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The Forsaken
She craved adventure. He offered ruin.
Miss Andromena McQuoid-Smith has always longed for more than society allows—more freedom, more feeling… more adventure.
Lord Kerr is all of it.
Hardened by years of privateering, he is no longer the man he once was. He is no gentleman. He is precisely the kind of man she ought to fear. And yet… Andromena can’t turn away.
Drawn to the very man she shouldn’t, Andromena soon discovers that some adventures come at a cost… because Lord Kerr is not simply dangerous, he is the kind of man who ruins everything he touches— including her.
From Christi Caldwell comes a seductive new installment in the McQuoid Family Saga—where a dangerous privateer meets the one woman who challenges his control… and desire threatens to undo them both.
A dark Beauty and the Beast Regency romance featuring a brooding hero and the fearless heroine who dares to love him
Don't Miss the McQuoid Family Saga
Prequel-While You Were Sailing
Book 1-The Villain
Book 2-The Beast (Coming May 2026)
Book 3-The Forsaken (August 2026)
Book 4-The Rake (Coming 2026)
Miss Andromena McQuoid-Smith has always longed for more than society allows—more freedom, more feeling… more adventure.
Lord Kerr is all of it.
Hardened by years of privateering, he is no longer the man he once was. He is no gentleman. He is precisely the kind of man she ought to fear. And yet… Andromena can’t turn away.
Drawn to the very man she shouldn’t, Andromena soon discovers that some adventures come at a cost… because Lord Kerr is not simply dangerous, he is the kind of man who ruins everything he touches— including her.
From Christi Caldwell comes a seductive new installment in the McQuoid Family Saga—where a dangerous privateer meets the one woman who challenges his control… and desire threatens to undo them both.
A dark Beauty and the Beast Regency romance featuring a brooding hero and the fearless heroine who dares to love him
Don't Miss the McQuoid Family Saga
Prequel-While You Were Sailing
Book 1-The Villain
Book 2-The Beast (Coming May 2026)
Book 3-The Forsaken (August 2026)
Book 4-The Rake (Coming 2026)
- GenresHistorical Romance
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 14, 2026
About the author
Christi Caldwell
146 books2,584 followersUSA 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 17, 2026
Forsaken for all
Very confusing too much Really busy writing that honestly at times made no sense. Thought better of this great writer.
Very confusing too much Really busy writing that honestly at times made no sense. Thought better of this great writer.
August 24, 2026
This is my 103rd 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 her books lately have all been really super steamy and I totally love this series. I have Book 1 and Book 3 on my favorite books read list.
I enjoyed Andromena and Edgar. It wasn't my favorite of the series and definitely not as steamy but still a good read overall. Sometimes I felt it got a bit jumbled. It's funny, how over the years, I'll see this. Where a few books in a series are on your favorites list and great reads and the other or others are okay. Strange how that is. Anyway, it was still a good read.
I enjoyed Andromena and Edgar. It wasn't my favorite of the series and definitely not as steamy but still a good read overall. Sometimes I felt it got a bit jumbled. It's funny, how over the years, I'll see this. Where a few books in a series are on your favorites list and great reads and the other or others are okay. Strange how that is. Anyway, it was still a good read.
August 14, 2026
Miss Andromena McQuoid-Smith has always longed for more than society allows—more freedom, more feeling… more adventure. Hardened by years of privateering, Edgar, Viscount Kerr is no longer the man he once was. He is no gentleman. He is precisely the kind of man she ought to fear. Drawn to the very man she shouldn’t, Andromena soon discovers that some adventures come at a cost because Lord Kerr is not simply dangerous, he is the kind of man who ruins everything he touches— including her.
I’m loving the McQuoid-Smith family stories, the characters have depth & are unconventional but so likeable. I love the family dynamics & how they are there for each other. I loved both Edgar & Andromena, their chemistry sizzled & their banter was brilliant. The story flowed effortlessly & I found it very hard to put down & read it in two sittings
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
I’m loving the McQuoid-Smith family stories, the characters have depth & are unconventional but so likeable. I love the family dynamics & how they are there for each other. I loved both Edgar & Andromena, their chemistry sizzled & their banter was brilliant. The story flowed effortlessly & I found it very hard to put down & read it in two sittings
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
August 18, 2026
This is the story of Miss Andromeda McQuoid-Smith and Edgar Hollis, Lord Kerr.
Andromeda is the youngest of many siblings and feels she is often overlooked in the family chaos. Lord Kerr is a long time loyal associate of her brother in law, whom she has had a romantic crush on for years.
Kerr, a war damaged rake with a reputation for being dark and heroic due to his previous naval and privateer experiences, spends his time with women who are anything but virginal or pure.
Andromeda has gotten herself into a bit of trouble, as she is being blackmailed by an unknown entity. She doesn't believe she can confide this to anyone for fear they will suffer the wrath of the anonymous criminal involved.
In her harrowed state, she has scarcely avoided more than one possibly fatal event,from which, Kerr has intervened save her. Kerr tells himself he does these things out of loyalty to her brother in law. It is not that his attraction to this sharp tongued, strong willed verigo would matter.
Their close proximity and feverish chemistry aside, there is something she is hiding....
This is a thoroughly entertaining story with plenty of lively banter, sultry temptation, and a plot that keeps the reader wondering right up to the end.
I highly recommend this and the entire series as this particular group of characters and their antics kept this reader hooked. I do hope this series continues as I can think of two more rakes who need their collective comeuppances, Lords Killmartin and Greyhold.
I read this book as an arc but my opinions are my own.
Andromeda is the youngest of many siblings and feels she is often overlooked in the family chaos. Lord Kerr is a long time loyal associate of her brother in law, whom she has had a romantic crush on for years.
Kerr, a war damaged rake with a reputation for being dark and heroic due to his previous naval and privateer experiences, spends his time with women who are anything but virginal or pure.
Andromeda has gotten herself into a bit of trouble, as she is being blackmailed by an unknown entity. She doesn't believe she can confide this to anyone for fear they will suffer the wrath of the anonymous criminal involved.
In her harrowed state, she has scarcely avoided more than one possibly fatal event,from which, Kerr has intervened save her. Kerr tells himself he does these things out of loyalty to her brother in law. It is not that his attraction to this sharp tongued, strong willed verigo would matter.
Their close proximity and feverish chemistry aside, there is something she is hiding....
This is a thoroughly entertaining story with plenty of lively banter, sultry temptation, and a plot that keeps the reader wondering right up to the end.
I highly recommend this and the entire series as this particular group of characters and their antics kept this reader hooked. I do hope this series continues as I can think of two more rakes who need their collective comeuppances, Lords Killmartin and Greyhold.
I read this book as an arc but my opinions are my own.
August 19, 2026
Miss Andromena McQuoid‑Smith has never been the “sit quietly and embroider a pillow” type - she wants freedoms, feelings, and adventures. She also has been secretly in love with her brother-in-law's friend, Edgar Hollis, Viscount Kerr, for years. He is a man who’s spent so long privateering that he’s basically 80% saltwater, 20% trauma, and 0% gentleman. He’s exactly the sort of man she should avoid…...which of course means she absolutely does not.
Their chemistry, banter and dynamic are instant, sharp and glorious! Edgar knows she is off limits, since Andy's sister is married to his friend. Andromena sees the danger and still dives in headfirst, because honestly, who wouldn’t? Edgar is the kind of man who ruins everything he touches - including her - but he does it with such tortured intensity that you can’t help rooting for him anyway.
The McQuoid‑Smith family continues to be the most delightfully chaotic, unconventional, ride‑or‑die crew in Regency romance. They show up, they meddle, they support, they love loudly - and I ate up every second of it. The story flows like a ship at full sail, and putting it down felt like abandoning the crew mid‑voyage.
Edgar and Andy together are sizzling, brilliant and impossible to resist! Christi Caldwell delivers another emotional rollercoaster that leaves you breathless, grinning, and maybe a little ruined yourself - in the best possible way. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Their chemistry, banter and dynamic are instant, sharp and glorious! Edgar knows she is off limits, since Andy's sister is married to his friend. Andromena sees the danger and still dives in headfirst, because honestly, who wouldn’t? Edgar is the kind of man who ruins everything he touches - including her - but he does it with such tortured intensity that you can’t help rooting for him anyway.
The McQuoid‑Smith family continues to be the most delightfully chaotic, unconventional, ride‑or‑die crew in Regency romance. They show up, they meddle, they support, they love loudly - and I ate up every second of it. The story flows like a ship at full sail, and putting it down felt like abandoning the crew mid‑voyage.
Edgar and Andy together are sizzling, brilliant and impossible to resist! Christi Caldwell delivers another emotional rollercoaster that leaves you breathless, grinning, and maybe a little ruined yourself - in the best possible way. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 14, 2026
The Forsaken is a continuing story in the McQuoid-Smith family series. While it could be read as a stand alone, it does reference many of the other stories and characters. And I think, that’s where I got lost sometimes in this book(even having read all of them).
Andromena is the youngest of six in her family, but then there are the other six cousins. She has felt neglected and unseen as a result. She craves adventure while strongly clinging to her family’s chaos.
Lord Kerr was raised my a mad man. His father suffered bouts of what appears to be bipolar mental health-extreme highs and extreme lows. He is sent to school as a small, skinny boy who ends up constantly abused until Lord Culross defends him. Thus begins their longtime friendship which includes becoming privateers.
Andromena has always had a crush on Lord Kerr as they are thrown together due to family ties. Lately, he seems to be her rescuer as she falls into some crazy adventures. Slowly, he begins to see her for herself and her talent. Everything culminates at a ball where she lets her feeling known, and he finally realizes his feelings towards her.
Normally, I gush over Christi Caldwell books. While I enjoyed this one, it didn’t slowly rip my heart like most of her others.
Andromena is the youngest of six in her family, but then there are the other six cousins. She has felt neglected and unseen as a result. She craves adventure while strongly clinging to her family’s chaos.
Lord Kerr was raised my a mad man. His father suffered bouts of what appears to be bipolar mental health-extreme highs and extreme lows. He is sent to school as a small, skinny boy who ends up constantly abused until Lord Culross defends him. Thus begins their longtime friendship which includes becoming privateers.
Andromena has always had a crush on Lord Kerr as they are thrown together due to family ties. Lately, he seems to be her rescuer as she falls into some crazy adventures. Slowly, he begins to see her for herself and her talent. Everything culminates at a ball where she lets her feeling known, and he finally realizes his feelings towards her.
Normally, I gush over Christi Caldwell books. While I enjoyed this one, it didn’t slowly rip my heart like most of her others.
August 14, 2026
Christi Caldwell has done it again with The Forsaken! The McQuaid-Smith family continues to charm and captivate, making every page an absolute delight. This installment once more showcases the family’s dynamic cast of characters, each with their own quirks and complexities that make them feel real and relatable.
The plot development is both engaging and seamless, pulling the reader in from the first chapter and never letting go. Every twist and turn adds depth and excitement, keeping the story fascinating all the way to the heartwarming conclusion.
What truly elevates this book is Caldwell’s talent for dialogue. The conversations are witty, clever, and packed with emotion, bringing out the unique personalities of each character. These moments make the reader feel like they’re part of the McQuaid-Smith family’s journey.
The characters themselves are unforgettable, leaping off the page into the reader’s imagination. Their growth and relationships are beautifully written, making the happily-ever-after ending feel hard-earned and entirely satisfying.
If you’re looking for a historical romance that captivates with heart, humor, and charm, The Forsaken is a must-read!
The plot development is both engaging and seamless, pulling the reader in from the first chapter and never letting go. Every twist and turn adds depth and excitement, keeping the story fascinating all the way to the heartwarming conclusion.
What truly elevates this book is Caldwell’s talent for dialogue. The conversations are witty, clever, and packed with emotion, bringing out the unique personalities of each character. These moments make the reader feel like they’re part of the McQuaid-Smith family’s journey.
The characters themselves are unforgettable, leaping off the page into the reader’s imagination. Their growth and relationships are beautifully written, making the happily-ever-after ending feel hard-earned and entirely satisfying.
If you’re looking for a historical romance that captivates with heart, humor, and charm, The Forsaken is a must-read!
August 15, 2026
Well, well, well , very well written story. Does live up to everything you could ever read from this author. Full of drama, action, adventure, passion, blackmail, society, family, emotion, twists and turns. The characters both old and new are full of witty banter, knowing that every interaction has a reaction. Viscount Edgar Kerr has had a hard life growing up with a crazy father who was not only crazy but abusive. Andromena McQuoid-Smith is the youngest of six and always seems to be looking for herself and what she is missing. Each of her family members have their own struggles and strangeness about them. Edgar is a friend to Lord Culross since their younger days at school and now married into the McQuoid-Smith family. Andromena is and has been in love with Kerr for years and he is always saving her from herself and whatever. It's been a tug going both ways for each of them. Will keep you turning the pages and wanting more. Can't wait for more of this family. Would strongly recommend to everyone this story and the rest of the series.
I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.
I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.
August 18, 2026
Another wonderful book from Christi Caldwell’s McQuoids series. This story is a Beauty and the Beast retelling with a dose of enemies to lovers thrown in. There is the usual mishaps and humor you would expect from a McQuoid sibling, but also a dose of drama and heartache. Andromena is the forgotten younger sibling, whose talents are never recognized, until Edgar sees her brightness while trying his best to stop her getting herself killed! Edgar had a traumatic childhood, never feeling good enough until Andromena sees beneath the scars visible and hidden. This is an easy, delightful read. Although part of a series it can be read as a standalone though I believe the whole series is worth reading. I definitely recommend this book. As always Christi brings her characters to life with depth and feeling.
I received & reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book and these are my honest opinions and review.
I received & reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book and these are my honest opinions and review.
August 18, 2026
The Forsaken by Christi Caldwell is an amazing story of love, hardship, sacrifice and eternal love. Andromena McQuoid-Smith, seems to have loved Viscount Kerr, Edgar Hollis, since she was s young lass. He, on the other hand, seems only to be annoyed by everything she says and does. Saving her from her wild adventures is becoming an unwanted routine matter....or is it destiny that always places her in his path. Andromena has been receiving blackmail notes asking her to steal rare items while threatening her family if she doesn't comply, and the blackmailer seems to know about all her actions and deeds. Faced with the safety of her loved ones, she falls into an unimaginable abyss of lying and thieving. Can she ever make Edgar see how much she loves him...can he, a scarred man, ever love her back?
August 22, 2026
solid entry
The McQuoid Family Saga has so far been full of fighting and cantankerous “villains” who turn straight for their girl. I appreciated that Kerr is clearly a good man from the beginning, just a little curmudgeonly due to past events.
I struggled a little bit at the beginning of the story to connect with the characters but it picked up in the second half and I enjoyed the family moments, especially in the nursery where we see the children of past storylines and how much the family loves each other.
I like how the ending ties into a plot line that’s been simmering throughout multiple series and I cannot wait for the final showdown with the big bad one day.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an arc of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
The McQuoid Family Saga has so far been full of fighting and cantankerous “villains” who turn straight for their girl. I appreciated that Kerr is clearly a good man from the beginning, just a little curmudgeonly due to past events.
I struggled a little bit at the beginning of the story to connect with the characters but it picked up in the second half and I enjoyed the family moments, especially in the nursery where we see the children of past storylines and how much the family loves each other.
I like how the ending ties into a plot line that’s been simmering throughout multiple series and I cannot wait for the final showdown with the big bad one day.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an arc of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 17, 2026
I received this book as an ARC, and these are my opinions.
Viscount Edgar Kerr has had a hard life. His father was mad and abusive. He has a rough time at school and is physically scarred from a battle at sea.
Andromeda, a family friend has been in love with him for years, however, he doesn't let anyone get that close to his heart.
Andromeda and Edgar had great chemistry together, with lots of emotions and sometimes sarcastic comments.
There is a great cast of secondary characters, blackmail, lots of interesting dialogue and an all-around great storyline.
I really enjoyed this book!
Viscount Edgar Kerr has had a hard life. His father was mad and abusive. He has a rough time at school and is physically scarred from a battle at sea.
Andromeda, a family friend has been in love with him for years, however, he doesn't let anyone get that close to his heart.
Andromeda and Edgar had great chemistry together, with lots of emotions and sometimes sarcastic comments.
There is a great cast of secondary characters, blackmail, lots of interesting dialogue and an all-around great storyline.
I really enjoyed this book!
August 18, 2026
First, I knew a girl when I was much younger who I would say if she didn’t have bad luck she wouldn’t have any luck at all. That is exactly how I feel about Andromena. Scandals abound around her and her family. I felt there was an info-dump of characters in this story. Yes, I knew them but it was overwhelming. The story was all over the place and I never felt the love between Kerr and Andromena. I like Christi’s writing but I don’t always feel the stories and this happens to be one of those. I feel that if you like a lot of description and not much banter (which I dearly love and lots of it), you will like this story.
August 16, 2026
LOVED THIS BOOK!
This is my favorite book out of the 4 books. Loved the banter between Andy and Kerr. Loved also having the extended family about. I'm confused about Myrtle being referred to as Duchess of Bainbridge when she was later and in earlier book, referred to as Duchess of Aragon (A Duke Alone). Did I miss something ? Still loved0 this story. Is Diggory back? A whole new kettle of fish with that. If you read CCs books, you will know what I mean. I do hope Kilmartin finds love? He deserves it.
This is my favorite book out of the 4 books. Loved the banter between Andy and Kerr. Loved also having the extended family about. I'm confused about Myrtle being referred to as Duchess of Bainbridge when she was later and in earlier book, referred to as Duchess of Aragon (A Duke Alone). Did I miss something ? Still loved0 this story. Is Diggory back? A whole new kettle of fish with that. If you read CCs books, you will know what I mean. I do hope Kilmartin finds love? He deserves it.
August 26, 2026
Is it fate or fear
Miss Andromena McQuoid Smith was the youngest of six in the family. She felt lonely, neglected and unseen. Edgar, Viscount Kerr, scarred from battle, rogue by choice and came from a family of madmen. Andromeda confessed her love to Edgar and he told her he could never marry her. She walked away. Kerr loved her but she deserved better than a madman. She forced his eyes open to the light. He was unable to hide his cowardice anymore. A broken man and lonely girl put their ghosts to rest. Together they would slay every dragon!
Miss Andromena McQuoid Smith was the youngest of six in the family. She felt lonely, neglected and unseen. Edgar, Viscount Kerr, scarred from battle, rogue by choice and came from a family of madmen. Andromeda confessed her love to Edgar and he told her he could never marry her. She walked away. Kerr loved her but she deserved better than a madman. She forced his eyes open to the light. He was unable to hide his cowardice anymore. A broken man and lonely girl put their ghosts to rest. Together they would slay every dragon!
August 16, 2026
The McQuoid-Smith family is back creating their normal havoc and maybe a scandal?
Andromeda and Edgar have a twisted road to their HEA - can they get there before her stalker ends their journey?
I forgot how much I enjoyed this series and family. It was nice to get back into their world and revisit past characters.
Andromeda and Edgar have a twisted road to their HEA - can they get there before her stalker ends their journey?
I forgot how much I enjoyed this series and family. It was nice to get back into their world and revisit past characters.
August 16, 2026
This was an exciting and engaging story with an enigmatic hero and a clever heroine. They were well matched, and their banter together was top-notch. The story itself was well-paced, with a lot of well-placed action and a fabulous build-up to their romantic conclusion. I had a great time reading this book; it is an exciting series. Proof that historical romance is not dead.
August 19, 2026
Kerr and Andromena made for a delightful pair. I love the witty back and forth between them. The story was entertaining throughout and moved at a steady pace. It was great to see two people that felt less than find each other and begin to feel seen and heard. It doesn't heat up until the last chapter, but it did heat up some. Looking forward to more books by this author.
August 27, 2026
Love can put chains upon your heart
Caring for someone can be difficult and disappointing, especially when they avoid you and show disinterest! Will family help or keep the loved ones apart? This is a story of love rescuing two characters who did not know there place in their own family!
Caring for someone can be difficult and disappointing, especially when they avoid you and show disinterest! Will family help or keep the loved ones apart? This is a story of love rescuing two characters who did not know there place in their own family!
August 18, 2026
It was a fun read, kind off like enemies to lovers
August 23, 2026
slow burn
The banter, the anticipation. All lead up to one hell of a story. Love love love this book. Plan ahead because you won’t want to put it down!
The banter, the anticipation. All lead up to one hell of a story. Love love love this book. Plan ahead because you won’t want to put it down!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews