches respectable young women etiquette and proper conduct in society. She wants to pave a path for herself among the ton and to earn her father’s acknowledgement. Edwina’s latest assignment may allow her that opportunity. She needs to convince the duke’s son to come to London and assume his rightful place. The stubborn man thwarts Edwina’s every attempt. Can Edwina win her battle-of-wits with Rafe? Will she eventually find the place she belongs?
I could not help but fall in love with Rafe. He is a selfless man who looks after everyone in his charge. I like how Rafe prefers to earn his livelihood through honest work and not from his father’s handouts. He cares little about his blood ties to nobility or their way of life. What I admire the most about Rafe is his dedication to his three siblings. Even at a young age, he accepted responsibility for their care and wellbeing. Rafe never once abandoned them.
I adore Edwina! She is such an intriguing and resourceful woman. I admire Edwina’s tenaciousness in eking out a respectable life for herself. She knows there are few professions open to a woman or a nobleman’s illegitimate child, especially one alone in the world. Edwina did not let her circumstances hinder her. What I love the most about Edwina is her refusal to be intimidated by Rafe. She holds her ground against him, and she meets his every challenge head on.
ALONG CAME A LADY is book one in Christi Caldwell’s new historical romance series, ALL THE DUKE’S SINS. This is my first time reading this author’s works. I enjoyed her writing style. The story’s premise is what drew me to this book. And it did not disappoint! I found myself quickly immersed in the plot and the characters.
ALONG CAME A LADY is a charming tale about two converse people discovering their true places in life. I wonder which Audley will be next? I cannot wait to find out with the next book!

Along Came a Lady ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ By Christi Caldwell

I found this book to be so charming I loved it from the first to the last page. The heroine Edwina Dalrymple has said she has never failed a charge. When she is selected by the Duke of Bentley to retrieve his son she has no idea of the task ahead of her. The Duke sired for illegitimate children with one woman who he loved but never married. The children were unbeknownst to him and when he wants to make contact with the oldest Rafe Audleyhe finds no matter who he send to meet him he is unsuccessful.

Edwina has only dealt with women young girls whom she has prepared for polite society. Her spunk her relentless intervention with Rafe it’s just priceless. Rafe has carved out his own career goals in the small town he lives in. He’s content with never seeing his father. Although neither Rafe or Edwina realize it they are the perfect match. I am such a tremendous fan of Christi Caldwell she manages to make her characters become loved by the reader. She weaves A winning tale every time. I would highly recommend this book.

a very sweet historical romance. In the early 1800s, a young etiquette coach is sent to the mining area outside of London to persuade the bastard son of a Lord to come to England see his father. He refuses, wanting nothing to do with him. His brother and sister are not as staunchly opposed. And the relationship between the Lady and miner forms... great for historical romance fans.

I enjoyed the actual plot/story of this book - an illegitimate son has the chance to become "legitimate". I didn't care for the heroine much. I think it has to do with the editing (needs a better editor), so much repetition - over and over and over she thinks about being illegitimate, how she has to work to make something of herself. I think we got it the first 2, 3 or 4 times she said it (that was in the first chapter, not to mention the other chapters!) It seems like filler. Because of this repetition we don't get to know her as well as we should have. She shouldn't be so 1 dimensional but more complicated. We do get some of that later (doesn't want to be like her mother). She is pretty naive not to take others' views/feelings into considerations when she thinks she is doing it for their own good. Why didn't the Duke just buy the mine out right; he is rich enough..
There needs to be a back story on the Duke and Duchess - how they got together (6 mos married), why is she so nice about his illegitimate children, why did he wait so long. Too many unanswered questions. Maybe there will be other stories about the other siblings.

Excellent romance story full of love and laughs and it kept me interested through the whole story. I could not put it down and read it very quickly! I loved Rafe and admired his character. Although an illegitimate son of a Duke, he had his path in life with his own career goals. Then Miss Edwina Dalrymple comes and messes that path all up with her refusal to accept no attitude. I enjoyed the back and forth between Rafe and Edwina and found their clash of wills amusing most of the time. I loved that Edwina was a strong, intelligent woman making her own way alone in the world and admired her for overcoming her difficulties she had faced in the past. She was the perfect match-up for Rafe and he never knew what was coming! I highly recommend this book if you love romantic historical fiction as I do! I appreciate the opportunity to read an advanced review copy. This author's writing style was a joy to read and I will be looking forward to reading other books by Christi Caldwell.

This is the first book of the new series entitled "All the Duke's Sins". Thirty years ago, the Duke sired his first illegitimate child of four with his mistress who died in childbed with her fourth child. The Duke is now newly married and attempting to make amends to his illegitimate offspring who want nothing to do with him. What is a Duke to do? Send in Edwina Darymple, an etiquette professional to bring the oldest son and help refine him. Rafe Audley sent away the five men his father sent, but the sparks between Rafe and Edwina soon began to fly.

I love Christ Caldwell's writing style and her ability to develop characters. These two are the epitome of opposites attract. This is a great beginning for the series based on Duke of Bentley's illegitimate children.

The tropes are enemies to lovers and class difference.

This book is outstanding. I loved the characters and their journey. Edwina and Rafe have much in common and yet are at odds in the beginning but the journey to happiness is wonderful. I adored this sorry so very much and hope to read more about Rafe’s family.

I have to say I adore this author and I just hope to read anything and everything by her for a long time to come.