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Seven Deadly Sins #1

Wrath: The Devil Duke

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From USA today bestselling author, Christi Caldwell comes a spellbinding new series.
19th century London. Two rival gaming hells that cater to sin and vice are at war for supremacy. These ruthless men will fight it out to become the king of London’s gaming world. Except the greatest battle each man will face is the one waged by the innocent young woman determined to bring him to his knees in the name of love.


An Eye for An Eye
Once a respectable, sought after bachelor and do-gooder, Edward de Vesy, the Marquess of Malden, took a fall to rival Satan’s. A single decision cost him everything, including the gaming hell he helped build. From past betrayals has sprung a new man—one who is merciless, cruel, and incapable of pain. Now, Malden is applying every lesson he learned from his partners on the art of ruthlessness and raising a fortune to build an empire. And he will have revenge against those who wronged him.

Righting a Wrong
Having watched her eldest sister perish, Miss Edith Caldecott is no stranger to loss. Society may be content to accept Evie's death as an unfortunate twist of fate. Not Edith. She spent years digging to discover who was responsible. Now, she’s taking matters into her own hands. To avenge her sister, she'll require the help of a man who has his finger on the pulse of evil.

An Unlikely Partnership
What begins as nothing more than a relationship born of vengeance slowly dissolves into something sinful, decadent, and dangerous as Edith falls deeper under Lord Malden’s spell. When further betrayals come to light, Edith realizes she’s crossed a bridge too far. But the damage is done as she’s found herself falling for the last man who’d ever give Edith his guarded heart.

Heat level: Scorching!

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 18, 2024

1432 people are currently reading
381 people want to read

About the author

Christi Caldwell

136 books2,559 followers
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 Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.

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5 stars
691 (46%)
4 stars
453 (30%)
3 stars
220 (14%)
2 stars
82 (5%)
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40 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
Profile Image for Becky (romantic_pursuing_feels).
1,286 reviews1,712 followers
May 20, 2024
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥 (This might feel hotter than this to some because there’s quite a few partials, and kisses, and focus on the steam even if the actual flames aren’t there)
Humor: Not really
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: not too long, about 5% (chapter 2, I think)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, 6 months later
Format: read e-book version through Kindle Unlimited subscription
(Descriptions found at end of my review)


“Shy all of a sudden, sweeting?” he whispered.
She bit her lower lip. “It is wrong.”
He nuzzled at her neck. “Why?”
“Because...good ladies do not go about doing naughty things with men who aren’t their husbands.”
“Good ladies are vastly overrated,” he said, sucking on the shell of her ear.


Should I read in order?
This is the first book in Caldwell’s Seven Deadly Sins series.

Basic plot:
Edith requires the assistance of someone unafraid of doing dark deeds to help avenge her sister’s death and she contacts Malden, who has built his life around sin and ruthlessness.

Give this a try if you want:
- late Georgian - 1831
- dirty talking hero (lots of good girls, but not much else for praise)
- future Duke hero / miss heroine
- possessive/jealous hero
- gaming hell owning heroine
- size difference (taller hero)
- bit of a bargain vibe – the heroine asks the hero for help in punishing her sister’s murderer
- medium steam – this is a 3 steam with some strong partials and kiss scenes, some elements of edging and voyeurism

Ages:
- I believe heroine is 24, hero I’d guess is around 30

First line:
Nothing made Edward de Vesy, Lord Malden, the future Duke of Craven, harder or got him off faster than savage, merciless revenge against the foolish ones who dared wrong him.

My thoughts:
This is the kind of hero I can really love. Definitely toxic AF, growly, aggressive...he’s all rasping whispers and grabbing hands, punishing…..threatening. And so angry at the world. Gives me alllll the nostalgic feels of those old school reads I snuck in at the age of 12 😂 Maybe even a bit too much of a jerk to me? I can’t say I was sold on him by the end of the book. And the fact that he was still yelling in the heroine's face at 70% that he has multiple women that will spread their legs for him...became a bit of a turn off. I love those jerky heroes but I need to them be losing their minds for the heroine at that point in the book…

And compromised heroine is one of my favorite plot points! So I really did enjoy parts of this book. And the way Caldwell upped the steam?? Very impressive. I had given up on her books because I was usually sooo disappointed in the lack of steam (the ones I tried were usually like a 1 steam with the scene at the very end). So I love that she was experimenting with that and think I might really like some of her newer releases if she keeps this up.

So, the sex was a big improvement (to me) but there was something about it that just felt a bit, I don’t know, clinical to me? Like there were ‘good girls’ sprinkled in without giving me that real praise feel. There were hints at control from the hero, but nothing concrete. There was just something missing for me here.

I can’t say I ended up loving either character, which lessened my enjoyment. I’m curious about the bad men side characters that will be future heroes….

Endearments


Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.


Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:


Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Profile Image for Serialbookstarter:Marla.
1,198 reviews85 followers
Read
November 16, 2024
DNF

Edward and Edith

3 strikes — I’m out.

1- H is constantly saying how unattractive the fmc is— she’s skinny, pale,plain, sickly looking etc
2- the internal monologues are so repetitive— move on
3-H is angry he shared he was bullied with the h— only that never happened at least at this point. It was either deleted or happens in a later chapter.

Two words- repetitive and redundant— okay literally that’s 3 words.
Profile Image for Debbie DiFiore.
2,718 reviews314 followers
May 9, 2024
What the heck?

The worst possible scenario in a romance is to have a detailed sex scene with another woman. To me at least. And this one opened up with that right away! The H was a pig and he was looking out her his porn club watching other people engaging in sexual acts! He owns a club that caters to the based needs of the elite. It disgusted me. I didn't find it tasteful at all. I want bleach for my brain to rid it of that chapter. I almost did a dnf. I actually had to look to make sure this was a Christi Caldwell book. I was horrified and then he saw the heroine in the club and she definitely did not belong. He chases the ho off and has his men go off to get her. She is an innocent wanting to acquire his services to destroy the person who killed her sister. He was just too uncouth for me. His thoughts were disgusting. I just was ready to quit. But you can see how intrigued he was with her and he considered her request. The first time he sees her, he thinks she is plain but every time after that, he finds her more beautiful every time he sees her and he's obsessed with her eventually. Of course, their are villains and betrayals coming from every angle and by the end he loved her more than life itself. And you felt it too. I never really warmed up to him even though he became a better man because of her love. He was obsessed really. The ending is just right and I was glad I did continue on. He is faithful once he meets her though but he was suffering from ennui in that first chapter when he was being serviced. But the club itself was just not for me. I am a prude. So no judging please. I almost gave it four stars but there was so.much I didn't like that I just couldnt. I love the author though and I will read the rest of the series. I might cringe but I will complete.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
339 reviews6 followers
July 20, 2024
Intense read with a murder mystery backdrop. Edward deVesy Lord Malden is a real beast, in a sexy beastie way. Edith is self righteous, whiny and a big tease for most of the book. I wish there was less violence and use of the word buttocks. And more sexy times for poor Eddie. I like Edith’s 6th sense and gothic feel. But book had some slightly annoying edit and word choice problems. still a good read for the fast pace and engaging characters. Duke of A is Gaston he even dances like Gaston and has that smug vain Gaston look. well maybe a blond Gaston 👱‍♂️😀
Profile Image for belle ☆ミ (thisbellereadstoo).
2,587 reviews176 followers
April 22, 2024
this was hot and it moved so freaking quickly. it’s a she fell first, he fell harder story.

malden never believed in love after the betrayal of whom he thought were friends. he started a scandalous gaming hell soon after and although he’s a soon-to-be duke, people shun him in polite society. that’s exactly why edith reached out to him after finding out who killed her sister, evie. she knew malden would have the power. after their first meeting, malden and edith were immediately attracted to one another. they would have their ups and downs, and malden wouldn’t be the perfect gentleman. overall, i had a great time!
Profile Image for Scarlett Scott.
Author 121 books1,563 followers
August 18, 2024
Gorgeous book by one of historical romance's most talented, well-rounded authors. Angst, emotion, drama, darkness, steam, and a much deserved, beautiful HEA. Christi Caldwell's prose and her characterization shine. Loved this one!
Profile Image for Natalie Brooks.
1,408 reviews24 followers
June 15, 2025
4.5 stars. One of Caldwell’s best. Invokes a full range of emotions. The mmc starts off so horrible you wonder if he can be redeemed. He can and it is well done.
Profile Image for Janet.
5,179 reviews64 followers
April 18, 2024
Once a respectable, sought after bachelor and do-gooder, Edward Holmes, the Marquis of Malden, took a fall when a single decision cost him everything, including the gaming den he helped build. From past betrayals has sprung a new man—one who is merciless, cruel, and incapable of pain. Having watched her eldest sister Evie perish, Miss Edith Caldecott is no stranger to loss. She’s spent years digging to discover who was responsible. Now, she’s taking matters into her own hands. To avenge her sister, she'll require the help of a man who has his finger on the pulse of evil, the Marquis of Malden
The first book in a new series & another enthralling, captivating & engrossing romance. Strong characters & a well paced story had me glued from cover to cover. I loved both Edward & Edith, both had their insecurities & fears, which he channelled into becoming even richer & more powerful & she into revenge for Evie’s death. Sparks flew between them from their first meeting & the chemistry was electric. I loved their journey to a HEA which wasn’t easy but gradually they learned to trust but it too near disasters for Edward to finally realise how precious Edith was. A very well written brilliant romance & I can’t wait for the rest of the series
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Profile Image for Pam  Bereznak.
1,816 reviews136 followers
April 30, 2024
This is my 88th book by Christi Caldwell. I read 2 of her books in 2013 but didn’t pick her up again faithfully until 2015. She is such a good author and I love her writing. She always has great stories and depending on the book, well written sex scenes (some don't have much and some even had none) but I enjoy her writing so much, I didn't mind. I am really looking forward to this new series.

OMG this book was so damn good. I loved Edward and Edith. Edward was one of those guys everyone is afraid of and you don't mess with but you know how that goes when a women is involved. :) I loved how fierce Edith was in finding revenge for her sister. These two were a force to be reckoned with. Their chemistry was so fucking hot. Great sex scenes. I have added this to a favorite read for April. SO DAMN GOOD!
Profile Image for Rosemary.
789 reviews6 followers
August 17, 2025
Did this books have lots and lots of issues? Yes. A whole section is missing. Someone needs to let the author or Kindle know, so it can be corrected or re-uploaded . The characters were not likable. His personality was angry mocking and sneering. Her personality was sad virgin. They didn’t have any reason to fall in love with each other. There were wild leaps of logic. I was riveted though and didn’t want to put it down. It absolutely held my attention and I was entertained, even though I was like “what the hell am I reading? Why is he acting like that?” So, it gets 4 stars.
Profile Image for Ermione Pickwick.
302 reviews15 followers
April 22, 2024
First of all, honestly there are way too many dukes in Caldwell's series, ok that we are in the realm of stories, but so many dukes, all young, good looking, charming...it's a bit beyond surreal. What's the matter with a marquess or a viscount?

Secondly, ok the passion, ok the jealousy, ok even some possessiveness (in books, not real life), we all like a bit of it in romances, but the guy here is way too much for me to like him...

Profile Image for Margaret.
3,205 reviews33 followers
April 27, 2024
Miss Edith Caldecott is looking for revenge in the death of her sister. To go to the man who owns the most sinful club in London, with the worst reputation and ask for his help, takes all of Edith's courage. Bitter, cold and hard, Edward de Vesy's a man who never does something for nothing and he's decided Edith is what he wants. He plays a wicked game of seduction. Very erotic with explicit sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author.
Profile Image for L J.
355 reviews4 followers
April 18, 2024
The Marquess of Malden, Edward Holmes, is the sole proprietor of an infamous London gaming hell. Long ago, he'd had two partners, but they are now his sworn enemies as their betrayal of him is beyond his ability to forgive. He is known as a hard, dark man with no friends and no moral boundaries. But his is not just any casino. It is the proverbial den of iniquity, as almost any vice imaginable can be had for a price. It is a veritable sodom for its members.
Miss Edith Caldecott has snuck into this establishment, and her naivete is on full display with her first visit, and she is almost immediately spotted as a result.
Edith needs Malden's assistance, as she believes her older sister was murdered, but that the crime was actually intended for another of her family members. She has little support from her family as they do not share her thoughts on their loss. She needs someone with knowledge of revenge and true evil to help her obtain her retribution before she loses another loved one. Her first choice is the Marquess of Malden.
These two characters are vastly different from each other, yet both have experienced their own type of personal pain. The plot is interesting as they become more involved with each other and the alleged murder case.
This reader could almost envision the ice around Edward's heart dissolving as he is a man who believes he can not have love in his life, trusts no one, and then Edith slips into his gambling hell. We also see Edith's future as a virginal spinster slipping by the wayside as well. Maybe the "spinster" descriptor would go on, but the "virginal" was out the window....
This is a terrific start to a new series for this author, with an interesting plot, entertaining characters, and a sultry heat. The story has more heat than others by this author, but I felt it necessary to the plot and mood of the story. I read it from start to end and could not put it down, and I am really looking forward to the next in this series.
I read this as an arc, and my opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Angie.
1,400 reviews235 followers
September 22, 2025
"It took me some time to figure it all out, Edith, but I now know. My desire for you is unwavering... I cannot even think about having another woman in my bed or in my life, because you are the sun, and everyone else just lives in your shadow."

4.5 stars

I didn't know when I started this book that it would tie into the last Christi book I read, but I loved being able to continue Edward's story. I didn't really see him as the villain in Faith's book--maybe slightly misunderstood--but he definitely morphed into something callous and ruthless as a result of losing his friendship with DuMond and Argyll.

I absolutely loved the dynamic between Edward and Edith. He portrayed himself as unaffected and cruel, but at each of their meetings, his true interest in Edith's open and caring nature bled through his facade. Edith was equally as put off by her growing feelings for Edward despite his unforgiving persona, but as he slowly and unintentionally let her past his walls, she fell for the man he let no other see. I really enjoyed the drama and danger in the second half of the story as Edward's grovel and acceptance of his feelings were both top-tier. I hope that the Duke of Argyll gets his own chance at redemption in his own story because I really disliked him in this book, but for now I'm ready to move on to the assassin's story next🖤

Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, hate-to-love-you, morally grey hero, stubborn heroine, late-night rendezvous, forced marriage-of-convenience, she falls first/he falls harder, opposites attract, revenge plot, hidden secrets, STEAMY🔥
Profile Image for Sidney Full.
157 reviews
July 29, 2025
I fear I’m in the minority for disliking this book so much based on the reviews. I was trying something different with this historical fiction mafia vibe… and I think I’m just gonna stay away from it from now on.

First off, repetitive. Second, the man literally talks about how the female MC is not pretty the entire first chapter and then BAM all of a sudden locking lips. Third, things were referred to in chapters that either were deleted previously or I somehow missed (which doesn’t seem likely bc I literally went back after to try and find it). Lastly, this was not easy to read… and maybe that’s just how historical romances are? Idk I thought adjectives were repetitive and didn’t flow with the rest of the sentence easily. But maybe I’m just not used to that style.

Anyway made it to about 36% before giving up
Profile Image for Cynthia Houser.
1,600 reviews9 followers
April 29, 2024
Wrath

I always enjoy Christi's books. I would have preferred that the book not use such foul language. But the story is a good story with well developed characters. I would like to read Edith's sister's story and the "Other Duke's" story.
2 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2025
Fast-read to understand the gamehells rivalry subplots of 2 (tbr) and 3 (loved).
Did not help much in that regard.
MMC very offputting, ugh.
Profile Image for Sonia N..
997 reviews65 followers
December 16, 2024
Beautiful Love Story

Edward and Edith! This is Book 1 in this delicious and well written book. Such well developed characters and an interesting storyline with a twist!
I enjoyed reading this book and now will be reading Book 2!
Profile Image for Kindle Reads.
181 reviews4 followers
May 11, 2024
DNF A little too far down the Dark way

I've read a lot of novels that feature salacious details, hellfire type clubs. Most don't reach the point of referring to Satan quite so much. I usually like Caldwell's novel. This was a bit too far out for me
5 reviews
May 5, 2024
Too Dark Duke

This book was unlike any Caldwell read.. I thought it was brutal and painful I finished the book but unlike her other books I would not re read this book.
Profile Image for Michelle.
597 reviews
October 12, 2024
I was looking for a new author and found Christi Caldwell… This is the first book by her I have ever read… Now I love a steamy story… But it has to be a good story as well… This was really over the top stupid and I was rolling my eyes so much… Edith shows up at Edwards club to ask Edward to help find her sister’s killer - now mind you Edward is a ruthless owner of a gaming establishment and sex club -and Edith is described as painfully thin, pale and plain, and in two days she is in his veins and in his blood???? he doesn’t want anyone breathing the same air as her ?? For what reason???He is not even attracted to her when she walks in and even makes fun of her ugly name as well. Throughout the book, she is described as very pale- The author tries to pull at our heartstrings when Edith describes her sister on her deathbed… It was so long and flowery and over the top I was rolling my eyes at it instead.. why did the FMC have to look the way she did and how is it that Edward is sudddenly obsessed with this girl in two days?? Edith is weak and terrified one minute, fainting the next minute, or brave and daring… This chick is all over the place- DNF 50%
525 reviews16 followers
April 20, 2024
Edward, the Marquess of Malden is a man twisted by rage, a lifetime of dysfunction and a need for revenge. After his business partners steal his business and ruin his life, he rebuilds from the ashes and comes back with an axe to grind. Malden forms Lucifer's Lair, the most debauched gambling hell in London.

Edith is a woman wracked with grief over her sister's murder, a murder which no one believes actually happened. Desperate to avenge her sister and bring herself peace, she enlists the help of Malden - by literally walking into the lions den to proposition him for help.

Intrigued by her innocence and enticed by Edith's promise that she can help him with info to bring his former business partners down, the two settle in to work together and sparks fly.


THOUGHTS:
I liked the way this was written, it was really engrossing and engaging and you really get lost in the story.

HERO: Malden is a GREAT character - oftentimes in a romance novel you see the "bad guy" love interest as a villain but he's really not, just misunderstood or aloof. Malden is actually a bad guy (at first). He was raised by an exacting and abusive father, had no mother and has no semblance and warmth or caring for someone without personally benefitting in some way. He's ruthless, calculating, unfeeling, has no qualms about murder and enters their partnership for information + to seduce Edith.

HEROINE: Edith truly feels like a lady of her time. She's a spinster, has no plans on marrying and isn't being taken seriously by her family. Her sister's murder has deeply affected her to the point that she is wasting away and having episodes. When she meets Malden, it opens the door to sexual desires and feelings she didn't know she had. As they explore together she also finds her steel and backbone and we really see how she would have been before the murder. She's not just a wilting lady, she's a quick, sarcastic and levelheaded foil for Malden while still lbeing soft, ladylike and reserved.

SPICE: whooo I was not expecting that. Usually romance novels demure and wait until the middle or end to get things spicy, not so here. The book literally opens with Malden getting his dick sucked.

RELATIONSHIP: Edith and Malden are opposites and don't have much in common on the surface but we slowly get to see their tension and rapport grow with whitty quips and sexual tension that gives way to feelings. They both come into their own and their failings balance each other out.
Profile Image for KelseyreadsHR.
518 reviews12 followers
October 15, 2024
Edgy and steamy with a red flag hero

Wrath: The Devil Duke is the first book in the Seven Deadly Sins series. I had heard that this new series was a lot edgier and steamier than some of the author’s prior series and I wanted to check it out.

This was an interesting story with an intriguing plot that kept me wondering how everything would play out. It’s a lot darker than typical historical romances but kept me enthralled and entertained.

Edward is a morally gray hero with lots of layers. Edith intrigues him from the start but keeps it to himself, not wanting to show his hand and what he thinks would be seen as a weakness. But his possessiveness of her gives away his true feelings even if it takes him a while to realize it himself. He’s a red flag hero that I still couldn’t help but root for. Despite the way Edward speaks to Edith, she notices the tenderness in his actions towards her and can’t help but fall in love with him. I liked that Edith is aware of how her feelings are illogical and instead of fighting those feelings she continues to stand up against Edward in order to keep creeping towards getting what she needs from him. The complexities and nuances of their relationship is thought provoking and not easily forgotten.

I also enjoyed the full circle Edith makes and the realizations she makes regarding her request to Edward in the beginning and moving on in life.

The story seemed to be a bit repetitive in the latter half that caused it to drag but the ending was fast paced while tying up all the loose ends. There was also some minor things with the plot that threw me off.

I read this as a standalone but there was moments that I felt I’d have more context on the falling out between Edward and the Duke of Argyll if I’d read The Devil and the Debutante first. I made due without but wondered throughout if it occurred in a prior book or was just part of an untold backstory.

Overall all, this was an entertaining read and I enjoyed the direction of the series and looking forward to book two.

There are three encounters plus several heated kisses, fantasized kinky thoughts, dirty talk, and incomplete scenes.
3 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2024
I like so much about what Christi Caldwell is capable of, but her recent books have gotten so sloppy. And no one seems to call her out on it. And this is the worst I’ve seen yet.

I’m at chapter 11, and there is a lot I have liked so far, but two major editorial blunders have just taken me so far out of this book I can’t really enjoy it anymore. Then I look at the reviews and realized that the blurb and the book don’t even agree on the hero’s NAME. And all the other reviewers are using the blurb name, so have they even read the book at all?

Blunders: (are they spoilers? Hard to say this gives away what happens when it hasn’t actually happened yet at the point I left off reading).
1). heroine says to hero “you said there is no love involved”. Hmm, I don’t remember him saying that, so I search my kindle-oh we are on chapter 10 and I find that H says that later in chapter 20. Ok, this is the kind of mistake Caldwell makes in a lot of her recent books (referrncing something a character says before they say it, or where the quote doesn’t appear at all) and I’ve given her a pass because it doesn’t fully take me out of the story.
2) chapter 11: hero asks what possessed him to talk about his bullying or horrible father with heroine. Thinks about how he never shares personal details but he shared all this personal stuff with heroine. Except, IT HASN’T happened! I don’t know if this is a conversation that happens later in the book or ended up being cut, but this is where I stopped. This is made out to be some huge emotional revelation, but it never happened at all. So sloppy.
3) I come to the reviews and see them all talking about the Hero as Edward Holmes. I’m like oh WAS that his name? I don’t recall it being so wholesome. Go back to my book, search, and literally “Holmes” returns zero results. The character’s name is Edward de Vesy. It is used many times. So take every review that mentions Edward Holmes with a huge grain of salt, because they clearly read the blurb, not the book.
Profile Image for Lana Birky.
1,700 reviews22 followers
April 22, 2024
In the shadowy corners of London’s elite, Miss Edith Caldecott and Edward de Vesy, the Marquess of Malden, dance a dangerous waltz. It marks a bold departure for Caldwell, known for her lighter historical romances. Here, she ventures into the dark and tempestuous waters of revenge and desire.

Their story begins with Edith, who is driven by a desire for revenge for her sister's premature death. Her journey takes her to Lucifer's Lair, a den of indulgence run by the infamous Lord Malden, a man known for his mercilessness and the dark secrets he keeps. Edward consents to help Edith, but his assistance comes at a high cost: she must arrange a rendezvous with the sister of an adversary, whom he plans to ruin and marry. As their agreement strengthens, so too does the entanglement of their feelings, making Edith's vow ever harder to keep.

Caldwell’s narrative is a rich tapestry of dark passions and forbidden love, weaving a tale that is as sensually charged as it is emotionally resonant. The characters are drawn with exquisite detail, their inner turmoil mirroring the chaotic world around them. The romance that blooms amidst the thorns of their circumstances is both unexpected and inevitable, a testament to the transformative power of love. This book is a compelling read, offering a glimpse into the darker side of desire. Caldwell’s foray into this intense genre is a successful one, providing her readers with a story that is both provocative and heart-wrenching. It’s a romance that not only entertains but also lingers, like the echo of a haunting melody long after the final page is turned. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
1,117 reviews4 followers
April 29, 2024
4.75*

Within minutes of starting I recognised Malden as the third partner in Forbidden Pleasures with Rex Dumond and the Duke of Argyll (The Devil and the Debutante), so was pleased to finally see Malden/Edward/Craven get his book.
Having been thrown out of Forbidden Pleasures for putting Dumond's wife at risk, however inadvertently, Malden's life has taken a darker turn, he's set up his own clubs that surpass his former one and become a darker, driven man, the abandonment by his former friends finishing the job of his unfeeling and brutish father. So when his club is infiltrated by a naive young lady, he's sure it's this former partners trying to pay on him.
Edith Caldecott is a young lady out for revenge, her sister Evie is dead, and none of her family believe she was murdered, but Edith is sure it was murder and that the culprit was her cousin. Since Evie's death the whole family has changed, her brother (the intended murder target) is rarely home, her parents subdued and quiet. So Edith decides to approach Malden to help her avenge her sisters death.

BUT, there are some issues
- Mid book Malden regrets telling Edith about his relationship with his father but we never see this happening, the whole visit in the copse is detailed, but not that confession.
- There is a fourth sister Elyse, who isn't mentioned until chapter eleven and then again only once more in the book. Why is she included?
- The situation in the last few chapters - when did that happen? I can't see where it could have been. I'm only alluding to this as to tell all would be a spoiler

Probably one of the darker books from this author -and I've read them all, a fair bit of violence and language I don't like. But in the whole a tremendous love story, as her books usually are.

Having said all that great starter to a new series, I love reading about characters we've met in previous books. Although this is a new series it has strong links to The Heart of a Duke series. Can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Brenda Smith.
223 reviews10 followers
May 26, 2024
"𝑁𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝐸𝑑𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑑𝑒 𝑉𝑒𝑠𝑦, 𝐿𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝑀𝑎𝑙𝑑𝑒𝑛, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑢𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝐷𝑢𝑘𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑛, ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑟 𝑔𝑜𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑜𝑓𝑓 𝑓𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝑎𝑣𝑎𝑔𝑒, 𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑠ℎ 𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑖𝑚." When this is the first line in a book, you know you're in for a delicious and dark read.

Edith Caldecott watched her beloved sister die slowly and painfully from poisoning and has never relented in her pursuit of the murderer. But she needs the help of someone who's not afraid to be ruthless, so she seeks out Malden who seems to have zero conscience. The attraction between the two is intense and immediate and never lets up.

While Edith is somewhat naive and sheltered, she's wiling to bargain with him to get what she wants.
Malden is aggressive and toxic to the point you're not sure if you want to punch him or spread your legs for him; both characters have their own demons they need to slay. I don't read a lot of historical romance, but this definitely did not disappoint on the heat. The story is full of twists I was not expecting, and I look forward to more of this series for sure.

Thank you Christi Caldwell for the copy.
Profile Image for Ghazal.
433 reviews9 followers
April 18, 2024
I was so very fortunate to receive an ARC of Wrath, The Devil Duke which is the first in a series named Seven Deadly Sins. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is a scrumptious story. It has love, revenge, compassion and hatred all in one. Edward de Vesy, Marquess of Malden, future Duke of Craven, owner of Lucifer's Lair, is now a ruthless king of the underworld. He wa betrayed by his friends and now wants to hold them captive in his hands and own them.
Edith Caldecott saw her elder sister die, except it wasn't a normal death, but rather a slow poisoning. She wishes revenge on the personshe believescommittedthe heinact. But sge can't do this on her own, and goes to the devil himself, Edward, to ask for help. I got goosebumps throughout the story, but especially when Edith is describing how death came to her sister ... it hit home. This is a steamy yet tastefully written story and as always, Christi Caldwell never disappoints her readers. What an amazing author and an extraordinary story!
1,572 reviews21 followers
April 24, 2024
Extremely well written, full of love, hate, romance, steam, innocence, mystery, lust, revenge, intrigue, suspense, society, betrayal and murder. Lord Malden is the owner of a gentleman's club which offers all things bad to any man who wants to pay. After his "friends" end their business connections with him for different reasons. Edith is the sister of Evie, who was poisoned and died. Edith is trying to get revenge on the man or men who had her killed. Edith goes into Malden's hall to get to help her get the info she needs, to have this killer killed- her revenge. Between them, they have lots of hot steamy scenes. The only trouble is she wants a love to be happy and he thinks it's only lust. You have to read this fabulous story to find out what they both do and if they get their happily ever after. So much more happens to these two. Very exciting, keeps your holding on to the edge of your seats. Would offer more than 5 stars if possible. Fantastic story by this great storyteller. Would recommend to all.
I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.
994 reviews10 followers
May 20, 2024
5 STARS, HOT PASSIONATE HISTORICAL

Christi Caldwell definitely earned 5 STARS for this well written exciting Book 1 in the Series: Seven Deadly Sins plus provides a great BLURB. This Historical Regency Romance is fast paced and filled with a more adult level in the meetings between the important men & a young Lady. However, one of the Lords just outright owns a well known sex club for debauchery & the other owns one but it is kept quiet.

Interesting character development & the characters we meet. The subjects our main Lady is dealing with is more intense than the average debutante. It will take you on a magical carpet ride of emotions; because it seems that none of the emotions stay in one spot for long. At one point I really found tears dripping from my eyes.

WARNING: EXPRESSIVE LANGUAGE USED FOR SEX 4 LETTER WORD

If the act of sex bothers you this isn't the one for you. Sexual Activity is discussed & actively participated inside this read.
WARNING:::;;***********

RECOMMEND
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