This series is amazing. I mean, how often does a nobleman actually go looking for, and then acknowledge, their by-blows? The Duke of Bentley is doing just that. Unfortunately, this set of siblings is NOT excited about the prospect. So far we have seen the oldest brother, Rafe, find his HEA. Wesley has asked the Duke for a commission and Hunter is now the foreman of the mine in Staffordshire. So that leaves the baby, Cailin, the only girl and the one most protected. She is protected not just becaise she is the youngest, but because the day she was born and their mother died, she made the boys promise to keep Cailin safe. They have done a very good job, but she yearns for a bit of adventure and not to feel alone anymore.

Courtland apparently needs a bigger knock down then having inhierted a bankrupt dukedom. Cailin gives it to him. Throughout the story she has him second guessing his ideas and thoughts on so many things. She doesn't fawn over him and it kind of irrates him, because that is what he is used to. He starts to see that although he is the Duke and the oldest sibling he has not truly seen his siblings as allies in the family struggle.

Cailin has wanted to go to London for the museums, the theater, bookstores and to be outside of Staffordshire. She is excited to go only to have it totally not be what she thought. No museums, theater or outings....just lessons on deportment and protocols, dancing and fittings with the modiste.

These two are wonderful. She makes him think differently and he listens to her. They challenge each other, but frequently court the edge of propriety. I enjoyed this for their banter. Courtland's sisters are a hoot and can humble him in the blink of an eye.

Typical of all of Christi Caldwell's stories the depth, humor, tension and love are sincerely portrayed and occasionally require a tissue. This did not disappoint. The loyalty and sense of family in the siblings is strong and not forced. I love the protectiveness and no nonsense approach of Cailin's brothers, Wesley and Hunter. Rafe was stuck a bit, it seemed, trying to keep his wife happy, but in the end was there for Cailin.

A 4.5 Star rating!!

Disclaimer: I received a complementary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way.

Reviewed for Buried Under Romance by Lisa Ringsby.

What happens when an impoverished duke with a reputation for being a rogue collides with a strong-willed heiress who wants to explore the world? An unlikely friendship…and unexpected passion.

Cailin Audley doesn’t fit in with Polite Society. A life spent among the working class taught her to value her independence in a way no newfound fortune or glittering ballroom could ever erase. When a major misstep sees the new heiress whisked away to the English countryside, Cailin soon realizes the vexing lengths her family will go to see her settled. But having risked her heart once before, Cailin has no interest in the men of the ton—especially not the frustratingly charming Duke of St. James.

Courtland Balfour, the Duke of St. James, devoted brother and notorious rogue, despises what he must become—a fortune hunter. But with the ducal coffers drained by his late, spendthrift of a father, Courtland knows his duty lies at the altar and he will do anything to ensure a future for his siblings. Just his luck that the one lady who could make this new fate bearable, who enflames him like no other, is the one woman who wants nothing to do with him or his title.

But when an act of desperation inadvertently lands he and Cailin at the heart of another scandal, Courtland knows better than to waste his chance. Surely he can convince Cailin to love him?

Caitlin Audrey was the bastard daughter of the Duke of Bentley. She had three brothers Rafe, Hunter and Wesley. All of the brothers originally worked in the mines that was in their town. Rafe was originally the foreman at the mine until he married and moved to town. Hunter then became the foreman at the mines. Westley asked the Duke to buy him a commission in the military and he went into service. Caitlin lived in the town with her brothers where the mines were located until she met who she thought was Keir Balfour but was Courtland Balfour the Duke of St. James. The story revolves around the activities involving Caitlin and Courland and his sisters Lottie, Hattie, and Ellie. Our library wouldn’t purchase the book but it could be received through donations because it is a paperback.

Desperately Seeking A Duchess is the stunning follow up to Along Came A Lady from the All The Dukes Sins Series. If you're a fan of heart touching historical romance, this series is for you. Caldwell has once again shown her expertise in writing a story that will warm your heart while making you laugh out loud. Readers, plan on swooning over our reluctant hero Courtland and cheering on our defiant heroine Cailin as they butt heads while guarding their hearts.

Cailin Audley, the illegitimate daughter of the Duke of Bentley, has joined his family and as such is expected to learn the ways of a proper lady and flourish in the Polite Society which she finds just plain silly. Frankly, she's baffled by all the rules and regulations that burden women in this man's world. What's proper, what's not. The very idea that a lady meeting a man alone is scandalous and can ruin ones reputation for life is just preposterous. Cailin comes from a working class background and is used to making her own decisions. She's a smart, intelligent, strong headed woman who neither needs nor wants a man making decisions for her. Get married? Never!

Courtland Balfour, Duke of James, is a reluctant hero who inherited the title of Duke and the role of head of household from his late father who left the family coffers empty and in ruins. Courtland has assumed the role of protector of his twin brother and young sisters and as such he guards them from the knowledge that he's in danger of being thrown into debtor's prison. He'll do everything in his power to avoid this disaster and secure his sisters place in the Polite Society. Unfortunately, it's looking more and more like that means marrying a rich duchess to gain access to her money which grates against everything Courtland believes in. He may be a rogue, but he has principles that don't include being a fortune hunter. The idea of having to marry one of societies silly, nincompoops to gain her fortune gives him the hives.

There's no way readers won't fall in love with Caitlin as she fumbles and bumbles her way through this story like a bull in a china shop leaving rules shattered while shocked bystanders with their tongues wagging fall along the wayside. The same goes for Courtland - a handsome, caring man of honor who sets aside his own desires to provide for his siblings. When these two meet, bells start ringing and the air is electrified with heat and sexual desire. Caitlin loves that Courtland doesn't treat her as a misfit, but seems to like her brutal honesty and boldness. Courtland finds Caitlin's openness refreshing, and he's as attracted to her mind as he is to her body . . . well, almost as much.

Desperately Seeking A Duchess is an unique, heart warming, sometimes hilarious story driven by the interaction between Courtland and Caitlin. Rest assured that a super support cast rounds out the story while literally goading these two characters on. Ellie, Courtland's youngest sister, is one of my favorites - an especially endearing and funny addition to the cast. Caldwell has a special talent for gifting readers well-developed and likable characters that earn their spot in the cast. Her talent for drafting plot lines that go a step beyond the ordinary is nothing short of brilliant. Desperately Seeking A Duchess is everything I look for in a great historical romance plus more. Highly recommended to fans of historical romance, romance and even rom-coms. This one has it all.

haven't read the first in the All The Duke's Sins series but that did not affect my reading or enjoyment of Desperately Seeking a Duchess,

I enjoyed the role reversal of this - now we have the Duke looking for a rich woman to support him and his family, not the simpering, eyelash batting debutante looking for a husband this season.

This was a fun story. In fact, it gave me strong vibes of Anthony Bridgerton's story in the Bridgerston series. The lawn bowls had a strong whiff of the Pall Mall scene - and I enjoyed them both.

Gossip, reputation and family are a big part in Courtland finding his love, and I couldn't wait to turn each page to find out where they were at.

I need to go back and read the first book, and I look forward to more from this author in the future.

This is a romance story that is able to bring several different elements to the story and blend them seamlessly together. Start with identical twins one of whom is a Duke and the bastard daughter of another Duke whose first encounter is anything but cordial and ends with him receiving a beating from her older brother. He is on the brink of debtors prison but also has three younger sisters whom he loves and must provide for financially. But love is blind and he is given a shove by his youngest sister. All together an intriguing blending of the morals and correct manners for the time period.

All together a love story to be enjoyed while relaxing in a good easy chair with a cup of hot tea. I have rated this book 4 stars.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

From the first paragraph, I knew this book would be a good one. I immersed myself into the book from the first chapter and I cannot say enough good things about this book! Honestly amazing! The writing is incredible and the plot is just one to die for. I am absolutely obsessed with this book. My favorite part would have to be the character development throughout the book. Character development is something I look forward to and this book did not disappoint.

I enjoyed this story a lot. Courtland and Cailin's relationship may have started off a bit on the wrong foot, but their chemistry was undeniable. Their romance was slow-building, but the friendship they formed helped each of them grow and finally understand what they wanted out of life. It wasn't an easy road, with both of them constantly being told what to do by those that love them, but they forged their own path and fought for the HEA.

Side note...the snappy dialogue between the characters, especially Courtland with just about anyone he interacted with, was fantastic.

Courtland Balfour, the Duke of St. James, faces debtor prison. The last thing he wants to do is marry a wealthy heiress to save his siblings from destitution. Courtland assumes his twin’s identity to convince the Duke of Bentley’s illegitimate children to join Polite Society. He never expected to be taken by Cailin Audley. She makes Courtland question all the stifling rules and regulations placed on a duke. Can Courtland find a solution for his family’s money woes without marriage? Or will he let pride stand in the way of his and Cailin’s possible happiness?
Cailin Audley is the illegitimate daughter of a duke. She has difficulty conforming to society’s repressive and rigid expectations. Her only ally is Courtland, the charismatic man Cailin met in the small mining town she grew up in. She soon finds herself whisked off to the countryside after making a near ruinous misstep. Cailin has no interest in marriage; however, she feels drawn to Courtland. Can Cailin find the place she truly belongs? Or will people’s machinations stand in the way of her future happiness?
Courtland stole my heart instantly. He is a man who believes he must shoulder all his responsibilities alone. I adore Courtland’s thoughtfulness and dedication to his siblings. He worries more about their needs and comforts over his own. I love how Courtland tried to counter their father’s cruelty. He hated how the man preyed on their vulnerabilities and weaknesses. What I admire the most about Courtland is his refusal to follow in his father’s footsteps. He does not want to make a spouse miserable, so he balks at being a fortune hunter.
Cailin is a young woman who wants nothing more than to find her niche in the world. She also wants the freedom to explore her interests. I empathize with Cailin’s inability to fit in amongst Polite Society. She disliked having judgmental people monitoring her every move and finding fault. Plus, Cailin found their rules, especially for young woman, silly and baffling. I like how Cailin is not afraid to stand up to her broody, muscular brothers and her ducal father. She refused to be a pushover to their well-meaning protectiveness. What I adore the most about Cailin is her ability to see the real Courtland. She knew he was so much more than his title.
DESPERATELY SEEKING A DUCHESS is book two in Christi Caldwell’s historical romance series, ALL THE DUKE’S SINS. The story can easily standalone because the author does an admirable job of touching on the important parts from the first book. However, I suggest reading ALONG CAME A LADY to better understand the Audley family’s dynamics and situation. Courtland’s sisters, especially the youngest, added humor to the storyline. I could not help but laugh at the girl’s hoydenish antics.
DESPERATELY SEEKING A DUCHESS is an endearing tale of two outcasts finding love with each other. I hope the author considers writing a spinoff series with the Balfour siblings, especially the sisters. They deserve a happily-ever-after. I cannot wait to see which Audley brother, Hunter or Wesley, is next to be matched!