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The Heart of a Duke #8
To Trust a Rogue
A rogue
Marcus, the Viscount Wessex has carefully crafted the image of rogue and charmer for polite Society. Under that façade, however, dwells a man whose dreams were shattered almost eight years earlier by a young lady who captured his heart, pledged her love, and then left him, with nothing more than a curt note.
A widow
Eight years earlier, faced with no other choice, Mrs. Eleanor Collins, fled London and the only man she ever loved, Marcus, Viscount Wessex. She has now returned to serve as a companion for her elderly aunt with a daughter in tow. Even though they’re next door neighbors, there is little reason for her to move in the same circles as Marcus, just in case, she vows to avoid him, for he reminds her of all she lost when she left.
Reunited
As their paths continue to cross, Marcus finds his desire for Eleanor just as strong, but he learned long ago she’s not to be trusted. He will offer her a place in his bed, but not anything more. Only, Eleanor has no interest in this new, roguish man. The more time they spend together, the protective wall they’ve constructed to keep the other out, begin to break. With all the betrayals and secrets between them, Marcus has to open his heart again. And Eleanor must decide if it’s ever safe to trust a rogue.
Marcus, the Viscount Wessex has carefully crafted the image of rogue and charmer for polite Society. Under that façade, however, dwells a man whose dreams were shattered almost eight years earlier by a young lady who captured his heart, pledged her love, and then left him, with nothing more than a curt note.
A widow
Eight years earlier, faced with no other choice, Mrs. Eleanor Collins, fled London and the only man she ever loved, Marcus, Viscount Wessex. She has now returned to serve as a companion for her elderly aunt with a daughter in tow. Even though they’re next door neighbors, there is little reason for her to move in the same circles as Marcus, just in case, she vows to avoid him, for he reminds her of all she lost when she left.
Reunited
As their paths continue to cross, Marcus finds his desire for Eleanor just as strong, but he learned long ago she’s not to be trusted. He will offer her a place in his bed, but not anything more. Only, Eleanor has no interest in this new, roguish man. The more time they spend together, the protective wall they’ve constructed to keep the other out, begin to break. With all the betrayals and secrets between them, Marcus has to open his heart again. And Eleanor must decide if it’s ever safe to trust a rogue.
183 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2016
714 people are currently reading
723 people want to read
About the author
Christi Caldwell
137 books2,561 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 - 30 of 98 reviews
January 11, 2016
#8 in the exciting "The Heart of a Duke"series, but can be read as a stand alone. What an emotional tale, that is well written with engaging characters, emotional upheaval, a eight year old little girl, who will capture your very essence and second chances at a love so precious it bears all and remains forever.
Once again, Ms. Caldwell will have fans breathless, excited, emotional, and turning pages well into the night. I read it in one setting!
These characters are special in more ways than romance, there's love, sacrifice, second chances, determination, an evil man, the determination of a mother's protection of her child and the power of true love. Don't mess with us Mama Tigers,we fight back!
An absolute delight! Fast paced, well written, powerful, compelling and emotional. Another awesome read from an amazing storyteller!
A must read for fans of great romance, passion, and justice! Strongly recommended!!
*Received for an honest review from the author*
*Cross-posted on My Book Addiction Reviews dot com*
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Once again, Ms. Caldwell will have fans breathless, excited, emotional, and turning pages well into the night. I read it in one setting!
These characters are special in more ways than romance, there's love, sacrifice, second chances, determination, an evil man, the determination of a mother's protection of her child and the power of true love. Don't mess with us Mama Tigers,we fight back!
An absolute delight! Fast paced, well written, powerful, compelling and emotional. Another awesome read from an amazing storyteller!
A must read for fans of great romance, passion, and justice! Strongly recommended!!
*Received for an honest review from the author*
*Cross-posted on My Book Addiction Reviews dot com*
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
March 6, 2016
3.5
The angst and longing in this book killed me. And it was just what I needed tbh.
It's so vile and sick what Eleanor went through, and when we finally find out what happened it is heart wrenching to read.
The angst and longing in this book killed me. And it was just what I needed tbh.
It's so vile and sick what Eleanor went through, and when we finally find out what happened it is heart wrenching to read.
July 13, 2017
Spoiler alert. I hate that she was raped. That's not romantic. I read romance novels for romance. Christi Caldwell's heroines are always dumb and nieve. The only reason I read her books are because they are free. I guess you get what you pay for.
February 6, 2022
This is a solidly written book.
It is not my favorite set of tropes but Caldwell made them bearable.
There was a lot that I liked about it - but I did find the villain(s) to be predictable and annoying.
I appreciated the hero's patience with the heroine at the moment when it counted. I also was happy to see how the past was brought to light - that was one of the best parts of the book.
It is not my favorite set of tropes but Caldwell made them bearable.
There was a lot that I liked about it - but I did find the villain(s) to be predictable and annoying.
I appreciated the hero's patience with the heroine at the moment when it counted. I also was happy to see how the past was brought to light - that was one of the best parts of the book.
November 29, 2017
WARNING THIS IS A BOOK ABOUT RAPE!! Once I realized I had bought a book about a rape victim I re turned it to Amazon. Rape has no business in Romance novels. There is nothing romantic about rape!!
January 29, 2016
Heartbroken by love lost, Marcus Gray, the Viscount Wessex becomes the consummate rogue. Even eight years after his loss, the betrayal of losing the woman he thought loved him evades his thoughts and determines his actions. His mother and sister would have him wed, and his sibling, Lizzie, has just the woman in mind for her handsome brother. Trying to escape the machinations of his well-meaning family, Marcus tries to find solace with friends, but watching them all fall in love and wed, leaves Marcus with a bitter taste for what he could have been.
Eleanor Carlyle fled London after having been put through an abominable act. Leaving the only man she could ever love behind, changes the once vibrant young woman into a ghost of her former self. The one thing that makes her life worth living is the daughter she gives birth to once leaving London society behind. Eight years later, she is summoned back to town by her beloved aunt, the Duchess of Devonshire, who has offered the widowed Mrs. Eleanor Collins a position as her companion. Eleanor's aunt is getting on in years and would have her niece and great niece return to life after merely existing in the countryside.
Terrified of facing her past, Eleanor reluctantly returns to the family fold of her aunt's townhouse. But attempting to stay hidden from the outside world. is a task Aunt Dorothea is determined to quell. When Eleanor and daughter Marcia head for a walk outside at dear aunty's insistence, Eleanor comes face to face with Marcus Gray and the past quickly catches up with her. Once Marcus see the woman that Eleanor has become, the mother, the mature lady, the feelings he thought he could extinguish for her come rushing back full force. Try as she might to hide away behind her made up persona, but secrets have a tendency to chip away at the soul and keeping them from the one person who knows that something is just not right is in vain.
When confronted with the evil who took her life away, Eleanor can either run again, or stay and fight an uphill battle. The catharsis of telling Marcus her unhappy tale is a double edged sword because once Marcus understands that he has treated Eleanor with some disdain since her return, she still believes herself unworthy of a happy ending. Once the chips have fallen, Marcus will do anything to win Eleanor's trust and heart, even if he thinks he deserves neither.
Trying not to give away the entire story is so hard when it comes to a tale such as this one, which teems with the full spectrum of emotions. Christi Caldwell makes this reader chew her nails to the nub and shout out about the injustices these characters are forced to reckon with. When she was an innocent eighteen year old with her whole life ahead of her, one defining moment robbed Eleanor of her happiness. Out of that horrible tragedy, comes something so beautiful, in the form of the precious Marcia, who gives Eleanor the will to overcome the cards that were dealt her. Marcus Gray has come full circle and what a ride it is for him. The discovery of what truly kept him away from Eleanor encourages him to be the man he needs to be for her.
TO TRUST A ROGUE by the phenomenal,Christi Caldwell is sheer brilliance. Ms. Caldwell turns darkness into light with this second chance at love. Yes, it has profane darkness, but this darkness is necessary if there is to be such bliss at the end. The darkness makes the journey to that bliss so much more important and meaningful. Having the chance to see Marcus confront that darkness makes his character all the more heroic and deserving of Eleanor. I love TO TRUST A ROGUE so much and give kudos to Christi Caldwell for tackling such a hard subject with such finesse. Bravo.
Merged review:
Heartbroken by love lost, Marcus Gray, the Viscount Wessex becomes the consummate rogue. Even eight years after his loss, the betrayal of losing the woman he thought loved him evades his thoughts and determines his actions. His mother and sister would have him wed, and his sibling, Lizzie, has just the woman in mind for her handsome brother. Trying to escape the machinations of his well-meaning family, Marcus tries to find solace with friends, but watching them all fall in love and wed, leaves Marcus with a bitter taste for what he could have been.
Eleanor Carlyle fled London after having been put through an abominable act. Leaving the only man she could ever love behind, changes the once vibrant young woman into a ghost of her former self. The one thing that makes her life worth living is the daughter she gives birth to once leaving London society behind. Eight years later, she is summoned back to town by her beloved aunt, the Duchess of Devonshire, who has offered the widowed Mrs. Eleanor Collins a position as her companion. Eleanor's aunt is getting on in years and would have her niece and great niece return to life after merely existing in the countryside.
Terrified of facing her past, Eleanor reluctantly returns to the family fold of her aunt's townhouse. But attempting to stay hidden from the outside world. is a task Aunt Dorothea is determined to quell. When Eleanor and daughter Marcia head for a walk outside at dear aunty's insistence, Eleanor comes face to face with Marcus Gray and the past quickly catches up with her. Once Marcus see the woman that Eleanor has become, the mother, the mature lady, the feelings he thought he could extinguish for her come rushing back full force. Try as she might to hide away behind her made up persona, but secrets have a tendency to chip away at the soul and keeping them from the one person who knows that something is just not right is in vain.
When confronted with the evil who took her life away, Eleanor can either run again, or stay and fight an uphill battle. The catharsis of telling Marcus her unhappy tale is a double edged sword because once Marcus understands that he has treated Eleanor with some disdain since her return, she still believes herself unworthy of a happy ending. Once the chips have fallen, Marcus will do anything to win Eleanor's trust and heart, even if he thinks he deserves neither.
Trying not to give away the entire story is so hard when it comes to a tale such as this one, which teems with the full spectrum of emotions. Christi Caldwell makes this reader chew her nails to the nub and shout out about the injustices these characters are forced to reckon with. When she was an innocent eighteen year old with her whole life ahead of her, one defining moment robbed Eleanor of her happiness. Out of that horrible tragedy, comes something so beautiful, in the form of the precious Marcia, who gives Eleanor the will to overcome the cards that were dealt her. Marcus Gray has come full circle and what a ride it is for him. The discovery of what truly kept him away from Eleanor encourages him to be the man he needs to be for her.
TO TRUST A ROGUE by the phenomenal,Christi Caldwell is sheer brilliance. Ms. Caldwell turns darkness into light with this second chance at love. Yes, it has profane darkness, but this darkness is necessary if there is to be such bliss at the end. The darkness makes the journey to that bliss so much more important and meaningful. Having the chance to see Marcus confront that darkness makes his character all the more heroic and deserving of Eleanor. I love TO TRUST A ROGUE so much and give kudos to Christi Caldwell for tackling such a hard subject with such finesse. Bravo.
Eleanor Carlyle fled London after having been put through an abominable act. Leaving the only man she could ever love behind, changes the once vibrant young woman into a ghost of her former self. The one thing that makes her life worth living is the daughter she gives birth to once leaving London society behind. Eight years later, she is summoned back to town by her beloved aunt, the Duchess of Devonshire, who has offered the widowed Mrs. Eleanor Collins a position as her companion. Eleanor's aunt is getting on in years and would have her niece and great niece return to life after merely existing in the countryside.
Terrified of facing her past, Eleanor reluctantly returns to the family fold of her aunt's townhouse. But attempting to stay hidden from the outside world. is a task Aunt Dorothea is determined to quell. When Eleanor and daughter Marcia head for a walk outside at dear aunty's insistence, Eleanor comes face to face with Marcus Gray and the past quickly catches up with her. Once Marcus see the woman that Eleanor has become, the mother, the mature lady, the feelings he thought he could extinguish for her come rushing back full force. Try as she might to hide away behind her made up persona, but secrets have a tendency to chip away at the soul and keeping them from the one person who knows that something is just not right is in vain.
When confronted with the evil who took her life away, Eleanor can either run again, or stay and fight an uphill battle. The catharsis of telling Marcus her unhappy tale is a double edged sword because once Marcus understands that he has treated Eleanor with some disdain since her return, she still believes herself unworthy of a happy ending. Once the chips have fallen, Marcus will do anything to win Eleanor's trust and heart, even if he thinks he deserves neither.
Trying not to give away the entire story is so hard when it comes to a tale such as this one, which teems with the full spectrum of emotions. Christi Caldwell makes this reader chew her nails to the nub and shout out about the injustices these characters are forced to reckon with. When she was an innocent eighteen year old with her whole life ahead of her, one defining moment robbed Eleanor of her happiness. Out of that horrible tragedy, comes something so beautiful, in the form of the precious Marcia, who gives Eleanor the will to overcome the cards that were dealt her. Marcus Gray has come full circle and what a ride it is for him. The discovery of what truly kept him away from Eleanor encourages him to be the man he needs to be for her.
TO TRUST A ROGUE by the phenomenal,Christi Caldwell is sheer brilliance. Ms. Caldwell turns darkness into light with this second chance at love. Yes, it has profane darkness, but this darkness is necessary if there is to be such bliss at the end. The darkness makes the journey to that bliss so much more important and meaningful. Having the chance to see Marcus confront that darkness makes his character all the more heroic and deserving of Eleanor. I love TO TRUST A ROGUE so much and give kudos to Christi Caldwell for tackling such a hard subject with such finesse. Bravo.
Merged review:
Heartbroken by love lost, Marcus Gray, the Viscount Wessex becomes the consummate rogue. Even eight years after his loss, the betrayal of losing the woman he thought loved him evades his thoughts and determines his actions. His mother and sister would have him wed, and his sibling, Lizzie, has just the woman in mind for her handsome brother. Trying to escape the machinations of his well-meaning family, Marcus tries to find solace with friends, but watching them all fall in love and wed, leaves Marcus with a bitter taste for what he could have been.
Eleanor Carlyle fled London after having been put through an abominable act. Leaving the only man she could ever love behind, changes the once vibrant young woman into a ghost of her former self. The one thing that makes her life worth living is the daughter she gives birth to once leaving London society behind. Eight years later, she is summoned back to town by her beloved aunt, the Duchess of Devonshire, who has offered the widowed Mrs. Eleanor Collins a position as her companion. Eleanor's aunt is getting on in years and would have her niece and great niece return to life after merely existing in the countryside.
Terrified of facing her past, Eleanor reluctantly returns to the family fold of her aunt's townhouse. But attempting to stay hidden from the outside world. is a task Aunt Dorothea is determined to quell. When Eleanor and daughter Marcia head for a walk outside at dear aunty's insistence, Eleanor comes face to face with Marcus Gray and the past quickly catches up with her. Once Marcus see the woman that Eleanor has become, the mother, the mature lady, the feelings he thought he could extinguish for her come rushing back full force. Try as she might to hide away behind her made up persona, but secrets have a tendency to chip away at the soul and keeping them from the one person who knows that something is just not right is in vain.
When confronted with the evil who took her life away, Eleanor can either run again, or stay and fight an uphill battle. The catharsis of telling Marcus her unhappy tale is a double edged sword because once Marcus understands that he has treated Eleanor with some disdain since her return, she still believes herself unworthy of a happy ending. Once the chips have fallen, Marcus will do anything to win Eleanor's trust and heart, even if he thinks he deserves neither.
Trying not to give away the entire story is so hard when it comes to a tale such as this one, which teems with the full spectrum of emotions. Christi Caldwell makes this reader chew her nails to the nub and shout out about the injustices these characters are forced to reckon with. When she was an innocent eighteen year old with her whole life ahead of her, one defining moment robbed Eleanor of her happiness. Out of that horrible tragedy, comes something so beautiful, in the form of the precious Marcia, who gives Eleanor the will to overcome the cards that were dealt her. Marcus Gray has come full circle and what a ride it is for him. The discovery of what truly kept him away from Eleanor encourages him to be the man he needs to be for her.
TO TRUST A ROGUE by the phenomenal,Christi Caldwell is sheer brilliance. Ms. Caldwell turns darkness into light with this second chance at love. Yes, it has profane darkness, but this darkness is necessary if there is to be such bliss at the end. The darkness makes the journey to that bliss so much more important and meaningful. Having the chance to see Marcus confront that darkness makes his character all the more heroic and deserving of Eleanor. I love TO TRUST A ROGUE so much and give kudos to Christi Caldwell for tackling such a hard subject with such finesse. Bravo.
January 16, 2025
Second time reading this and changed my rating from 5 to 3.
___________________________________________________
5 Solid Stars!
Best caption: “You took my heart, and my happiness, and my very reason for being.”
Awwww …
Be warned: This was not a mere historical romance between a handsome viscount and a beautiful lady. This was a gut wrenching, emotional story about two lost souls who could only found happiness with each other. Full of angst and heartaches. Do not venture if
I did not expect to like this one very much but I truly did. It was so poignant I cried on several occasions – my heart was breaking upon reading what the heroine had to go through. The beginning was so gripping and the ending was superb!
The story unfolded with the twenty-nine-year-old hero, Marcus; a carefree rogue – a viscount who slept with alluring widows in his spare time. His life was altered significantly when a certain beguiling blond broke his heart.
Concurrently, Eleanor, the heroine, was traveling to London - anxiously fretting over what her life would be like there … her carriage jolting her memory back 8 years ago to a night that forever changed her life. and irrevocably turned her world upside down. For all these times, she lived with her 7 year old daughter, Marcia at Cornwall – hiding a secret that only her deceased father knew for the risk of confiding to anyone had been too great.
Marcus, the ever charming man who once captured her heart was her neighbor in London. Could she evade meeting him? All these years, Eleanor had been suffering silently, forever bruised. But when these two met, the electric charge was ever present. Marcus resented that she still had a hold on him despite their seven years estrangement. He hated that she'd gone and married someone else and had a child with him.
This was a story about second chances. About healing the broken hearted. About mourning.
But it’s also about finding new beginnings, about a bubbly blond 7 year old girl who (literally – captured my heart … sigh) was a light in the midst of muddy waters.
I love this. I love this. I love this. Bravo Ms. Caldwell.
___________________________________________________
5 Solid Stars!
Best caption: “You took my heart, and my happiness, and my very reason for being.”
Awwww …
Be warned: This was not a mere historical romance between a handsome viscount and a beautiful lady. This was a gut wrenching, emotional story about two lost souls who could only found happiness with each other. Full of angst and heartaches. Do not venture if
I did not expect to like this one very much but I truly did. It was so poignant I cried on several occasions – my heart was breaking upon reading what the heroine had to go through. The beginning was so gripping and the ending was superb!
The story unfolded with the twenty-nine-year-old hero, Marcus; a carefree rogue – a viscount who slept with alluring widows in his spare time. His life was altered significantly when a certain beguiling blond broke his heart.
Concurrently, Eleanor, the heroine, was traveling to London - anxiously fretting over what her life would be like there … her carriage jolting her memory back 8 years ago to a night that forever changed her life. and irrevocably turned her world upside down. For all these times, she lived with her 7 year old daughter, Marcia at Cornwall – hiding a secret that only her deceased father knew for the risk of confiding to anyone had been too great.
Marcus, the ever charming man who once captured her heart was her neighbor in London. Could she evade meeting him? All these years, Eleanor had been suffering silently, forever bruised. But when these two met, the electric charge was ever present. Marcus resented that she still had a hold on him despite their seven years estrangement. He hated that she'd gone and married someone else and had a child with him.
This was a story about second chances. About healing the broken hearted. About mourning.
But it’s also about finding new beginnings, about a bubbly blond 7 year old girl who (literally – captured my heart … sigh) was a light in the midst of muddy waters.
I love this. I love this. I love this. Bravo Ms. Caldwell.
December 11, 2022
#
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my heart ached for eleanor and marcus. they loved each other now as much as they loved each other in the past. eleanor and marcus were so in love that he would have proposed and she knew as much. that’s why, the night when everything went bad, eleanor left marcus with just one note and fled. eight years later, she’s back as a mrs with a baby. marcus believing that that eleanor left because she fell in love with someone else is determined not to be bothered. but how can he not?
while marcus is a rogue, there’s nothing from his part that showed that after he was reunited with eleanor again. all i wanted was for him to find out the truth. the real story behind why eleanor left that night eight years ago. it was upsetting and angering that she had to go through what she did. although it had been so long, being back in london brought lots of memories to the surface for eleanor. this story is not just about their romance but also eleanor’s courage.
##
my heart ached for eleanor and marcus. they loved each other now as much as they loved each other in the past. eleanor and marcus were so in love that he would have proposed and she knew as much. that’s why, the night when everything went bad, eleanor left marcus with just one note and fled. eight years later, she’s back as a mrs with a baby. marcus believing that that eleanor left because she fell in love with someone else is determined not to be bothered. but how can he not?
while marcus is a rogue, there’s nothing from his part that showed that after he was reunited with eleanor again. all i wanted was for him to find out the truth. the real story behind why eleanor left that night eight years ago. it was upsetting and angering that she had to go through what she did. although it had been so long, being back in london brought lots of memories to the surface for eleanor. this story is not just about their romance but also eleanor’s courage.
June 30, 2018
The sad thing is that this story was not really bad at all, but I just can't stand anymore that it seems the author has a set of note cards with phrases and mannerisms that she shuffles and then copies VERBATIM into every single book in this series. Some more than others, but it has been noticeable almost from the very beginning and grew tiresome quickly thereafter. It's like a bad bingo game as you check them off.
What hold do you have over me? the same one you have over me. CHECK
balled hands into fists at their side CHECK CHECK added nails biting into palms ALSO CHECK
She'd like to plant him a facer CHECK
Her hair spills out of her coiffure at the slightest movement CHECK CHECK CHECK again
of and for, could ever and would ever, with and about CHECK, and CHECK
rubs chin with thumb and forfinger CHECK male CHECK female
lady pointed her eyes to the ceiling CHECK in private CHECK in public CHECK with child
beats his palms against his thighs CHECK
THE LIST GOES ON! PULL OUT NOTE CARDS. ADD NEW PLOT AND CHARACTER NAMES. BINGO!!!
Oh and every woman has a heart shaped face, and every man is well over six feet, and they all own leather button sofas---because this is all sooo common.
What hold do you have over me? the same one you have over me. CHECK
balled hands into fists at their side CHECK CHECK added nails biting into palms ALSO CHECK
She'd like to plant him a facer CHECK
Her hair spills out of her coiffure at the slightest movement CHECK CHECK CHECK again
of and for, could ever and would ever, with and about CHECK, and CHECK
rubs chin with thumb and forfinger CHECK male CHECK female
lady pointed her eyes to the ceiling CHECK in private CHECK in public CHECK with child
beats his palms against his thighs CHECK
THE LIST GOES ON! PULL OUT NOTE CARDS. ADD NEW PLOT AND CHARACTER NAMES. BINGO!!!
Oh and every woman has a heart shaped face, and every man is well over six feet, and they all own leather button sofas---because this is all sooo common.
February 6, 2016
Disappointed I did not click with the heroine who was tongue tied and scared ninny. The pace was very slow and I struggled to finish it. I did like how Marcus bonded with the child and beat up Atherbourne. Not a good ending to the series if this is the last book. I did like the part about the Duke of Rutledge.
March 20, 2023
The h returns to London with a child and the H hates her as she left him for another man. Of course she didn't and all is revealed when the baddie tries to blackmail her. The heroine is weak and the H is quite stupid. The plot is OTT with too many convenient plot devices. I didn't enjoy it.
February 2, 2019
Der Charme des Herzogs
von Christi Caldwell
Amazon Publishing Deutschland
„Das gefühlvolle neue Abenteuer über tollkühne Edelmänner und charmante Damen von Bestsellerautorin Christi Caldwell.
Marcus Gray, Viscount of Wessex, weiß, dass seine Tage als Junggeselle gezählt sind und er sich nach einer passenden Braut umsehen muss. Er hat auch schon eine geeignete Kandidatin ins Auge gefasst, die ihm einen Erben schenken soll, auch wenn sie sein Blut nicht in Wallung bringt. Doch dann begegnet er eines Tages der Frau wieder, die ihm einst Liebe geschworen und ihm dann das Herz gebrochen hat, und auf einmal kommen ihm Zweifel.
Eleanor Carlyle weiß, dass sie nicht umhinkommt, ihrer großen Liebe Marcus über den Weg zu laufen, als sie zu ihrer Tante nach London zieht. Als sie dann tatsächlich vor ihm steht, muss sie zu ihrem Kummer feststellen, dass sie dem charmanten Lebemann gegenüber noch immer alles andere als gleichgültig ist. Doch ein glückliches Ende scheint für die beiden ausgeschlossen, denn Eleanor hütet ein düsteres Geheimnis, das sie schon vor acht Jahren aus der Stadt vertrieben hat ...“
Ich bedanke mich für das Rezensionsexemplar bei Netgalley und Amazon Publishing.
Gleich zu Beginn möchte ich anmerken, dass es sich bei diesem Buch der bekannten und beliebten Autorin um einen typischen Historicalromance Roman handelt. Was nicht jedermanns Geschmack ist, manche lieben solche Romane, andere wiederrum nicht.
Die Geschichte hat den für dieses Genre üblichen Aufbau und Plot und bietet daher nicht viel Überraschendes. Der Schreibstil ist angenehm lesbar und leicht. Leider weist diese Geschichte einige Längen auf und wirkt daher stellenweise langatmig und man muss sich als Leser da durch kämpfen, ehe wieder etwas Interessantes geschieht. Das kann dazu führen, dass man beim Lesen kurzzeitig mit dem Gedanken spielt einige Seiten zu überblättern.
Die Charaktere sind liebevoll ausgearbeitet und gestaltet. Von der Persönlichkeit entsprechen sie dem Genre üblichen Typus. Bieten daher auch nicht unbedingt neue Einflüsse oder gar überraschende Charaktereigenschaften. Sie bedienen die gesellschaftlichen Eigenschaften der damaligen Zeit, haben aber auch neuzeitliche Einflüsse, die man gern in historischen Romanen vorfindet. Was die Geschichte auffrischen soll, denn kaum einer würde einen Roman lesen wollen in denen die Frauen sich haargenau so verhalten, wie es in der damaligen Zeit von Ihnen erwartet wurde.
Dieses Buch ist abgesehen von den kleinen Schwächen im Spannungsbogen eine leichtbekömmliche und unterhaltsame Lektüre für eine kurzweilige Unterhaltung ohne den Leser sonderlich zu fordern. Man kann dieses Buch sehr gut bei einem gemütlichen Abend auf dem Sofa oder einer Reise lesen. Es ist sogenannte leichte Kost mit einem gewissen Unterhaltungswert.
Ich habe dem Buch 3/5 Sternen gegeben, weil es für mich zu wenig Neues enthielt.
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von Christi Caldwell
Amazon Publishing Deutschland
„Das gefühlvolle neue Abenteuer über tollkühne Edelmänner und charmante Damen von Bestsellerautorin Christi Caldwell.
Marcus Gray, Viscount of Wessex, weiß, dass seine Tage als Junggeselle gezählt sind und er sich nach einer passenden Braut umsehen muss. Er hat auch schon eine geeignete Kandidatin ins Auge gefasst, die ihm einen Erben schenken soll, auch wenn sie sein Blut nicht in Wallung bringt. Doch dann begegnet er eines Tages der Frau wieder, die ihm einst Liebe geschworen und ihm dann das Herz gebrochen hat, und auf einmal kommen ihm Zweifel.
Eleanor Carlyle weiß, dass sie nicht umhinkommt, ihrer großen Liebe Marcus über den Weg zu laufen, als sie zu ihrer Tante nach London zieht. Als sie dann tatsächlich vor ihm steht, muss sie zu ihrem Kummer feststellen, dass sie dem charmanten Lebemann gegenüber noch immer alles andere als gleichgültig ist. Doch ein glückliches Ende scheint für die beiden ausgeschlossen, denn Eleanor hütet ein düsteres Geheimnis, das sie schon vor acht Jahren aus der Stadt vertrieben hat ...“
Ich bedanke mich für das Rezensionsexemplar bei Netgalley und Amazon Publishing.
Gleich zu Beginn möchte ich anmerken, dass es sich bei diesem Buch der bekannten und beliebten Autorin um einen typischen Historicalromance Roman handelt. Was nicht jedermanns Geschmack ist, manche lieben solche Romane, andere wiederrum nicht.
Die Geschichte hat den für dieses Genre üblichen Aufbau und Plot und bietet daher nicht viel Überraschendes. Der Schreibstil ist angenehm lesbar und leicht. Leider weist diese Geschichte einige Längen auf und wirkt daher stellenweise langatmig und man muss sich als Leser da durch kämpfen, ehe wieder etwas Interessantes geschieht. Das kann dazu führen, dass man beim Lesen kurzzeitig mit dem Gedanken spielt einige Seiten zu überblättern.
Die Charaktere sind liebevoll ausgearbeitet und gestaltet. Von der Persönlichkeit entsprechen sie dem Genre üblichen Typus. Bieten daher auch nicht unbedingt neue Einflüsse oder gar überraschende Charaktereigenschaften. Sie bedienen die gesellschaftlichen Eigenschaften der damaligen Zeit, haben aber auch neuzeitliche Einflüsse, die man gern in historischen Romanen vorfindet. Was die Geschichte auffrischen soll, denn kaum einer würde einen Roman lesen wollen in denen die Frauen sich haargenau so verhalten, wie es in der damaligen Zeit von Ihnen erwartet wurde.
Dieses Buch ist abgesehen von den kleinen Schwächen im Spannungsbogen eine leichtbekömmliche und unterhaltsame Lektüre für eine kurzweilige Unterhaltung ohne den Leser sonderlich zu fordern. Man kann dieses Buch sehr gut bei einem gemütlichen Abend auf dem Sofa oder einer Reise lesen. Es ist sogenannte leichte Kost mit einem gewissen Unterhaltungswert.
Ich habe dem Buch 3/5 Sternen gegeben, weil es für mich zu wenig Neues enthielt.
#belletristik #liebesroman #historicalromance #rezension #rezensionsexemplar #roman #bookstagram #christicaldwell #amazon #montlakeromance #bücher #bücherliebe #booklover #reading #bookadict #dercharmedesherzogs #leseratte #bücherwurm #bookworm #bookaholic #lesen #lesenmachtglücklich #instabooks #booknerd #readingtime #ilovebooks #netgalley #netgalleyde #ichliebelesen #buchnerd #ichliebebücher
historical
January 23, 2019A rogue
Marcus, the Viscount Wessex has carefully crafted the image of rogue and charmer for polite Society. Under that façade, however, dwells a man whose dreams were shattered almost eight years earlier by a young lady who captured his heart, pledged her love, and then left him, with nothing more than a curt note.
A widow
Eight years earlier, faced with no other choice, Mrs. Eleanor Collins, fled London and the only man she ever loved, Marcus, Viscount Wessex. She has now returned to serve as a companion for her elderly aunt with a daughter in tow. Even though they’re next door neighbors, there is little reason for her to move in the same circles as Marcus, just in case, she vows to avoid him, for he reminds her of all she lost when she left.
Reunited
As their paths continue to cross, Marcus finds his desire for Eleanor just as strong, but he learned long ago she’s not to be trusted. He will offer her a place in his bed, but not anything more. Only, Eleanor has no interest in this new, roguish man. The more time they spend together, the protective wall they’ve constructed to keep the other out, begin to break. With all the betrayals and secrets between them, Marcus has to open his heart again. And Eleanor must decide if it’s ever safe to trust a rogue.
Marcus, the Viscount Wessex has carefully crafted the image of rogue and charmer for polite Society. Under that façade, however, dwells a man whose dreams were shattered almost eight years earlier by a young lady who captured his heart, pledged her love, and then left him, with nothing more than a curt note.
A widow
Eight years earlier, faced with no other choice, Mrs. Eleanor Collins, fled London and the only man she ever loved, Marcus, Viscount Wessex. She has now returned to serve as a companion for her elderly aunt with a daughter in tow. Even though they’re next door neighbors, there is little reason for her to move in the same circles as Marcus, just in case, she vows to avoid him, for he reminds her of all she lost when she left.
Reunited
As their paths continue to cross, Marcus finds his desire for Eleanor just as strong, but he learned long ago she’s not to be trusted. He will offer her a place in his bed, but not anything more. Only, Eleanor has no interest in this new, roguish man. The more time they spend together, the protective wall they’ve constructed to keep the other out, begin to break. With all the betrayals and secrets between them, Marcus has to open his heart again. And Eleanor must decide if it’s ever safe to trust a rogue.
July 24, 2025
3 1/2 stars i couldn’t get past the premise, and the cause drove every single storyline, there was little room for romance
January 13, 2016
Review by Karen of To Trust a Rogue
To Trust a Rogue by Christi Caldwell, is simply a superb historical romance. There are some authors that when they put words to paper, those words, unlike no others sing to my heart; Christi Caldwell is one of those few authors. In To Trust a Rogue, Caldwell weaves a romance that is full of heart, passion, love, romance and gut wrenching heart break. From the first pages of the novel I was pulled into the world of Marcus Gray, the Viscount of Wessex, and the widowed Mrs. Eleanor Collins. It is one of the gifts Caldwell has as an author, the ability to set the story and from the very first pages, have me as a reader invested in the story of Marcus and Eleanor. The story is one of reunited young lovers. I refuse to spoil the plot for you in this review and Caldwell does and excellent job in her synopsis, so there is no reason for me to re write it here. But, I do want to go into the depth of the characters and why these two characters should be read.
The male protagonist is Marcus, and he has been wounded by love. As a youth he opened himself up to love and his heart and his trust was stomped on by Eleanor Collins neé Carlyle an eighteen year old merchants daughter. Marcus is a character that first appeared in Caldwell's Loved by a Duke as the friend of both the male and female protagonist of that story. He appeared as someone that nothing could touch, but looks and affectations can be deceptive. He is actually a character who felt and loved deeply and when he was betrayed he cut that part of himself off from himself and the rest of the world.
Enter in the betrayer, in the female protagonist Eleanor Collins, widow, and mother of a seven year old girl. She is the woman who destroyed Marcus. Her betrayal led to his becoming a rogue, for in being a rogue nothing could touch him. If he did not care then, nothing could again tempt or break his heart. When in comes to this character in this book I was completely blown away by her strength and fortitude in her willingness to do anything for her beloved daughter Marcia. Eleanor's transformation in this book is one that I will always remember, as it brought tears to my eyes.
The secondary characters that inhabit the book are all fleshed out, and complete characters. Which I adore about Caldwell's books as she never has secondary characters that are just place holders in her stories, they are all three dimensional characters. I honestly can't stand card board cut out secondary characters.
When it comes to writing children, most authors who aren't parents have a tendency to have children portrayed as too precocious. As secondary characters in a romantic plot, I adore when authors write kids spot on. Christi Caldwell, like historical romance author Elizabeth Hoyt, wonderful children characters. Writing good children characters in a romance is not an easy feat. I have read some wonderful romances; that came to a screeching halt, because of the poorly written character of a child. In Caldwell writes a very sweet and utterly believable little girl in Marcia. I think both Caldwell and Hoyt should teach a classes in the writing of secondary children characters.
Caldwell did and excellent job of keeping me as the reader on my toes. I thought I knew where the story was headed, but Caldwell has pulled out all the stops in this story, to keep me as a reader enthralled to the end. This story as enough twist and turns to satisfy any romance reader, without the angst feeling contrived. To Trust a Rouge and Christi Caldwell, needs to be on every romance readers radar.
Please be advised some dark content is explored in this book and could be a trigger for those readers who are sensitive to those types of situations. Note the author deals with this content in a manner that is true to her characters and story.
To Trust a Rogue by Christi Caldwell, is simply a superb historical romance. There are some authors that when they put words to paper, those words, unlike no others sing to my heart; Christi Caldwell is one of those few authors. In To Trust a Rogue, Caldwell weaves a romance that is full of heart, passion, love, romance and gut wrenching heart break. From the first pages of the novel I was pulled into the world of Marcus Gray, the Viscount of Wessex, and the widowed Mrs. Eleanor Collins. It is one of the gifts Caldwell has as an author, the ability to set the story and from the very first pages, have me as a reader invested in the story of Marcus and Eleanor. The story is one of reunited young lovers. I refuse to spoil the plot for you in this review and Caldwell does and excellent job in her synopsis, so there is no reason for me to re write it here. But, I do want to go into the depth of the characters and why these two characters should be read.
The male protagonist is Marcus, and he has been wounded by love. As a youth he opened himself up to love and his heart and his trust was stomped on by Eleanor Collins neé Carlyle an eighteen year old merchants daughter. Marcus is a character that first appeared in Caldwell's Loved by a Duke as the friend of both the male and female protagonist of that story. He appeared as someone that nothing could touch, but looks and affectations can be deceptive. He is actually a character who felt and loved deeply and when he was betrayed he cut that part of himself off from himself and the rest of the world.
Enter in the betrayer, in the female protagonist Eleanor Collins, widow, and mother of a seven year old girl. She is the woman who destroyed Marcus. Her betrayal led to his becoming a rogue, for in being a rogue nothing could touch him. If he did not care then, nothing could again tempt or break his heart. When in comes to this character in this book I was completely blown away by her strength and fortitude in her willingness to do anything for her beloved daughter Marcia. Eleanor's transformation in this book is one that I will always remember, as it brought tears to my eyes.
The secondary characters that inhabit the book are all fleshed out, and complete characters. Which I adore about Caldwell's books as she never has secondary characters that are just place holders in her stories, they are all three dimensional characters. I honestly can't stand card board cut out secondary characters.
When it comes to writing children, most authors who aren't parents have a tendency to have children portrayed as too precocious. As secondary characters in a romantic plot, I adore when authors write kids spot on. Christi Caldwell, like historical romance author Elizabeth Hoyt, wonderful children characters. Writing good children characters in a romance is not an easy feat. I have read some wonderful romances; that came to a screeching halt, because of the poorly written character of a child. In Caldwell writes a very sweet and utterly believable little girl in Marcia. I think both Caldwell and Hoyt should teach a classes in the writing of secondary children characters.
Caldwell did and excellent job of keeping me as the reader on my toes. I thought I knew where the story was headed, but Caldwell has pulled out all the stops in this story, to keep me as a reader enthralled to the end. This story as enough twist and turns to satisfy any romance reader, without the angst feeling contrived. To Trust a Rouge and Christi Caldwell, needs to be on every romance readers radar.
Please be advised some dark content is explored in this book and could be a trigger for those readers who are sensitive to those types of situations. Note the author deals with this content in a manner that is true to her characters and story.
January 15, 2016
To Trust A Rogue
By Christi Caldwell
LATEST ON DIT… Marcus Gray, Viscount of Wessex is on the market for a wife. He is wealthy, powerful, and very handsome. Rumor has it that LOVE will NOT be PART of the equation. Prospective bride should be beautiful and have ability to carry out role of Viscountess, to include heir and spare. Do not look for any emotional entanglement from her husband.
While there was no actual ad placed in The Times, a bit of gossip from his mother did alert the ton to her son’s need for a wife. The determined Viscountess wanted her grandchildren and the continuation of the family line and had decided that it was time. Marcus Gray was resigned to make a match, but conditioned on his terms. It will be one without love. And it be without any resemblance to the woman that had broken his heart eight years prior…one Eleanor Carlyle. She swept into his life and for two months filled up his every breath and every thought. She held his heart and then disappeared without a word, taking his heart with her. He made it his life’s work to forget she existed and become everything he had not been with her….a rogue.
Eleanor Carlyle left town suddenly eight years ago, determined to never return to London. It wasn’t that she didn’t love Marcus Gray. It was because she loved him that she left. But she vowed she would never set foot again in the cruel, cold and hateful world that was London. That is, she thought she would never return until the one person summons her that she cannot refuse. Her aunt, Aunt Dorothea, the Duchess of Devonshire, summons her to London as her paid personal companion. This time, Eleanor is not alone. Eleanor moves back to London as Mrs. Eleanor Collins, the widow of a deceased soldier, and mother to a precocious seven-year old golden haired daughter, named Marcia. This Eleanor is no longer the carefree girl of eighteen that left London eight years ago. This one wears glasses she doesn’t need, a severe hairstyle, and brown nondescript dresses, and hopes no one sees or recognizes her. She isn’t interested in love. The only reason she returns is because her aunt is her only option.
It is inevitable that Eleanor and Marcus meet. The heart he thought he lost eight years re-emerges to hurt anew. Eleanor ‘s heart aches every time she is near Marcus, but she won’t allow him to get close to her. Marcus wants answers; Eleanor wants distance. Neither wants love because to love means they will have to trust; neither is willing to trust. There are secrets that both keep, but neither is willing to tell. But secrets have a way of moving out of their hiding places. Will Eleanor and Marcus be able to overcome their trust issues? Will they move on to others and marry without love? Will they find their way back to each other? Will they be able to find happiness?
Christi introduces several new characters in this book – including Marcia, Eleanor’s seven-year-old daughter. There is also Lizzie, Marcus’ sister, a young woman that you want to like, but her attitude keeps that from happening. And then there is her sister’s cold and calculating friend, Marianne Hamilton, a debutante who fancies herself the next Viscountess of Wessex, and is linked to Lord Wessex in the gossip columns because of two nonconsecutive dances. She also brings back several old friends – the Duke of Crawford, Rutland, and Primly!
You read about Marcus’ and Eleanor’s hearts, but you feel YOUR heart as you read their story. They hurt; you hurt. Your heart pounds. Curious that. This is more sheer writing brilliance by the amazing Christi Caldwell. She takes a very sensitive issue and weaves it into her best work yet! This is a book about love lost, trust lost, second chances, and transformations- but I cannot tell you who transforms! (Hint). Christi Caldwell pulls her reader into each page and makes you a part of her story. It’s magical. And it's full of tears and smiles. Truly her best work yet! KUDOS Christy! Go… pick up your copy and see for yourself! Five Stars.
By Karen Simpson
By Christi Caldwell
LATEST ON DIT… Marcus Gray, Viscount of Wessex is on the market for a wife. He is wealthy, powerful, and very handsome. Rumor has it that LOVE will NOT be PART of the equation. Prospective bride should be beautiful and have ability to carry out role of Viscountess, to include heir and spare. Do not look for any emotional entanglement from her husband.
While there was no actual ad placed in The Times, a bit of gossip from his mother did alert the ton to her son’s need for a wife. The determined Viscountess wanted her grandchildren and the continuation of the family line and had decided that it was time. Marcus Gray was resigned to make a match, but conditioned on his terms. It will be one without love. And it be without any resemblance to the woman that had broken his heart eight years prior…one Eleanor Carlyle. She swept into his life and for two months filled up his every breath and every thought. She held his heart and then disappeared without a word, taking his heart with her. He made it his life’s work to forget she existed and become everything he had not been with her….a rogue.
Eleanor Carlyle left town suddenly eight years ago, determined to never return to London. It wasn’t that she didn’t love Marcus Gray. It was because she loved him that she left. But she vowed she would never set foot again in the cruel, cold and hateful world that was London. That is, she thought she would never return until the one person summons her that she cannot refuse. Her aunt, Aunt Dorothea, the Duchess of Devonshire, summons her to London as her paid personal companion. This time, Eleanor is not alone. Eleanor moves back to London as Mrs. Eleanor Collins, the widow of a deceased soldier, and mother to a precocious seven-year old golden haired daughter, named Marcia. This Eleanor is no longer the carefree girl of eighteen that left London eight years ago. This one wears glasses she doesn’t need, a severe hairstyle, and brown nondescript dresses, and hopes no one sees or recognizes her. She isn’t interested in love. The only reason she returns is because her aunt is her only option.
It is inevitable that Eleanor and Marcus meet. The heart he thought he lost eight years re-emerges to hurt anew. Eleanor ‘s heart aches every time she is near Marcus, but she won’t allow him to get close to her. Marcus wants answers; Eleanor wants distance. Neither wants love because to love means they will have to trust; neither is willing to trust. There are secrets that both keep, but neither is willing to tell. But secrets have a way of moving out of their hiding places. Will Eleanor and Marcus be able to overcome their trust issues? Will they move on to others and marry without love? Will they find their way back to each other? Will they be able to find happiness?
Christi introduces several new characters in this book – including Marcia, Eleanor’s seven-year-old daughter. There is also Lizzie, Marcus’ sister, a young woman that you want to like, but her attitude keeps that from happening. And then there is her sister’s cold and calculating friend, Marianne Hamilton, a debutante who fancies herself the next Viscountess of Wessex, and is linked to Lord Wessex in the gossip columns because of two nonconsecutive dances. She also brings back several old friends – the Duke of Crawford, Rutland, and Primly!
You read about Marcus’ and Eleanor’s hearts, but you feel YOUR heart as you read their story. They hurt; you hurt. Your heart pounds. Curious that. This is more sheer writing brilliance by the amazing Christi Caldwell. She takes a very sensitive issue and weaves it into her best work yet! This is a book about love lost, trust lost, second chances, and transformations- but I cannot tell you who transforms! (Hint). Christi Caldwell pulls her reader into each page and makes you a part of her story. It’s magical. And it's full of tears and smiles. Truly her best work yet! KUDOS Christy! Go… pick up your copy and see for yourself! Five Stars.
By Karen Simpson
February 21, 2016
Marcus, Viscount Wessex, has determined that when he marries it will be a typical ton marriage – business transaction only. Love, an emotion he buried long ago, only breaks the heart. A lesson he learned long ago at the hands of a lying miss. Which makes his sister’s friend, who is the antithesis of the girl who broke his heart, an excellent choice WHEN he decides to marry.
Mrs. Eleanor Collins swore she would never return to London – the place of her great love & her greatest fear. When circumstances beyond her control force her & her daughter to return she tries to convince herself she will never run into the love of her life – the man she still loves. Alas, fate has different plans.
A chance meeting shows Marcus he still holds onto his anger but there are deeper feelings still there. It shows Eleanor the extent of hurt her lying to him then fleeing all those years ago. As they spend more & more time together will they be unable to deny the love that is still between them? Will outside forces conspire to tear them apart? As events transpire that hint there was more to Eleanor’s defection will Marcus pay attention & will she have the courage to trust him with the details of that fateful night? When Eleanor’s greatest fear comes to pass will she run again or will Marcus be able to convince her to stay?
A superb piece of writing by the extremely talented Christi Caldwell. Her stories engage a range of emotions & pull you into the story. To Trust a Rogue is no exception! Anger, fear, shame, matchmaking, evil, distrust & best of all love abound in this latest installment of The Heart of the Duke series. Ms. Caldwell proves once again why she’s one of my favorite authors & I am looking forward to her next novel.
Mrs. Eleanor Collins swore she would never return to London – the place of her great love & her greatest fear. When circumstances beyond her control force her & her daughter to return she tries to convince herself she will never run into the love of her life – the man she still loves. Alas, fate has different plans.
A chance meeting shows Marcus he still holds onto his anger but there are deeper feelings still there. It shows Eleanor the extent of hurt her lying to him then fleeing all those years ago. As they spend more & more time together will they be unable to deny the love that is still between them? Will outside forces conspire to tear them apart? As events transpire that hint there was more to Eleanor’s defection will Marcus pay attention & will she have the courage to trust him with the details of that fateful night? When Eleanor’s greatest fear comes to pass will she run again or will Marcus be able to convince her to stay?
A superb piece of writing by the extremely talented Christi Caldwell. Her stories engage a range of emotions & pull you into the story. To Trust a Rogue is no exception! Anger, fear, shame, matchmaking, evil, distrust & best of all love abound in this latest installment of The Heart of the Duke series. Ms. Caldwell proves once again why she’s one of my favorite authors & I am looking forward to her next novel.
July 26, 2016
I had been disapointed in my reading lately so when I picked up this book out of my TBR by an author I have read and loved everything by, I was nervous. Would miss Caldwell again be able to hit that mark that makes a romance a true romance for me? The rating says it all: yes!!!
It is somehow a sweet story although the problem that faces the heroine is a real and terrible one, which includes both a villain, her inner demons and an innocent child. The hero is sweet and thoughtfull and I loved how he saved the day.
Oh, and for those of you that like your romances steamy. This isn't one of those. It is sqeeky clean untill they marry, and that is one of the major plus points about miss Caldwell's writing: even without sex scenes the tension between the two leads is great. It's all about the romance and the characters.
For me this wasn't a five star read. The inclusion of the necklace to make this story fit into this series was - imo - stupid, far fetched and totally unnecesary for the story. I hate that kind of editing. Then the issue of her inner demons was skimmed over. I understand that choice from the obvious objective to write a sweet story, but the easy way in which it was resolved did lessen my awe for this story. Would it have had more depth, it could have been a 5 star for me.
That said. This is a truly well written book with enough banter,good side characters, true obstacles and mostly believable resolutions. I am again confirmed in the awesomeness of miss Caldwell's writing.
Untill her next book comes out, I will just have to find other authors to fill the gap.
Enjoy!
It is somehow a sweet story although the problem that faces the heroine is a real and terrible one, which includes both a villain, her inner demons and an innocent child. The hero is sweet and thoughtfull and I loved how he saved the day.
Oh, and for those of you that like your romances steamy. This isn't one of those. It is sqeeky clean untill they marry, and that is one of the major plus points about miss Caldwell's writing: even without sex scenes the tension between the two leads is great. It's all about the romance and the characters.
For me this wasn't a five star read. The inclusion of the necklace to make this story fit into this series was - imo - stupid, far fetched and totally unnecesary for the story. I hate that kind of editing. Then the issue of her inner demons was skimmed over. I understand that choice from the obvious objective to write a sweet story, but the easy way in which it was resolved did lessen my awe for this story. Would it have had more depth, it could have been a 5 star for me.
That said. This is a truly well written book with enough banter,good side characters, true obstacles and mostly believable resolutions. I am again confirmed in the awesomeness of miss Caldwell's writing.
Untill her next book comes out, I will just have to find other authors to fill the gap.
Enjoy!
January 14, 2016
3.5/5. The characters were well portrayed and the protagonists quite appealing, but there were annoyingly a lot of repetition - either due to poor editing or due to the need for the author to spell things out for us. As I have read and enjoyed many of her other books, I am inclined to think that it is more an editing problem and perhaps due to churning out books too quickly as a result of publishing pressures, almost like filling up the requisite number of pages. What ever the cause, there were too many statements of why the hero is bitter and does not believe in love and why the heroine believes herself undeserving of love. Some phrases were almost word for word of previous ones, which did stop me from getting too invested emotionally in the book and the characters' plights. It was entertaining but not as well written as some of her other books.
January 29, 2016
True Love and Trust Win Out
This is a very touching story of heartache, loss of self respect and redemption. Marcus is the ROGUE who was fighting love because he had been deeply hurt.
Eleanor did not know how to really love because of a traumatic event. Marcia, Eleanor's daughter, is the glue that brought them back together.
These three characters, along with Aunt Dorothea have put this book very high on my list of Christi's books. Every emotion I have was brought to the surface as I read this story. This is a must read book and if there were 10 stars available, this story would earn them.
This is a very touching story of heartache, loss of self respect and redemption. Marcus is the ROGUE who was fighting love because he had been deeply hurt.
Eleanor did not know how to really love because of a traumatic event. Marcia, Eleanor's daughter, is the glue that brought them back together.
These three characters, along with Aunt Dorothea have put this book very high on my list of Christi's books. Every emotion I have was brought to the surface as I read this story. This is a must read book and if there were 10 stars available, this story would earn them.
October 14, 2021
3.5 stars. I like that Christi touched on a topic not often written about from this time period. The characters were fairly reasonable in their thought processes.
What becomes of Lizzie?
In a lot of her books, this author picks words or phrases and over uses them. For this book, “facade” was the word of choice and “spoken aloud” was the phrase. There were several instances of characters thinking a thought but then being surprised that they’ve actually said it out loud.
What knocked a star off my rating was the fact that the entire storyline wouldn’t exist if some honesty was used early on. That’s frustrating.
What becomes of Lizzie?
In a lot of her books, this author picks words or phrases and over uses them. For this book, “facade” was the word of choice and “spoken aloud” was the phrase. There were several instances of characters thinking a thought but then being surprised that they’ve actually said it out loud.
What knocked a star off my rating was the fact that the entire storyline wouldn’t exist if some honesty was used early on. That’s frustrating.
January 7, 2016
As always, Christi Caldwell crafts a book full of emotion. Marcus and Eleanor are characters whose pain and heartache you can feel. You can also see the strength in Eleanor. She's bent, but not broken. And through Marcus, she takes back the control that she hasn't felt in 8 long years. A thoroughly woven storyline with characters you can't help but love. I've yet to read a Christi Caldwell book that I wouldn't highly recommend if you love historical romances that are so character driven that you feel like you're a part of the story.
June 19, 2017
I don’t know where these authors get the names of their books but sometimes they just don’t make sense. Marcus and Eleanor fell in love eight years before then suddenly she disappeared, leaving him with only a note of goodbye. Then she returns with her 7 year old daughter, from when she had been raped eight years ago. Marcus, with his inner thoughts, tells himself how much he hates her, how he wanted revenge, one minute he’s being a jerk to her and the next he’s telling her how much he wants her, how he has to have her in his bed before she leaves London again, how he can never trust her again, and so on. So, my question is: why is this book called To Trust a Rogue? It had nothing to do with trusting him and everything to do with trusting her. Just curious.
Overall, this was a decent book but it was very repetitive. I mean, I can see an author wanting to say same thing more than once but why it has to be said the same exact way three or four times is beyond me.
And if you’re looking for a strong female lead you need to look elsewhere. When the rapist went to Eleanor and told her to leave, or else, she packed up Marcia and left London AGAIN. I think it would have been better for her to have gone to Marcus and tell him This is what he said, what should we do to him? In eight years she never got even a little bit braver until her daughter told her she was tired of her mother be afraid of everything.
The best thing about this book was when she met Marcus in her aunt’s garden and told him the reason why she’d left eight years before, instead of that information being dragged out until the end of the book. And it was nice how really, really bad he felt for hating her all those years, only to find out that what he thought was wrong, wrong, wrong. And it was really nice what Marcus did to the rapist.
Another thing that was soooo wrong was when, on three occasions, someone said something about “ending” someone. Really? How 21st century is that stupid phrase.
There was sex in this book but if you don’t want to read it just forget the epilogue, because that’s all there is to that.
As to the narration: Tim Campbell is one of my favorite narrators, whether he’s reading a paranormal, a contemporary or an historical. All the men’s voices are different, the women are good and he reads with great emotions.
February 22, 2019
Endlich konnte ich nun eine weitere Geschichte der Autorin lesen. Diese spielt im Jahr 1818 in London und wir begleiten Marcus, der nun endlich bereit ist sein wildes Junggesselleben zu beenden und zu heiraten, bei der Suche nach eine Frau. Er hat auch schon jemanden in der näheren Auswahl, aber es kommt sehr überraschend, denn seine ehemalige Jungendliebe tritt wieder in Erscheinung.
Persönlich hat mir die Geschichte von Marcus und Eleanor gut gefallen, denn es war jetzt dieses Mal aus meiner Sicht nicht die typisch lockere Liebesgeschichte, sondern es gab auch ein ernstes Thema, welches von der Autorin miteingbaut wurde. Und zwar hatte Eleanor einen sehr schlimmen Grund, wieso sie damals geflohen ist und es braucht einige Zeit bis sie das so richtig verarbeitet hatte und sich mit Marcus leichter tut im Umgang. Sie hat damals Gewalt erlebt und ich konnte ihre Art sehr gut verstehen. Ich fand das Buch spannend und auch unterhaltsam, denn die Autorin hat auch noch einige kleinere Überraschungen in die Geschichte eingebaut, sodass ich mich nie gelangweilt habe.
Die Charaktere waren wirklich wunderbar. Besonders Eleanor hat mir richtig gut gefallen. Sie kommt ja als Gesellschafterin zurück nach London und hat ihre Tochter dabei, um diese kümmert sie sich wirklich sehr schön und ich fand sie so wirklich sympathisch und nett. Auf mich machte sie auch einen sehr authentischen Eindruck. Auch Marcus konnte mich begeistern. Seine Darstellung wirkte auf mich, wie diese typischen Helden aus diesen Geschichten und ich empfand seine Beschreibung als wirklich gelungen.
Die Schreibweise war locker und flüssig, sodass das Buch wirklich toll zu lesen war. Die Handlung wird aus wechselnder Perspektive der beiden Hauptprotagonisten erzählt, was ich toll fand, denn so gibt es einiges an Abwechslung. Der Geschichte konnte man wieder sehr gut folgen, denn alles war gut verständlich und nachvollziehbar.
Das Cover gefällt mir gut und es passt zur Geschichte.
Fazit:
Unterhaltsamer Liebesroman, der schön unterhält. Klare Kauf – und Leseempfehlung von mir.
4 von 5 Sterne.
Persönlich hat mir die Geschichte von Marcus und Eleanor gut gefallen, denn es war jetzt dieses Mal aus meiner Sicht nicht die typisch lockere Liebesgeschichte, sondern es gab auch ein ernstes Thema, welches von der Autorin miteingbaut wurde. Und zwar hatte Eleanor einen sehr schlimmen Grund, wieso sie damals geflohen ist und es braucht einige Zeit bis sie das so richtig verarbeitet hatte und sich mit Marcus leichter tut im Umgang. Sie hat damals Gewalt erlebt und ich konnte ihre Art sehr gut verstehen. Ich fand das Buch spannend und auch unterhaltsam, denn die Autorin hat auch noch einige kleinere Überraschungen in die Geschichte eingebaut, sodass ich mich nie gelangweilt habe.
Die Charaktere waren wirklich wunderbar. Besonders Eleanor hat mir richtig gut gefallen. Sie kommt ja als Gesellschafterin zurück nach London und hat ihre Tochter dabei, um diese kümmert sie sich wirklich sehr schön und ich fand sie so wirklich sympathisch und nett. Auf mich machte sie auch einen sehr authentischen Eindruck. Auch Marcus konnte mich begeistern. Seine Darstellung wirkte auf mich, wie diese typischen Helden aus diesen Geschichten und ich empfand seine Beschreibung als wirklich gelungen.
Die Schreibweise war locker und flüssig, sodass das Buch wirklich toll zu lesen war. Die Handlung wird aus wechselnder Perspektive der beiden Hauptprotagonisten erzählt, was ich toll fand, denn so gibt es einiges an Abwechslung. Der Geschichte konnte man wieder sehr gut folgen, denn alles war gut verständlich und nachvollziehbar.
Das Cover gefällt mir gut und es passt zur Geschichte.
Fazit:
Unterhaltsamer Liebesroman, der schön unterhält. Klare Kauf – und Leseempfehlung von mir.
4 von 5 Sterne.
March 11, 2019
You can always depend on Christi to bring you a book full of fun, humor, emotions and romance and this one did not disappoint. Once I started reading, I could not put it down until I finished it in the wee hours of the morning. Christi had me hooked with the raw emotions that she put into the written pages and I cried, laughed, felt their heartbreak, fighting for survival and I hoped Marcus and Eleanor would be given a second chance at love.
Marcus Gray, Viscount Wessex, is now of the age that he must find a bride to create a heir to carry on the family name and title - he wants a marriage of convenience with no attachments as he has no desire for love but knows his obligations to family. He had known true love 8 years ago but she suddenly left with only a note and took Marcus' heart with her - he swore then never to love and he knew she was gone from his life forever.
Then Eleanor Carlyle is summoned back to London by her Aunt, the Duchess of Devonshire who offers her a paid position as her Aunt's companion. Eleanor's father has recently died and she really needs the money and the safety a place to live, plus it will give her money to care for her 7 year old daughter, Marcia. Eleanor has been gone from London for 8 years; back when she had left the man she fell in love with but needed to start over and protect her secret. It was something she had to to do and now she is back and has to prepare herself for the eventuality of running in to Marcus whose townhouse is next door to her Aunt's.
Once they run in to one another, so much happens; old wounds are opened, old feelings are felt, new anger, new feelings, new truths - what will happen to the wonderful couple full of passion and love? That's all I will say but I highly recommend this book - it really is an emotional roller coaster of a read and you won't be disappointed!
Marcus Gray, Viscount Wessex, is now of the age that he must find a bride to create a heir to carry on the family name and title - he wants a marriage of convenience with no attachments as he has no desire for love but knows his obligations to family. He had known true love 8 years ago but she suddenly left with only a note and took Marcus' heart with her - he swore then never to love and he knew she was gone from his life forever.
Then Eleanor Carlyle is summoned back to London by her Aunt, the Duchess of Devonshire who offers her a paid position as her Aunt's companion. Eleanor's father has recently died and she really needs the money and the safety a place to live, plus it will give her money to care for her 7 year old daughter, Marcia. Eleanor has been gone from London for 8 years; back when she had left the man she fell in love with but needed to start over and protect her secret. It was something she had to to do and now she is back and has to prepare herself for the eventuality of running in to Marcus whose townhouse is next door to her Aunt's.
Once they run in to one another, so much happens; old wounds are opened, old feelings are felt, new anger, new feelings, new truths - what will happen to the wonderful couple full of passion and love? That's all I will say but I highly recommend this book - it really is an emotional roller coaster of a read and you won't be disappointed!
June 8, 2019
“It’s not a matter of changing the past. It is a matter of setting the past aside and seeing today as a new beginning.”
To Trust a Rogue is book eight in the Heart of a Duke series by Christi Caldwell. Eleanor Carlyle and Marcus Gray, Viscount Wessex, shared a summer of love, but then lost it all in one night. It left Eleanor broken and forever changed and forced her to break the heart of Marcus in turn. It’s years later and her great-aunt has schemed to get her back in town and back in Marcus’ path. Marcus is taken off guard when they meet again and Eleanor is full of nerves with seeing the man she loved. They don’t quite know what to do with each other, they’re not the same young, innocent people they used to be and Eleanor is a mother now. They keep circling each other wanting to stay away and wanting to give in to each other at the same time. I really loved seeing Marcus with Marcia, Eleanor’s daughter, and how much he came to adore her as well. There’s parts of this book that are traumatic and sad, but it’s so hopeful. The future doesn’t have to rely on the past, it’s what you choose to make it.
Bookstagram: @hopeless.book.romantic
To Trust a Rogue is book eight in the Heart of a Duke series by Christi Caldwell. Eleanor Carlyle and Marcus Gray, Viscount Wessex, shared a summer of love, but then lost it all in one night. It left Eleanor broken and forever changed and forced her to break the heart of Marcus in turn. It’s years later and her great-aunt has schemed to get her back in town and back in Marcus’ path. Marcus is taken off guard when they meet again and Eleanor is full of nerves with seeing the man she loved. They don’t quite know what to do with each other, they’re not the same young, innocent people they used to be and Eleanor is a mother now. They keep circling each other wanting to stay away and wanting to give in to each other at the same time. I really loved seeing Marcus with Marcia, Eleanor’s daughter, and how much he came to adore her as well. There’s parts of this book that are traumatic and sad, but it’s so hopeful. The future doesn’t have to rely on the past, it’s what you choose to make it.
Bookstagram: @hopeless.book.romantic
February 22, 2020
Not one of my favorites
The book is about an 18 yr old girl who was in London for her first season and fell in love with the boy who lived next door to her aunt, the Duchess. He loved her very much also. They spent 2 lovely months together and then one night the girl was waiting for the boy and another man showed up and raped her viciously. Frightened that the boy would find out and would hate her, she fled back home and had an illegitimate baby girl resulting from the rape. The rest of the entire story is about 8 yrs later she finds herself back in London, once again staying in her aunt’s mansion and she meets again the boy,who she still loves, who is now a man. The story more than covers the horror and fear of a girl being raped, in fact the entire book constantly brings these fears up and rather harps on it overly much. So much that, to me, it ruined the love story. It became redundant in places as the girl would constantly remember the exact same things that were mentioned just a few pages back. I love Christi Caldwell books, and I have re read several of them, but I will not re read this one.
The book is about an 18 yr old girl who was in London for her first season and fell in love with the boy who lived next door to her aunt, the Duchess. He loved her very much also. They spent 2 lovely months together and then one night the girl was waiting for the boy and another man showed up and raped her viciously. Frightened that the boy would find out and would hate her, she fled back home and had an illegitimate baby girl resulting from the rape. The rest of the entire story is about 8 yrs later she finds herself back in London, once again staying in her aunt’s mansion and she meets again the boy,who she still loves, who is now a man. The story more than covers the horror and fear of a girl being raped, in fact the entire book constantly brings these fears up and rather harps on it overly much. So much that, to me, it ruined the love story. It became redundant in places as the girl would constantly remember the exact same things that were mentioned just a few pages back. I love Christi Caldwell books, and I have re read several of them, but I will not re read this one.
October 8, 2021
This book was SO GOOD. It's not very steamy, but there's a very good reason for that, which is perfectly relevant to the storyline. I was very satisfied with the tension, the romance, and the interactions between the characters. I can't wait to read it again!
My one caveat is that this series- The Heart of a Duke- aside from the first few books, could all be standalones. After the third book, the scenes that involve the "magic necklace" are perfunctory, and the story wouldn't suffer at all for not having that plot point in it.
That's not a complaint about the book, I really enjoyed it! But for a series called The Heart of a Duke, the plotline involving the object with that namesake is not necessary, and in many of the books, it reads like an afterthought on the Author's part. It made parts of the story clunky.
My one caveat is that this series- The Heart of a Duke- aside from the first few books, could all be standalones. After the third book, the scenes that involve the "magic necklace" are perfunctory, and the story wouldn't suffer at all for not having that plot point in it.
That's not a complaint about the book, I really enjoyed it! But for a series called The Heart of a Duke, the plotline involving the object with that namesake is not necessary, and in many of the books, it reads like an afterthought on the Author's part. It made parts of the story clunky.
October 30, 2023
Marcus and Eleanor were sweethearts eight years ago until Eleanor suddenly left only leaving Marcus a note. Eight years later, Marcus is in the market for a bride but is still haunted by the memory of Eleanor. Eleanor returns to London to be her aunt's companion with her 7 year old daughter, Marcia. Through memories and Eleanor's run-ins with Marcus, it is revealed that Eleanor was raped. The author handled this in a sensitive way intermittent of Eleanor's triggers with memories, cute interactions with her daughter and other characters like Marcus and her Aunt, and memories of her and Marcus's time as sweethearts. Marcus and Eleanor's Aunt provide a safe space for Eleanor to work through her traumatic event, lash out with the brandy taste triggers, being allowed to pull back and had loved ones that helped support and love Eleanor the different stages she went through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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