Lust: The Bad Earl

Seven Deadly Sins #2

by Christi Caldwell

Ruthless, emotionless, and deadly, Severin Cadogan, the Earl of Killburn, was England’s greatest secret weapon. One misstep put an end to his respectable career as sanctioned killer and informant. Fortunately, there’s plenty of evil to go around. When he’s approached by a potential client with a proposition involving the gentleman’s sister—it’s the last assignment Cadogan wants. Alas, he’s been made an offer he can’t refuse…and one he quickly finds himself enjoying for all the most depraved reasons.

Lady Raina Goodheart, the Ton's Diamond, comes from a line of ancestors known for their wickedness. As for Raina, she yearns for true love with a respectable gentleman…but what if she really is no different than her notorious family? That fear is further fed when Raina meets him—Severin Cadogan. He is darkly dangerous, soulless, coarsely forthright, and she is instantly spellbound.

The more time Raina spends with Severin, the deeper into debauchery she falls with the dark lord. Even more perilous, it isn't long before Raina’s falling for Severin, a man with a heart of steel.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Regency, Historical Fiction

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 14, 2024

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 89th 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. Book 1 in this series was so fucking good. Off the chain chemistry and great sex scenes. Can't wait for this book.

She did not disappoint. I loved Severin and Raina. I belong to a couple of steamy FB groups and the question, Who is your book BF gets asked a few times. Usually when that question comes around I can never come up with one. Well this is my book BF. Yikes he sounded so fucking hot. He and Raina were so good together. I loved this storyline. I loved the intrigue and suspense. It was just so damn good. I always say certain books need an epilogue. This was one of those books. I would have loved to read what happens to Severin and Raina years down the line. I am adding this to my August favorites read list.

[Natalie Brooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. The plot was very good until the end. Whiplash and much too convenient timing made the last couple of chapters very unbelievable.

The amount the heroine cried in this book…

What I struggled with the most was the lack of editing. The book had more typos, grammatical errors, and awkward sentences than any I’ve read. I’ve read over 40 books by this author and this is not a usual problem. Hopefully she corrects this book and gets good editing for future ones.

[Sally Jask-eh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bodyguard premise had me excited. Severin and Raina had good chemistry. delivery and pacing were a bit off but I still enjoyed their story. I was left wanting a better conclusion to mystery parts and Raina’s parents scandals

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Severin Cadogan, the Earl of Killburn, was England’s greatest secret weapon & was even given an earldom for his service after One misstep put an end to his respectable career as sanctioned killer and informant. He now is a man for hire & his latest assignment is to be the bodyguard to a Duke’s sister until she’s betrothed. Lady Raina Goodheart, the Ton's Diamond, comes from a line of ancestors known for their wickedness. As for Raina, she yearns for true love with a respectable gentleman. Then Severin becomes her shadow
The second book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. Another very well written, fast paced book with wonderful characters, it’s steamy & very hard to put down. I loved both Severin & Raina, both had their issues, which needed to be worked through, there were misunderstandings but there was also electric chemistry & wonderful banter. I loved their journey to a HEA, which wasn’t easy but made for a riveting read
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok so I am going to start off by saying at this point I have read and enjoyed every one of this authors books, and when I say every one I mean I have read ALL of her books.

So going in to this series I knew the H’s were going to be a bit different from the normal CC H’s but TBH I don't think I like it. In the first two books the H’s spit so much piss and vinegar it was getting on my nerves. Now don’t get me wrong I have read plenty of books with a big bad angry anti hero and enjoyed them but this author is my go to for a stand up gent with a gentle side, yes some of them are not all good….The Marquess of Tennyson for example but in this series they just seem mean! They are horrible and spit vitriol for about 95% of the books then all of a sudden they have an epiphany there is a little bit of jeopardy then everything is hunky dory and wrapped up far too quick.

Having said all of that I will still read book 3 cos that’s just the way I am, I can’t leave a series unfinished but if any new books have a sniff of the same theme then I am sad to say I AM OUT!

[Gia · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is such an awful book I really don’t know how I finished it ! Cannot believe an author like Christi Caldwell wrote this trash. The “ hero” has not one nice thing to say to the heroine Raina. He constantly belittles her and puts her down. He seems interested only in her body’s and repeatedly tells her so. I couldnt get over the focus of the author to Raina’s “ enormous breasts”as she keeps saying. wtf. Raina , on the other hand really needed to grow a backbone. I could not express how awful Severin is and then suddenly at the end, he has a reversal and is deeply in love??! Cmon! There is no connection between them except for lust. Guess that’s why the name of the book is that. This was not a romance at all. I felt sick after reading it!

[Sonia N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Raina and Severin

Such a great book! The storyline keeps you in the book, because you need to know what’s going to happen. Severin Cadogan the Earl of Killburn worked for the Homeland and he was the best until he lost his position.
So now he is a hardened assassin.
The Duke of Argyle has enemies and wants to keep his beautiful sister Lady Raina safe.
The Duke makes Severin an offer he can’t refuse. I enjoyed the spicy love scenes! The action and suspense, there is a traitor in the Earl’s household! This is an exciting and satisfying storyline with well executed secondary characters. I absolutely loved this book and look forward to reading the next book in this addictive series!!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blackmailed into being a bodyguard, Severin Cadogan is resentful and angry. He's to follow Lady Raina Goodheart as her bodyguard wherever she goes. The last thing he wants is to be a babysitter. Considered the Ton's Diamond, it won't be long before she's married, or so her brother says. Raina wants independence and worries if her mother's diary foretells her own future. Severin tries to resists his attraction to Raina, but the draw between them is too strong, until once again he's betrayed and so is she. A very erotic relationship between an a assassin and the sister of a duke. Caldwell has definitely upped her game in this romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author.

[Literati Literature Lovers]

Not your Mother’s Regency.

Holy HOTNESS. WOW!!! 🤩 Caldwell has stepped out of her comfort zone and is writing a sizzling hot Regency ‘bad boy’ romance. If you like your heroes morally grey, and sexy as hell then this is the book for you. Yes, I love Caldwell’s sweet romances, but she has really upped her game writing this dark and delicious book. The spice level is habanero hot. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Nessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

THIS WOULD BE THE TYPE OF ROMANCE I'D GUSH OVER WHEN I JUST GRADUATED ADOLESCENCE. It was an enjoyable read with loud if not stubborn characters, no skimming on the passion. It's predictable with a low plot and I couldn't rate this higher because for some reason I felt the MCs didn't spend enough time to fully "fall in love" as opposed to lust.

If you're looking for a quickie, passionate read, this is a good book to pick up.

Doe eyed heroine meets cold-hearted ex-spy troupe.

[iReadBooksNSchit · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’ll have a moment alone with Lady Raina, Your Grace.”
Raina whipped her gaze back to the one who’d remained quiet—until now. Gregory stiffened. With the title of duke, no one offered him anything less than fawning respect. Raina had never believed she’d see the day someone went ordering him about.
“A private meeting is hardly necessary, Cadogan.” Her brother in a clear attempt to reassert control of the exchange motioned to the seats situated near the hearth. “We three can speak.”
“I wasn’t asking, Your Grace,” he said, the ghost of a smile on his lips.

Ghat dang it folks…I LOVE THIS MAN!!! Cadogan is not with the sh¡ts and I am here for it!

I know y’all are tired of me hyping up Christi Caldwell, but I gotta give credit where it’s due—and Lust: The Bad Earl earns all of it. The second book in her Seven Deadly Sins series is just as fire as the first. It’s dark, gritty, and dripping with intensity. Caldwell brings back some of the most unforgettable faces from book one, while introducing new characters who leave just as strong an impression.

It's those characters that really sets this book apart—complex, captivating, and impossible to ignore. Caldwell doesn’t just craft a story; she creates people who demand your attention, none more so than Severin Cadogan and Lady Raina Goodheart.

Severin Cadogan, the brooding Earl of Killburn, is a man shaped by shadows. Once England’s deadliest weapon, he’s now a rogue force—hard, protective, and unflinchingly lethal. With a reputation that keeps everyone at arm’s length, Severin fears nothing and answers to no one. When a proposition involving Lady Raina Goodheart lands in his lap, it’s a job he doesn’t want but can’t refuse.
Raina is all elegance with a spark—fiery, intelligent, and unafraid to challenge Severin at every turn. She forces him to confront the walls he’s built around his heart, matching his intensity with her own. Together, they’re perfection. Witty, magnetic, and perfectly balanced, both bring passion and depth to the story.

Their chemistry? Electric. Their romance? Raw, emotional, and messy. Their story? Addictive as hell and just as heartbreaking.

If you’re into dark heroes and heroines who bring them to their knees, this one’s your jam.

[Lynne Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lust is book 2 in the steamy new series by the fabulous Christi Caldwel, each story based on a deadly sin. It can be read as a standalone but characters from previous books do appear, this series delves back into the seedier, grittier side of London.
Raina is the latest diamond of the season, blond and beautiful, she is also the eldest of Gregory, Duke of Argylls sisters. Having discovered the debauchery of her parents long ago, she worries that she is just as dark and depraved as they were, fearing this she is determined to explore places they visited long ago to test her theory.
Severin Cadogan, Earl of Kilburn, though he goes by Mr., former spy and assassin for the government is hired by the Duke, though forced would be a better term, to look after Raina as she navigates the season. Having made an enemy of his former partner Craven, Gregory worries his sister will become a target. He holds the identity of the person who ended his career over Severin to ensure he takes the job.
Raina tries to make a friend of Severin, but he is too annoyed and used to being on his own, he ends up being cruel. This sets Raina on her course to visit some of the most vile places in London, with the help of her younger and savvier sister Millie.
Enraged that she gave him and his guards the slip Severin sets off in pursuit of Raina finding her at an underground boxing club. What starts off as an acrimonious relationship soon turns into lust for both of them. Slowly they fall in love but outside forces are determined to keep them apart. Eventually secrets and lies are discovered, placing our fearless couple in danger from some unexpected sources. Eventually Raina and Severin get their happy ever after.
Regency romance is one of my favorite genres, what I love best are these raunchy, gritty stories, and Christi Caldwell always delivers. I am a huge fan of all her books but the darker, sexier ones are her best works. She isn’t afraid to touch on delicate subjects. Her characters have depth and you always root for them. Highly recommend this book and the series.

I received and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book and these are my honest opinions and review.

[KelseyreadsHR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of heroine self reflection & some good girl

Lust:The Bad Earl is the second book in the Seven Deadly Sins series.

I enjoyed Severin and Raina’s story. The unfeeling alpha a-hole and naive heroine who wants to find a love where she is enough.

My heartstrings pulled for Raina during her journey to want to know if wickedness runs in her like it does her family. As she realizes things about who she is and what she wants, she also has to keep picking herself up. She’s steadfast and strong and I wanted her to find happiness.

Severin was introduced in the first book and his actions from that book are described in this one, so it could be read as a standalone. He’s a hardened ex-spy for the Home Office. After having his face slashed with the scar that makes him memorable, he had to retire. For his efforts to the crown he’d been awarded an earldom and now spends his days as a hired assassin. He’s unfeeling and doesn’t allow himself to get close to anyone. He realizes early on that Raina is his weakness but it takes a long time for him to fully accept this. You feel the possessiveness he has for Raina (my wife) and glimpses into his true feelings that kept me going.

I loved the storyline and character progression. The heroine is emotional and makes up for the lack of emotion the hero has but I liked that. It worked for me and made her self-reflection and emotional roller coaster more believable. I also liked how the heroine explored her desires and what it meant for her to be wicked.

There were a few points that felt they could’ve been explored more or they wrapped up too quickly but overall had a hard time putting this one down.

There are four encounters with lots of good dirty talk and “good girl”.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the get-go, I was reeled in by the first few pages, diving headfirst into the ruthless, cutthroat world of London's crème de la crème. The lead duo? Oh, they were strapped in for the thrill ride of a lifetime. We've got Severin Cadogan, the Earl of Killburn: once a government-approved assassin turned snitch, now a pro at dodging daggers in London's posh underbelly. And then there's Lady Raina Goodheart: the belle of the ball, craving the real deal in romance while dodging the skeletons in her family's closet as they embark on a journey of dark cravings and taboo amour.

Book two in this saga is a wicked cocktail of brooding passions and off-limits love, spinning a yarn that's as steamy as it is heart-tugging. The characters? Crafted with such finesse, their personal storms echo the bedlam that's brewing around them. The love story that sprouts in this prickly patch is as surprising as it is fated, a nod to love's mighty knack for renovation. This read? Utterly magnetic, offering a peek into the shadowy corners of yearning.

💜 WHAT I ADORED 💜:
The narrative's richness and the characters' layers. The murky, stormy sea of vengeance and longing anchors a plot that had me glued from the first page to the last. The depth of emotion and the zing of the romance between Severin and Raina? Painted with such vibrancy, their odyssey is both gut-twisting and utterly enthralling. Hats off to the author for crafting a story that's as stirring as it is daring. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Tiffany Carden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in Christi Caldwell's newest series did not disappoint. This book features a former assassin of the crown, Severin Cadogan, the Earl of Killburn and the Duke of Argyll's sister, Raina. This book also features many characters from book 1, Wrath, as well as characters from other series. The connected worlds that Caldwell builds are quite the thing to behold, and no happily ever after ever comes easy. Lust is no different. From the beginning we see Raina's insecurities. She is on a mission to find out what is true about herself and is hopeful that her new bodyguard will help her. When it becomes apparent that he will not, she enlists the help of her sister, Millie (I cannot wait for the next generation of books. She feels like another Poppy.), to help her out maneuver the former spy. All sorts of steamy encounters with Cadogan ensue. Cadogan really pulled at my heart strings. Though sometimes I was furious with him for the way he treated Raina, he is a complex character that all sorts of life situations helped shape. I laughed, I cried, I fanned myself for the heat of this book, and I loved getting to watch another hard, tough man crumble for one of Caldwell's heroines. We now have three alpha males with ties to Forbidden Pleasures with their HEA. I can't wait for the other two to fall just as hard, and to find out how this conflict with Argyll and Craven gets solved. My advice to you is to immerse yourself in all the Caldwell worlds because you never know when one of your favorites might pop up in a new series. Happy Reading!

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew what a ride! I love when the hero is wrong and grovels!
Lady Raina Goodheart heiress and sister to a Duke! She needs a guard because of her brother Gregory unscrupulous business deals and his Pleasure palace! This twist is not what you think it is!
Raina is headstrong and adventurous but she is determined to not be like her mother and wants to make sure none of the corrupt fanatical baseless lust and love runs in her veins!
What Raina mother had was an obsession so deviant she debased herself to love a man who couldn’t love or treat her as a human!
We have Severin Cadogan, the Earl of Kilburn in service to the crown has committed heinous acts that don’t allow for sleep or laughter!
A sheltered diamond of the Ton and a ruthless man who is harder than flint or ice.
He has no heart and is never vulnerable until now! Both of these people have been misled and misused by the people sworn to love and protect them!
Severin is out for revenge and Raina wants love and a friend!
This should be impossible for all the right reasons but they are fire and gasoline!
Even when Severin tries to be cruel he can’t resist Raina!
But when you have blood on your hands the enemy is closer than you think!
Bravo I love this series! Strong women fight for love with broken men who don’t know how to give it!

[Roxanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christie Caldwell has written some really wonderful historical romances that I have read multiple times. Unfortunately, this isn’t one of them. There is more sex than an actual plot. It’s unbelievable that Raina falls madly in love with Severin in such a short time when he is so nasty to her. She cried every other chapter because of his treatment of her. He blames her for having to get married after they are “caught” by her brother at a house party. Raina is only 19 and Severin is the experienced man who never thought to lock the library door that any of the guests could have easily wandered into. The story didn’t flow naturally as there seemed be missing information or gaps in the plot line and dialogue. I thought my kindle was at fault so I would go back to the previous pages to see what I missed. Severin constantly tells Raina he will never love her, she’s not important to him, and he doesn’t trust her. In one scene near the end of the story, he’s absolutely horrible to her. Then, a few pages later he suddenly realizes he loves Raina and can’t live without her! I just didn’t feel they really had anything in common. His own family life was confusing too. Despite the issues with his brother, why didn’t he have any relationship with his two sisters? If he really believed his brother was that despicable (he’s not), why wasn’t he worried about the sisters’ welfare?

[Ghazal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lust, The Bad Earl, blew my mind. I was extremely fortunate to receive an ARC of the story from Christi Caldwell and all thoughts and opinions are my own. This is the second book in The Seven Deadly Sins series. Lady Raina Goodheart, sister to a Duke, believes herself to be as wicked as her parents and their debauchery. Severin Cadogan, the Earl of Kilburn, also a deadly assassin and former spy has been tasked to guard her in exchange for information with the name of the person responsible for betraying him, leaving him scarred and ending his career at the Home Office. Raina seems to be one step ahead of Severin in a cat and mouse game, where she hopes to explore dark places and learn about herself, rather than be a job to be protected and guarded. There is attraction between the two which Cadogan passes off as simple lust. Raina's feelings for him increase with each lustful episode,  only confirming that she is as shameful as her parents. A great story on how we perceive certain aspects sometimes until we actually experience them and then learn the true meaning of who we really are.

[belle ☆ﾐ (thisbellereadstoo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

lady raina is pure-hearted and thinks the good of the world. however, she holds her parents’ past scandalous proclivities to heart and project it onto herself. severin has never met someone who made him lose his composure so quickly and so easily. not until he became the bodyguard of the beautiful and alluring raina goodheart. raina has a list of places of debauchery that she wanted to visit and she does slip through once in a while to visit. but i feel like severin is the one who taught her the most.

i enjoyed the back and forth between raina and severin. they both have different experiences in life and different viewpoints of life. due to certain misunderstandings, severin wasn’t exactly the best male lead and i felt deeply for raina who, at that point, was already in love with him. also, while raina has a good heart, i’m glad she reached a conclusion about her own brother after finding out everything and while he's not the worst, he’s not great either.

lust: the bad earl definitely fits its title.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner from Christi. I am gob smacked, just like the last book, and am not sure I can express my thoughts in a way that does this story justice but here goes. The angst in the story is really high and I love every minute of it. When Christi decides to write on the darker side of historical romance, she is all in. Severin and Raina’s relationship is not easy and, if you are like me, you don’t want things to come easy, this is the read for you. The story took a turn that I did not see coming and Raina’s brother, Argyll, who I think should definitely get his own story, is not all he seems. Anyway, revenge is the basis for the plot and it consumes Severin and he just cannot get past it to see the beauty of life and love with Raina. Christi takes us to the dark sides of London and the inner thoughts of Raina’s mother which are shocking. I was eating up every minute of this book. Like the last book, I LOVED IT.

[Rosemary · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was no romance in this book. This book continued with the asshole and sad virgin teenage doormat trope. The novelty of it from the first book wore off. The MMC is verbally and emotional abusive for 90% of the book and then does a 180 at 92% and loves her? Not buying it. Also, another part of this book was missing or part of the plot was missing? I think one line in the book mentioned the MMC had siblings, but then a brother who is trying to kill him shows up in the last 10% of the book as well? What? I didn't enjoy reading this book. There were zero good feelings. I spent the book feeling bad for the FMC because she was mistreated and shit on by everyone but her younger sister. Why would I enjoy that? Why does this book have a high rating. Y'all are sus and untrustworthy. I'm not going to continue this series.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone.
Severin Cadogen, the Earl of Killburn who once worked as a hired assassin for the home office is hired to protect Lady Raina Goodheart by her brother who owns a pleasure establishment.

They both have tortured pasts. She comes from wickedly immoral parents, and he is suffering from a horrible childhood and the things he did for the crown.

Their relationship is at times tortured as he pushes away from her and frustrating for him as he tries to protect her.

The chemistry is interesting between the two and at times painful.

The story is spicy, dark and extremely well written. It keeps you entertained throughout.

Definitely a 5-star read.

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 5 out of 5]

One can always count on Christi Caldwell to deliver a gripping storyline with interesting and even intense characters that will suck you in right from the beginning. Severin was one such character that had worked as a spy for the home office, and was a paid assassin. The man had a heart of steel and was tough as iron as well. So when a powerful Duke hires him to be the body guard for his Diamond of the first water, sister, he is not interested until the Duke makes him an offer he can’t refuse. Guarding the little Spitfire, Raina, proves to be more challenging than any other assignment he’d known, and melts that heart of steel to molten lava. Their relationship sizzles, as lots of twists and turns get in the way of their HEA.

[Thebiblioholic · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the dynamic between Severin and Raina—their banter was fun, and I loved getting both of their perspectives. It really added something to the story! That said, I feel like the twist at the end would’ve hit harder if the villain had been introduced earlier, giving the betrayal more weight. Also, there were a few moments at the beginning where the vibe felt a bit too modern for a Regency setting, which threw me off. Even though I didn’t love the book overall, I liked the author’s writing style and I’m excited to check out more of her work. Since this is the second book in the series, I’m curious about how the rest of the books play out. It definitely works as a standalone though!

[Pat Kinison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story with odd word choices

I have read a LOT of this author's work. You get used to and become familiar with their writing style which includes vocabulary. I consider myself fairly well read and there were several words I had to look up (ie. Chimerical). It was a little off putting. Additionally, it felt like the editorial work was not the same as in the past. Extra words that should have been caught during editing or by ARC readers wasn't. There were a couple of instances where I couldn't understand what the point of a sentence was. With all of this said, I really enjoyed this story. I enjoy a good sexy story that includes redemption. She did a fabulous job telling this story. Onto the next book in this series.

[Tami Fidler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a strong female character and Raina did not disappoint. She was clever, brave, and cunning. Raina is a good match for Severin, although he took a little too long to figure that out. Their chemistry was phenomenal and I enjoyed how they got to know each other, mostly because she kept outwitting him. This was a great addition to this series, with incredibly broody and strong capable women. The story moved quickly and I was completely absorbed, in fact, I read it far too fast. The ending seemed a little abrupt, but it did not detract from how much I enjoyed the book. I look forward to more in this series.

[Nettie Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite by this author

I read almost all of Christi Caldwell’s books and enjoy them tremendously, but this one wasn’t my favorite. It was okay, but the connection between the characters felt rushed and the physical intimacies between the characters kind of dragged on for me, when I would have preferred more dedication to the plot and the building of real emotional connections between the two characters. Their relationship still felt a bit superficial to me in the end. It wasn’t bad, it kept my attention…so I am giving it an average rating of a 3 instead of a 4 or 5, which I normally give her books.

[Sarah W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the spiciest historical romance that I have read in a long time and I loved it. Raina pushed Severins buttons and did not make his bodyguard duties easy. I loved the chemistry and tension between the two. They couldn’t keep their hands off one another whenever Severin was able to catch up to her. I loved how jealous he was when she was interacting with other men and his touch her and ☠️ mentality. The danger that came along with Severins past added more depth to the story in between the romance.

Thank you @christicaldwellauthor and @esta for the gifted copy.

[Kiera · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure if it was bad writing or bad editing

But either way, this book was so bad. Erroneous commas EVERYWHERE. Bad English (still arguing with myself over the use of 'melancholily'). And...I don't know. He was too much of a Prince of Darkness, she, too much of a Shimmering Angel. His flaws were too numerous, hers, too few. The only truly interesting character was the psychotic little sister, who disappeared halfway into the story. And the Dramatic Ending was messy.

I don't usually leave bad reviews, but this book was beyond bad. Sorry.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christi Caldwell continues to write stunning stories for her readers. She creates characters that resonate with them long after they close the covers of the book. The plot pits the fiercest of characters against each other. Raina is a fierce warrior fighting to find a lasting love. Severin is a wounded man who doesn’t believe he deserves love. It is a little bit spicy, but readers will love watching the way the two characters come together and fall in love.