Sloth: The Fallen Earl

Seven Deadly Sins #4

by Christi Caldwell

A ruined lady. A reluctant lord. One scandalous night that changes everything…

Miss Cressida Alby has spent her life as a mere shadow in society, a poor country squire’s daughter with no prospects and even less hope. But nothing could have prepared her for the night she’s put up for auction at The Devil’s Den. Just when she believes all is lost, salvation comes in the form of Benedict Adamson, the Earl of Wakefield—the very man she’s secretly adored from afar.

Wakefield is a man of honor, a gentleman bound by duty and the need to restore his family’s tarnished name. A reckless moment of defiance—one night with Cressida—changes everything. Now, he must choose between the life he’s meticulously built and the woman who has unwittingly captured his heart.

Can love defy society’s expectations, or will their forbidden passion be nothing more than a fleeting dream?

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2025

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 94th 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. Except I have to say lately her books have been pretty steamy and this series has been super freakin' hot.

Really good read. I loved Cressida and Benedict. So interesting how they met. I loved the story and I loved them. Great personalities and the story had great depth. Sex was hot but I wanted more :). Overall a really good read.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

After her parents' deaths, Cressida has lived with her abusive brother. Once he gained a title and a wife as cruel in other ways, drugged she finds herself in a brothel put up for auction. The only value she has is her virginity. Saved by the man she's long admired, Benedict, the Earl of Wakefield, they spend one night together. Come the next morning, he begins to question what he's done and with whom. Who is this woman who's tied him up in knots and can she be trusted? An Earl fighting himself and a young woman who never gives up. This is one series I look forward to reading with every new book. I recommend reading each book in order. A crossover of characters.
Explicit sex and violence.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author.

[Thebiblioholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I love the name Cressida. As a Bridgerton fan, I couldn’t help but enjoy that this Cressida is the complete opposite of the show's mean girl. In Sloth: The Fallen Earl, Cressida is kind, innocent, and basically exploited for both. She’s the daughter of a poor country squire and stuck under the control of her terrible older brother—who, in the ultimate betrayal, puts her virginity up for auction at The Devil’s Den.

But then enters Benedict, the Earl of Wakefield (yes, Benedict—cue Bridgerton giggle). Cressida has been secretly pining for him since the day they met, and just when she thinks all is lost, he shows up.

Benedict is an upstanding man, weighed down by the sins of his father and desperately trying to restore his family’s name. Their romance is fast and sizzling. I'm usually all about fast burns, but I was worried I wouldn't get their story—I mean, they barely knew each other, Benedict didn't even remember meeting, and yet, bam! An Intense connection. But honestly? I was proven wrong. Watching their bond unfold and learning who they truly were underneath the surface made me root for them so hard. By the end, I had happy tears. They were truly made for each other.

This is book four in the series, but you can totally read it as a standalone. That said, each book I've read so far in this series is great—and I’m more than ready for the next one!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Cressida Alby has spent her life as a mere shadow in society, a poor country squire’s daughter with no prospects and even less hope. But nothing could have prepared her for the night she’s put up for auction at The Devil’s Den. Just when she believes all is lost, salvation comes in the form of Benedict Adamson, the Earl of Wakefield—the very man she’s secretly adored from afar. Wakefield is a man of honour, a gentleman bound by duty and the need to restore his family’s tarnished name. A reckless moment of defiance—one night with Cressida—changes everything.
Another very well written grossing romance I loved Cressida who would do anything to save her former nursemaid Trudy, she was strong, resilient. I grew to love Benedict especially when he realised Cressida was neither an actress nor a courtesan, he did come across an being angry but gradually his true nature emerged. I loved their journey to a HEA which wasn’t easy but did make for an emotional romance – the author knows how to tug on the heart strings so well. One thing I do love about the author’s books is that previous characters appear & secondary characters often find their happiness, she’s built a wonderful world
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Tami Fidler · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a phenomenal story! I was captivated and intrigued by Cressida and Benedict. Their emotional journey was so well-drawn that I could not put my book down. I was drawn to Cressida's strength of character, which she displayed at every interval. The chemistry between Cressida and Benedict sizzled as soon as they were on the page. This was not an easy story, it was not meant to be. However, the story was driven and filled with a complex and well-written range of emotional intelligence. Despite some of the darker themes, I had a good time reading this book and look forward to re-reading it again in the future.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

not her best.

This story was so far fetched and cringy. Have to speed read to finish. The author has way better books, give them a try. This one, for me, was not her best.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a lot going on in it and it was very well done and different than a lot of regency/georgian era that I’ve read. Many times the women in this era find themselves in precarious positions, but usually not quite as fraught as the situation Cressida finds herself in. The whole first third of the book deals with coerced consent, so it’s not true consent at all. Not only is Cressida forced into an auction for her virginity to pay for her brother’s debts, she is drugged by her sister in law with opiates making for an awful scenario. Benedict is also lied to about the situation since he believes her to have given full consent for the situation. Dynevor on the other hand is aware that her consent is dubious at best and makes himself feel better about it because he gave her “opportunities” to leave. Aside from the consent issues, Benedict behaves deplorably towards Cressida in the aftermath and deserves every dressing down he receives before he finally takes personal responsibilities for his actions. While miscommunication is the foundation for the conflict, it’s no wonder Cressida kept details of her situation to herself. She had no reason to believe that she would be believed or stood up for.

Christi Caldwell is very good at highlighting the difficulties different women faced during this time period and handles it as well as possible while staying true to the time period and giving her characters as much agency in the end as she can.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader’s Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author delivers a spellbinding tale that captures the raw essence of love and transformation. Sloth: The Fallen Earl masterfully explores the scars of loss and betrayal while weaving a tender romance that slowly blossoms into fiery passion. The characters are deeply flawed yet achingly real, their emotional struggles pulling readers into an enthralling, angst-ridden narrative.

After the tragic death of her parents, Miss Cressida Alby is forced into a life of hardship under the control of her cruel brother and his wife. Desperate to settle his debts, her brother thrusts Cressida into an unimaginable situation—auctioning her at The Devil’s Den with plans to marry her off to an older duke who demands she not be a virgin. Just when her fate seems sealed, salvation comes in the form of Benedict Adamson, the noble Earl of Wakefield. Honor-bound and burdened by his family's tarnished reputation, Wakefield rescues Cressida, setting them on a path neither anticipated. Their journey is one of fiery passion and poignant discovery, forcing them to confront their deepest fears and desires, and risk everything for a love they never expected.

With vivid storytelling and scenes brimming with chemistry, this book is a powerful testament to love's ability to heal and transcend. The author intricately weaves character depth and emotional intensity into a narrative that lingers in readers' hearts long after the final page. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[KelseyreadsHR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This started off fast for the first third of the book before settling into a nice cruising pace for the rest of the story.

Cressida has been put up for the new virgin auction at The Devil’s Den by her abusive brother and sister-in-law. Benedict is captivated by her and loses himself in a night of passion.
But by light of day, he realizes the consequences of what he’s done and Cressida realizes the first of many disappointments when Benedict fails to remember who she is. A lot of this could be cleared up early by communicating but it made sense why it didn’t occur and that’s why it worked for me.

Cressida is proud and practical, forced to always be five steps ahead of her brother. She’s fierce and never to be pitied.

Benedict is consumed with not being like his father but has found himself in a sticky situation similar to his father’s behavior and tortures himself over it. Which leads to him not handling it well and in his state continues to not think before talking. Benedict was such a tortured hero and repentant of his actions though that I liked to think he’s going to learn from his mistakes.

I’m enjoying this gritty and darker themed series and looking forward to what’s ahead for the last three deadly sins. I am curious if Benedict is a side character from a previous series. He’s the brother in law from book three.

Sloth:The Fallen Earl is the fourth book in the Seven Deadly Sins.

It’s a quick burn with two opens door explicit encounters. The first encounter is long and has elements of dub con.

[L J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very hot, interesting plot too

The fourth in a terrific series, "Sloth" begins with an intense heat that ignites between Lady Cressida Alby and Benedict, the Earl of Wakefield.
Cressida is the abused sister of a twisted Baron whose life has gone downhill due to his own sins. He has decided to sell off his sister's virginity to make money, after which he intends to sell his sister to an aging, repulsive duke, and his wife is complicit in this plot.

As the intrigue goes onward, Cressida and Benedict are brought together unexpectedly by events and feelings neither can control.

The initial meeting between the two is incredibly hot. But what Benedict is unaware of is that Cressida knows him. She is no stranger to him, nor what or who he believes her to be in their unusual encounter.

At first, neither is truly open with each other, and Cressida has secrets and a lifetime of shame to hide. She is also tied to her past because someone she loves is threatened by her abusive brother.

The two move forward as the story continues, and the tale is interesting, as well as filled with colorful characters. The storyline has some truly ugly villains, which makes entertaining.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait for more of this series. I hope this younger Lord Markham has his story told in a future book. His father's story was in the previous novel, " My Lady of Deception," which is also worth reading.

[Ghazal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't be deceived by the title  Sloth, The Fallen Earl is the fourth book in the Seven Deadly Sins series, and it is absolutely fantastic. Cressida Alby has a wretched life due to her obnoxious brother, who is willing to sell her in order to repay his debts. A crotchety old duke is willing to wed Cressida but only after she has already been deflowered, as he doesn't want the hassle of bedding a virgin. Her brother and his wife decide to auction her off at a gaming hell. Cressida's only one faithful friend is her childhood nurse who she will protect from her vile brother no matter what. Once preened, primed, and drugged, she is sent off to the highest bidder, who turns out to be someone she has had a silent crush on for a while. Unfortunately, Benedict Adamson, the Earl of Wakefield, has no recollection of her, and assumes her to be pretending to be untouched. When he realizes his error in judging her to be a courtesan, he immediately thinks her to be a con artist trying to trap him.
Their relationship has a rocky start, but the characters development, their emerging personalities, all come together so beautifully as to create a love story not to be missed. An absolutely amazing addition to the Seven Deadly Sins series.

[Pat Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, the first part of this story is a hard read. Forced capitulation is still r*pe, no matter how it is written and it set me off a bit from the rest of the story. Once the reader gets past that (AND all the f-bombs-which I detest), it is a very good story of two people trying to get beyond the past. Benedict is one honorable fellow, until he falls off his own pedestal.Cressida is simply trying to survive the evil that her brother is. The journey they both had to travel to grow up and grow together was well written and heartbreakingly heartwarming. Lack of communication is the key to a lot of the angst, but I could see why Cressida protected herself in not sharing. The ending was extremely satisfying and beautiful. I had to giggle at the epilogue-was NOT expecting that!! If, like me, you are a part of the #MeToo drama, be prepared for the first several chapters being a bit uncomfortable, but it was well written and showed a lot about Benedict’s character. Like Trudy, it was obvious to the connection Benedict and Cressida has. The 4 stars were for the f-bomb-CAN NOT stand for authors to use it.

I received this story for free and these are my own views.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently delved into "Sloth: The Fallen Earl" by Christi Caldwell, and it was nothing short of a magnificent literary journey.

The story brilliantly weaves a tale of love, redemption, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Christi Caldwell has masterfully crafted a narrative that is both captivating and deeply emotional, ensuring that readers are gripped from the first page to the last.

One of the most striking aspects of this book is its palpable angst, which adds a layer of depth and intensity to the characters' journeys. Caldwell's ability to convey raw emotion through her characters is unparalleled, making the reader feel every pang of heartache and joy alongside them.

Moreover, the romantic tension is exquisitely portrayed, with steamy scenes that are tastefully done and enhance the overall narrative rather than overshadow it. The chemistry between the protagonists is electric, and their evolving relationship is both believable and utterly engrossing.

In summary, "Sloth: The Fallen Earl" is a testament to Christi Caldwell's exceptional storytelling skills. It is a beautiful, emotional, and steamy read that will leave an indelible mark on its readers. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a book that perfectly balances romance and drama.

[Lynne Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christi Caldwell is one of my all time favorite authors. She doesn’t soft soap and shy away from dark topics or difficult subjects. Her characters have depth and come alive with her fabulous writing. This is book 4 in her Seven Deadly Sins series, Sloth features Benedict, Earl of Wakefield who for years has tried to be as different as possible from his reckless, irresponsible father. This unfortunately has turned him into quite rule follower or prig some might say.
Cressida, has loved Benedict from a far and when she is put in an awful situation she thinks he has come to her rescue, he regrettably doesn’t actually remember her.
Christi masterfully writes a believable story, where you feel like you are on the dank, dark streets of regency London. I cannot recommend this book enough, it is gritty and heartbreaking at times. Ultimately Benedict and Cressida find love and their happy ever after.

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

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Not a story I expect at all! The beginning of the book is very dark and extremely intense. It brings the reader to a number of cross roads related to their own moral and ethical codes. Was what took place to Cressida, her own will or not? Should good "men and women" frequent these types of establishment and/or invest in them? If Benedict was so morally above board, why was he even truly involved? All these and more keep the reader moving forward to find the answers and get clarity of purpose. Extremely well written, depth of characters and plot exceptional. The rating is due because of an overused word, that I personally feel, while used correctly, is not necessary in print anywhere. The remaining chapters dive deeply into the characters as they move through the events trying to justify(as we all do) the actions that have changed their lives. I did think the end was a bit rushed however the premise of the story wasn't really about how it ended but the process of reaching a level of forgiveness, redemption and peace.

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another well written story by this fantastic storyteller. Catches you and holds you till the end. A real page turner. Full of drama, abuse, darkness, love, emotions, chemistry, society, action, secrets, threats, steam and villains. Cressida is the daughter of a squire who has passed away. Her brother and his wife have debts to pay and the only way to do so is to have her virginity sold at an auction for one night. Benedict is an Earl and part owner of the Devil's Den. They plan to auction women off to the highest bidder. It's there that Cressida realizes who he is yet he just wants the night to himself. When he sees her all he wants is her and for both of them to enjoy the night. Luck has it he wins and she's his. Together they end up with a marriage of convenience yet feelings start to grow. They have a personal journey of growth and emotions till they get their happily ever after. Has lots of action, conflicts and a great epilogue. Does have some triggers. Would recommend to everyone.
I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.

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

actual rating: 3.5 stars

i wasn’t expecting this instalment to be so dark, but sloth: the fallen earl by christi caldwell delivers a gripping, emotional story. cressida only wanted a quiet, simple life—but her good-for-nothing brother had other plans. he sold her off at the notorious devil’s den, with her virginity paraded as a selling point.

it’s there that she sees a familiar face: wakefield, the man she’d quietly admired from afar. and thankfully, one moment was all it took to change everything.

wakefield has spent years rebuilding his family’s name, tainted by his father’s scandals. he’s lived a life of rigid control, free of controversy. but this night with cressida threatens to undo it all, forcing him to choose between his reputation and something far more meaningful.

i felt so deeply for cressida—what she went through was harrowing, but she showed such tenacity. even in the darkest circumstances, she shone. and i think that’s exactly what wakefield saw in her.

[Gwen Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An action-packed romance
Readers will find no slow build-up to the drama in Christi Caldwell’s latest installment in her Seven Deadly Sins series. SLOTH: THE FALLEN EARL begins with our heroine Cressida in a carriage on her way to an auction at The Devil’s Den where she will be sold off for one night of passion.
Even as the action is hot and the pace is fast, we still have time to get to know well both Cressida and Benedict. How their pasts have influenced their present. How the society in which they live influences them (a common theme in historical romance).
Knowing I would find a HEA at the end, there was no reason I cried so much while reading — except that author Caldwell knows every trick to grab my heartstrings and pull hard!
I enjoyed watching both Cressida and Benedict grow from getting to know each other. They both are able to throw off their pasts and move forward together!

[Kelli Matthews | SighingOurPleasure · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

Morally gray with a side of tortured nobility? Yes please. Christi Caldwell serves it up again in this Seven Deadly Sins entry, with a scandalous premise (virgin auction, anyone?) that somehow blooms into an achingly tender, slow-burn romance.

Cressida is desperate, but never pitiful—she’s smart, scrappy, and endearingly grounded (think: flour-dusted skirts and dirt under her nails from the garden). Benedict, the Earl of Wakefield, is all brooding restraint and buried emotion, a man trying so hard to cling to honor that he nearly misses the life in front of him.

The heat hits early, but the real sizzle is in the restraint—the yearning, the “I shouldn’t but I can’t stay away” tension that Caldwell writes so well. Their connection deepens through quiet moments, fierce loyalty, and shared vulnerability.

If you love your historical heroes tormented and your heroines determined, with just enough scandal to keep things interesting, this one absolutely delivers.

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Far from the ballroom, this story takes us inside The Devil’s Den , where debauchery is the name of the game, and an innocent young woman finds herself being sold at an auction. Our amazing author, Christi Caldwell, doesn’t shy away from difficult or even dark storylines, with multifaceted characters, coming from broken and battered backgrounds . Our heroine, Cressida has lived through much sorrow, losing her parents and suffering through continued abuse at the hands of her wastrel and wicked brother. Now, at the ultimate betrayal he sends her to be auctioned. When she sees the man that she has loved from afar for years , there at the bidding, she just knows that he must be there to rescue her. But then, no man has ever been there to protect her; why would he? A story filled with heart wrenching moments and tender ones as well. A time of heart break and healing, so beautifully written.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of Christi’s best, especially in this series. I am not even going to try and pick a favorite, but Benedict is definitely right up there. His and Cressida’s love story is fraught with secrets, expectations, insecurities and mistaken identity and I loved every single second of this story. I love a good grovel and Benedict sure did need to grovel a bit. I, again, thought I was going to get away without getting out the tissues. Well, I did not. Christi writes a darn good dark tale that will have you rooting for two very special people.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a charming book. Cressida is forced to auction off her virginity by her brother and his wife. She is betrothed to an elderly Duke who didn’t want to deal with a virgin. Enter Benedict, Earl of Wakefield. He is a silent partner in the Devil’s Den who is holding the auction. Cressida is pleading with her eyes to Benedict to save her since she knows him from a dance at a ball. He does not recognize her but is drawn to her and wins the auction by default. Thus begins a tumultuous relationship filled with quiet moments, but also suspicion. An enjoyable read by Christi Caldwell once again!

[Shirley Hamlod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another really good instalment in this series. The story starts in quite a brutal way with Cressida up for auction at a sex club. She has no real choice but to be sold off to the highest bidder as her brother controls her and her beloved nurse maid. What Cressida doesn’t anticipate is that she will spend the night with the Earl of Wakefield. This book delves into their deepest thoughts about each other and about themselves. Can they both overcome their inadequacies to be together? Well written with an interesting plot.

[Loujean Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my new favorites from Christi

I really loved this book, this book kept my interest from the first page to the last page. Many great characters and a wonderful love story. Some sadness but I didn’t mind that as this story was so well written I knew there was a purpose for the sadness. I was glued to this book and did not even think of starting another book until I was finished, which I sometimes do.
I have so many of Christi Caldwell’s books that I have read, but I would put this book at the very top of my favorites. Definitely 5 ⭐️

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Cressida and Benedict's story. Even though the beginning has some triggers, it was well written and made Benedict a caring person.
The story is full of emotional moments, secrets being kept, lots of steam, and a wonderful cast of secondary characters, some of whom are truly evil.
I loved the way Cressida truly cared for and searched for her old governess.
This is my favorite book of the series.

[Gayla McNicholas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cressida Alby is a survivor. The things she survives through are not comfortable to read but are ultimately gratifying. The comeuppance of a villain was particularly satisfying. Benedict's progression throughout was like witnessing a spiritual awakening. His character grew through recognizing and acknowledging flaws and weaknesses.
Loved this book!
I received an ARC of this book and have voluntarily reviewed it with my own honest opinion.

[Ann Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Benedict, Earl of Wakefield, has always felt he must have a perfect reputation to make up for his father's sins. Seeing Cressida being auctioned at the The Devil's Den opened a connection between them. He feared his reputation was at stake. Cressida knew Benedict from years before and had always loved him.
There is a lot going on in this story. Very steamy. Their story is about secrets, trust, and love. It was a good read and I look forward to more books in this series.

[Aj · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating and emotional journey starting from a scandalous night that turns everything upside down and right side up. Salvation, safety and forbidden passion blend in for Cressida and Benedict. This story is well written and paced with two complex characters that need more from each other and in the process build a world of love. Another gritty, angsty book in the Seven Deadly Sins series.

[Emily Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

glued from beginning to end

Seriously. Block out a weekend. So you can savor the adventure, twists, passion, and delightfulness of this book. Christi weaves her stories so well, it’s like you’re in their world right along with the characters. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ will read again and again.

[Katherine Sterling · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book like every one, Christi writes. I have been with her since the beginning, and I love her stories. This book had everything you would want in a book. I could hardly put it down and I would be so disappointed if I missed even one of her books. The story was interesting, amusing, enjoyable, plus much, much more. A work of art!