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Lords of Honor #3
Rescued By a Lady's Love
Destitute and determined to finally be free of any man’s shackles, Lily Benedict sets out to salvage her honor. With no choice but to commit a crime that will save her from her past, she enters the home of the recluse, Derek Winters, the new Duke of Blackthorne. But entering the "Beast of Blackthorne's" lair proves more threatening than she ever imagined. With half a face and a mangled leg, Derek—once rugged and charming—only exists within the confines of his home. Shunned by society, Derek is leery of the hauntingly beautiful Lily Benedict. As time passes, she slips past his defenses, reminding him how to live again. But when Lily's sordid past comes back, threatening her life, it's up to Derek to find the strength to become the hero he once was. Can they overcome the darkness of their sins to find a life of love and redemption?
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2016
603 people are currently reading
655 people want to read
About the author
Christi Caldwell
136 books2,559 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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July 11, 2025DNF at 14%
The MMC is a boorish, self-pitying jerk who elevates hateful to an art form.
The FMC is a sad, self-pitying victim who’s just agreed to commit a crime for a slimy man who has no intention of keeping his word to her, so she’s also not smart.
The prose is overwrought and the characters’s thoughts are already repetitive at 14%.
I used to like this author. I hadn’t read her in a long time and after this disastrous book I’m questioning my earlier taste.
The MMC is a boorish, self-pitying jerk who elevates hateful to an art form.
The FMC is a sad, self-pitying victim who’s just agreed to commit a crime for a slimy man who has no intention of keeping his word to her, so she’s also not smart.
The prose is overwrought and the characters’s thoughts are already repetitive at 14%.
I used to like this author. I hadn’t read her in a long time and after this disastrous book I’m questioning my earlier taste.
October 2, 2019
This book could have been Courtney Milan levels of special in its dealings of cruel classism and sexism with an editor to cut out the repetitive inner monologue and to deal with the serious problem of the main female character repeatedly putting herself in the path of a man who is outwardly dangerous to her.
For starters, it honestly felt like the same thoughts in the same words were copied and pasted over and over again throughout the book. They were meaningful thoughts, but having them explained over and over again as if it were for the first time was boring. I mean more than a third of this book is the same cycle of about three thoughts slightly reworded. Also, this book only occurs over the course of a week. At the 75% point, these characters have maybe five separate interactions total, the rest of the book is just in their heads. Just a bit of editing could have really elevated things.
Also hate that WE know “the beast” is probably a not dangerous good guy buried underneath a million blazing red flags, but the heroine isn’t in his mind like we are, so she, just on a hunch, fully ignores extremely dangerous, menacing signs from a giant violent man. She literally calls herself stupid repeatedly for not protecting herself and distancing herself from someone who is presenting as outrageously unstable and violent. I’m at the point in my life where I just don’t think it’s ethical for authors to normalize NOT being afraid of instinctively, flagrantly scary male behavior that research shows are blazing warning signs that he is going to kill you. Again, we are in his head and know that he won’t hurt her, but outwardly he is a screaming psycho and she’s falling all over herself trying to justify being turned on by him while he is aggressively cornering her and screaming at her.
Then the extremely abrupt change in the beast (a word that was used probably a hundred times in this book) also really made this book lose footing since it was just so unbelievable that his change happened so deeply, so quickly.
I’m going to give this author another shot someday, since I do really appreciate that she doesn’t do the typical romanticization of this really ugly time in history. She shows the classism and sexism that fully destroyed lives, which is so refreshing to read in a sea of historical romance books that usually feature the insipid, unrevolutionary wealthy people of the time.
For starters, it honestly felt like the same thoughts in the same words were copied and pasted over and over again throughout the book. They were meaningful thoughts, but having them explained over and over again as if it were for the first time was boring. I mean more than a third of this book is the same cycle of about three thoughts slightly reworded. Also, this book only occurs over the course of a week. At the 75% point, these characters have maybe five separate interactions total, the rest of the book is just in their heads. Just a bit of editing could have really elevated things.
Also hate that WE know “the beast” is probably a not dangerous good guy buried underneath a million blazing red flags, but the heroine isn’t in his mind like we are, so she, just on a hunch, fully ignores extremely dangerous, menacing signs from a giant violent man. She literally calls herself stupid repeatedly for not protecting herself and distancing herself from someone who is presenting as outrageously unstable and violent. I’m at the point in my life where I just don’t think it’s ethical for authors to normalize NOT being afraid of instinctively, flagrantly scary male behavior that research shows are blazing warning signs that he is going to kill you. Again, we are in his head and know that he won’t hurt her, but outwardly he is a screaming psycho and she’s falling all over herself trying to justify being turned on by him while he is aggressively cornering her and screaming at her.
Then the extremely abrupt change in the beast (a word that was used probably a hundred times in this book) also really made this book lose footing since it was just so unbelievable that his change happened so deeply, so quickly.
I’m going to give this author another shot someday, since I do really appreciate that she doesn’t do the typical romanticization of this really ugly time in history. She shows the classism and sexism that fully destroyed lives, which is so refreshing to read in a sea of historical romance books that usually feature the insipid, unrevolutionary wealthy people of the time.
February 18, 2016
I begin by saying that author, Christi Caldwell slays me. I say that in the most respectful and awed way possible. Since picking up my first Christi Caldwell creation in March of 2015 and quickly racing through everything she has written up to this date, I feel the need to let every reader I know about this remarkable woman who has this undeniable talent for writing historical romances that make my heart soar.
RESCUED BY A LADY'S LOVE by Christi Caldwell is THE story I have been waiting for since reading CAPTIVATED BY A LADY'S CHARM, the second Lords of Honor tale along with so many other fans, who rallied Ms. Caldwell for Derek Winters, The Beast of Blackthorne's story. Sometimes as a reader, I build up my expectations so high for a story only to be disappointed when my expectations have not been met. In the case of RESCUED BY A LADY'S LOVE, nothing can surpass the elation I feel having just finished this brilliant book.
Lily Benedict's life, since the age of sixteen, has not been an easy one. The daughter of a vicar, she gives her innocence to a duke who claims to love her, only to abandon her after her family turns her out once discovering her ruination. Alone in London, far from home, yet another man takes advantage of Lily and her situation, making her his mistress until his death years later. During her time as mistress, Lily cultivates her hatred for the family of the man who took her innocence and stomped on it then threw her away. Filled with hatred for the Winters name and the Blackthorne dynasty, Lily is retained by the son of her deceased protector to steal back an item which belonged to his family and was taken by the prior, but now dead Duke of Blackthorne. Ready to seek revenge on the family who ruined her, Lily seeks employment as governess to Derek Winters' recently arrived niece.
Derek Winters Duke of Blackthorne was disfigured by war and now ensconced away behind the doors of the home only a select few may enter, keeping the world from seeing the self-proclaimed monster he is known to be. Acquiring his seven year old niece as ward when his beloved sister and her husband are lost at sea, Derek can't abide with caring for the child, and every nurse or governess who darkens his doorway ends up fleeing from the duke's hospitality.When Mrs. Lily Benedict appears and just won't go away, the duke rises to occasion and goes toe to toe with the bold and brash woman who wants the position as governess.
Her intentions are to go through with her revenge on the Winters family, but the little time she spends in Derek's company, she begins to wonder if her plans for vengeance are what she truly wants. For as the Beast of Blackthorne blusters and scowls, there is a warmth seeking light behind Derek's darkness and Lily is the catalyst for big changes to come. Two broken people take refuge in each other's company perhaps healing the hurt from their pasts.
There is so much more that I would love to say about this story, but it needs to be savored by each individual reader. RESCUED BY A LADY'S LOVE by Christi Caldwell is an evocative and emotional story that will be on my mind for quite some time.
July 27, 2016
Meh, fell short for me. I wanted more from the two main characters. More angst? I don't know. SOMETHING. Because I find it hard to believe that they are in lurve after less than a week, with most of that week having Derek be a total dickhead.
July 1, 2019
3.5 stars
The books in this series do keep getting better, but that's not saying much. This one was a good read though and one I would recommend (it can be read as a stand-alone).
Lily and Derek are two tragic, broken souls and I loved their pairing. They have both suffered through a great deal of tragedy, betrayal, and loneliness, and it's not bullshit tragedy—it's very, very real. Especially in terms of Lily; she is duped at the age of 15 into believing herself in love with a nobleman (George), who charms her, promises to marry her, and then drops her as soon as he's gotten her virginity. Everyone in her town finds out and her father, the local vicar, throws her out of the house. She makes her way to London, convinced that as soon as she finds George, everything will be cleared up, but instead, he and his mother throw her out of the house like garbage. She's then taken in by a gentleman ... who ends up making her become his mistress after two years as his maid. Lily has been repeatedly betrayed by men, shown over and over again that no one can be trusted, no one will take care of her, no one loves her, and no one cares about her wants, needs, and desires.
Derek, for his part, has been isolated and abandoned by everyone—except for his two best friends, whom he himself has repeatedly pushed away. He was a young soldier and as a result of one of his friend's mistake in battle, he got half of his face/upper body blown off, and then his leg basically decimated by the French. He's called a Beast by society and has only left his townhouse once in the years (and that was to torment said friend). He has completely shut himself off from the world, both literally and figuratively. There is no softness left in him and he is a frozen man when the book starts.
I did find the subplot a little bit of a stretch; Lily is roped into trying to steal a diamond that Derek's family borrowed and then kept, but the reality is that with a dukedom like his, there would be countless properties and how on earth would it be assured that the diamond was in the townhouse in London?
When it comes to Flora, Derek's niece, I thought that part of the story could have used a lot more work. Lily is apparently supposed to be her governess, but she barely spends any time with the girl, let alone any time actually teaching her something (granted, we know that Lily isn't a trained governess, but she would at least do some activities with her—we see none: there are two, but they're both cut short).
Like with a lot of Caldwell's earlier books, the story could have done with some overall tightening. The two aforementioned things being some examples, but then even small ones like the age at which Lily gave up her virginity to Derek's brother—sometimes it's 16, sometimes it's 15. Well, which is it??
Worth a read, but I won't read it again. Which is a shame, because like I said, the characters are wonderful, ESPECIALLY Lily.
The books in this series do keep getting better, but that's not saying much. This one was a good read though and one I would recommend (it can be read as a stand-alone).
Lily and Derek are two tragic, broken souls and I loved their pairing. They have both suffered through a great deal of tragedy, betrayal, and loneliness, and it's not bullshit tragedy—it's very, very real. Especially in terms of Lily; she is duped at the age of 15 into believing herself in love with a nobleman (George), who charms her, promises to marry her, and then drops her as soon as he's gotten her virginity. Everyone in her town finds out and her father, the local vicar, throws her out of the house. She makes her way to London, convinced that as soon as she finds George, everything will be cleared up, but instead, he and his mother throw her out of the house like garbage. She's then taken in by a gentleman ... who ends up making her become his mistress after two years as his maid. Lily has been repeatedly betrayed by men, shown over and over again that no one can be trusted, no one will take care of her, no one loves her, and no one cares about her wants, needs, and desires.
Derek, for his part, has been isolated and abandoned by everyone—except for his two best friends, whom he himself has repeatedly pushed away. He was a young soldier and as a result of one of his friend's mistake in battle, he got half of his face/upper body blown off, and then his leg basically decimated by the French. He's called a Beast by society and has only left his townhouse once in the years (and that was to torment said friend). He has completely shut himself off from the world, both literally and figuratively. There is no softness left in him and he is a frozen man when the book starts.
I did find the subplot a little bit of a stretch; Lily is roped into trying to steal a diamond that Derek's family borrowed and then kept, but the reality is that with a dukedom like his, there would be countless properties and how on earth would it be assured that the diamond was in the townhouse in London?
When it comes to Flora, Derek's niece, I thought that part of the story could have used a lot more work. Lily is apparently supposed to be her governess, but she barely spends any time with the girl, let alone any time actually teaching her something (granted, we know that Lily isn't a trained governess, but she would at least do some activities with her—we see none: there are two, but they're both cut short).
Like with a lot of Caldwell's earlier books, the story could have done with some overall tightening. The two aforementioned things being some examples, but then even small ones like the age at which Lily gave up her virginity to Derek's brother—sometimes it's 16, sometimes it's 15. Well, which is it??
Worth a read, but I won't read it again. Which is a shame, because like I said, the characters are wonderful, ESPECIALLY Lily.
October 2, 2019
Unfortunately this one is a DNF for me at 40% it’s not that there was something inherently wrong with this book, but at this point I should be more invested in the story and our main characters… but it was just too “meh” for me… let me try to explain in a few more details what I mean by that :) a while ago I was dividing books on my Kindle into different categories so it would be easier for me to find a story that I will enjoy in any particular moment… I created a VIP folder for books I am most excited to read in the very near future… this was one of those books, so my expectations about it very pretty high… after all, it had some good reviews plus it’s a Beauty and the beast sort of retelling and that’s one of my all time favourite tropes… unfortunately, it didn’t work for me at all… I have nothing against slow burn romances or just slow building a story in general, but in this one nothing really happened in the 40% I read… I’m sorry, I should have said nothing happened and then BAM they kissed, which came out of nowhere and I wasn’t a fan… they didn’t really had that many interactions before, and the very, very few they had were filled with him being rude and her ignoring his wishes… going into this one I was hoping to get a slow burn building of a relationship between our scared hero and heroine who starts to work as a governess to his niece… but what I got is what feels like lust from first sight on both sides even though Lily keeps telling herself how shocked and surprised she is about it… and based on her history with men and this family in general, I was shocked and surprised as well… not in a good way… after I decided to abandon this story I checked some other reviews and saw that some people complained about the speed of their relationship as well saying that they don’t really have that many interactions / conversations throughout the whole story, so it’s hard to get behind a couple like them… if you did read this story and loved it, I’m genuinely happy for you :) if you are thinking about picking this up, as always I encourage you to check some other reviews as well and then make up your own mind :) happy reading either way
XOXO
A
XOXO
A
February 29, 2016
The Beast of Blackthorne. A monster even his mother couldn’t love. That’s the existence Derek Winters, Duke of Blackthorne, lives with. Feared by all, he is a self-imposed confinement in his home seeing no one but the few servants who have remained, his man of business, and his physician. Until. Until his sister’s sprite of a child, wise beyond her years, is placed under his guardianship. Until, the spirited woman, one who shows no fear in challenging him, shows up at his door applying to be the girl’s governess. Both threaten to turn his world upside down and maybe, just maybe, bring him back to the land of the living.
Lilliana Bennett hates all members of the Winters family; simply because they share the blood of the one man who destroyed her world. After being turned out from her father’s home and placed on the mail coach to London she’s then thrown from the home of the man who promised her love. Years later she’s on the verge of losing any security she has until she’s given the opportunity to secure her future and get revenge on the family she despises. What she doesn’t count on is how the innocence of a child and glimpses into the current Duke of Blackthorne’s pain.
A man of affairs, disloyal servants, a man out to gain back what he says is rightfully his, a motherless child, and what Lily considers a horrific secret threaten any chance at self-redemption that they both realize could possibly be within their reach.
Christi Caldwell takes a slight departure from her usual writing style by going a little over to the dark side. This little trip is a heart wrenching tale of two people who have every right to hate the world and the circumstances that have forced them into that world. While keeping with the description of the Duke of Blackthorne from previous stories Ms. Caldwell slowly peels the layers back revealing how and why he is the way he is. She makes you feel every ounce of pain and self-loathing both characters suffer and at the same time giving hope that there may be light at the end of the tunnel. A definite five hankie read.
Lilliana Bennett hates all members of the Winters family; simply because they share the blood of the one man who destroyed her world. After being turned out from her father’s home and placed on the mail coach to London she’s then thrown from the home of the man who promised her love. Years later she’s on the verge of losing any security she has until she’s given the opportunity to secure her future and get revenge on the family she despises. What she doesn’t count on is how the innocence of a child and glimpses into the current Duke of Blackthorne’s pain.
A man of affairs, disloyal servants, a man out to gain back what he says is rightfully his, a motherless child, and what Lily considers a horrific secret threaten any chance at self-redemption that they both realize could possibly be within their reach.
Christi Caldwell takes a slight departure from her usual writing style by going a little over to the dark side. This little trip is a heart wrenching tale of two people who have every right to hate the world and the circumstances that have forced them into that world. While keeping with the description of the Duke of Blackthorne from previous stories Ms. Caldwell slowly peels the layers back revealing how and why he is the way he is. She makes you feel every ounce of pain and self-loathing both characters suffer and at the same time giving hope that there may be light at the end of the tunnel. A definite five hankie read.
February 26, 2016
OMG! I'm a wreck. Christi, you cannot keep doing this to me. My eyes are red and sore now and my nose is...ugh. You are my Guru!
A most wonderful story AGAIN. Get your Kleenex at the ready ladies.
A most wonderful story AGAIN. Get your Kleenex at the ready ladies.
December 20, 2021
TOO LITTLE LOVING! THERE WAS ONLY ONE SEX SCENE...i felt this would have been great had there been as much passion as it was emotional. Beauty and the beast troupes are one of my favourite cliche troupe and I enjoyed every moment of it. All I can say is that the characters were perfectly imperfect and I wished for more!
BEFORE I BEGIN, LET ME ADMIT THAT I'M BIASED TOWARDS THIS TYPE OF TROUPE, SO I WILL USUALLY BE MORE GENEROUS WITH MY RATING, UNLESS THE BOOK REALLY SUCKS. Yes, there were parts of the story that might make some snort or roll their eyes at, and the characters might not be as intense, but I still enjoyed it anyway.
LILY has been dealt the worse cards in her youth and being seduced by a Duke, she believed his sweet words and gave him her virginity only to be horrified when the man doesn't even recognize her later, and his mother sent her off like a whore and a threat never to darken their doorstep unless she wants her family ruined. Destitute, she allowed herself to be swept off by an older man and worked as his maid before becoming his mistress. 6 years later, her protector's dead and she's once again adrift, until his son offers her a deal - steal back the jewel that belongs to their family from the Duke of Blackthorne and she'll have the deed to the house she longs for, and have her freedom. As Lily hates the Blackthorne family, the one who ruined her life, she doesn't hesitate to say yes. Except, when she applies for the governess post for the new Duke's niece, Lily never expected to care and fall for her employer. I loved how she stood up to Derek despite being scared of him, and always does what is right, even though her life hasn't been a straight path. Lily is a survivor and I won't begrudge her for that, especially for a woman of her time. Yes, she made bad choices and was young but, in her heart she only longed to be love like all naive girls her age, and still do years later it seems, as she falls in love with the beastly duke.
DEREK is the veritable beast who roars at everyone like the lion with a thorn in his paw. He shuts everyone out, even his dead sister who used to try to help him. No one can get into his cloistered world until he receives word that he's now the guardian of his young niece and she needs a governess. Said governess arrives in the form of a beautiful minx, and after years of being celibate though not by choice, Derek's intrigued because this spitfire doesn't hold back on her thoughts. She stands toe-to-toe with him despite her fear, and she doesn't find his scars and maimed face offensive. While some might argue that their relationship was too...flowery? Or quick? I thought it was perfect and sweet. Honestly, I wished they had more time together that would allow them time to strip down layers of each other's character but, unfortunately the author only gave us the main bits. Derek's not like his older brother, George who ruined Lily's life. In fact, if Derek never went to war and became the beast, he would have eventually became someone like George as he admitted to being a bored second son prior to the military and taking things and women for granted. Lily too, if she never endured hardship, she wouldn't have met Derek either.
OVERALL this was sweet and had all the things I adore in a tortured hero-beauty and and the beast troupe. The best of both worlds for me. The only thing I'm sad about was that there were TOO FEW KISSES and only ONE sex scene. It's been awhile since I actually paid attention to sex scene details, and this one I put under a microscope. HAHAHAH. Guilty as charged, I just wanted to bask in their sizzling emotions. Please, don't hold it against me. 😅
BEFORE I BEGIN, LET ME ADMIT THAT I'M BIASED TOWARDS THIS TYPE OF TROUPE, SO I WILL USUALLY BE MORE GENEROUS WITH MY RATING, UNLESS THE BOOK REALLY SUCKS. Yes, there were parts of the story that might make some snort or roll their eyes at, and the characters might not be as intense, but I still enjoyed it anyway.
LILY has been dealt the worse cards in her youth and being seduced by a Duke, she believed his sweet words and gave him her virginity only to be horrified when the man doesn't even recognize her later, and his mother sent her off like a whore and a threat never to darken their doorstep unless she wants her family ruined. Destitute, she allowed herself to be swept off by an older man and worked as his maid before becoming his mistress. 6 years later, her protector's dead and she's once again adrift, until his son offers her a deal - steal back the jewel that belongs to their family from the Duke of Blackthorne and she'll have the deed to the house she longs for, and have her freedom. As Lily hates the Blackthorne family, the one who ruined her life, she doesn't hesitate to say yes. Except, when she applies for the governess post for the new Duke's niece, Lily never expected to care and fall for her employer. I loved how she stood up to Derek despite being scared of him, and always does what is right, even though her life hasn't been a straight path. Lily is a survivor and I won't begrudge her for that, especially for a woman of her time. Yes, she made bad choices and was young but, in her heart she only longed to be love like all naive girls her age, and still do years later it seems, as she falls in love with the beastly duke.
DEREK is the veritable beast who roars at everyone like the lion with a thorn in his paw. He shuts everyone out, even his dead sister who used to try to help him. No one can get into his cloistered world until he receives word that he's now the guardian of his young niece and she needs a governess. Said governess arrives in the form of a beautiful minx, and after years of being celibate though not by choice, Derek's intrigued because this spitfire doesn't hold back on her thoughts. She stands toe-to-toe with him despite her fear, and she doesn't find his scars and maimed face offensive. While some might argue that their relationship was too...flowery? Or quick? I thought it was perfect and sweet. Honestly, I wished they had more time together that would allow them time to strip down layers of each other's character but, unfortunately the author only gave us the main bits. Derek's not like his older brother, George who ruined Lily's life. In fact, if Derek never went to war and became the beast, he would have eventually became someone like George as he admitted to being a bored second son prior to the military and taking things and women for granted. Lily too, if she never endured hardship, she wouldn't have met Derek either.
OVERALL this was sweet and had all the things I adore in a tortured hero-beauty and and the beast troupe. The best of both worlds for me. The only thing I'm sad about was that there were TOO FEW KISSES and only ONE sex scene. It's been awhile since I actually paid attention to sex scene details, and this one I put under a microscope. HAHAHAH. Guilty as charged, I just wanted to bask in their sizzling emotions. Please, don't hold it against me. 😅
February 19, 2016
Once again, Christi Caldwell has outdone herself with deeply thought out and well written characters and how they can be transformed through the power of love and forgiveness. The third book in this series is the most complex character-wise. Three people's lives are intertwined. Three Wounded people. The Duke of Blackthorne - better know as the Beast of Blackthorne because of his horrible burns marking half his face. His war wound has turned him into a "monster" no one wants to be around - as much because of his looks as because of his temper and attitude. He has cut himself off from friends and the family who loved him. Even his mother and brother consider him a Beast and refuse to have anything to do with him before they die leaving him the title.
Lily Benedict/Bennett is wounded emotionally. As a young girl of 16 she listened to the compliments of the previous Duke (Derek's brother) and let him take her virginity. Unfortunately, the secret got out and her father the Vicar threw her out. She then went to the Duke's house and he laughed at her foolish dreams and threw her out of his house. She was found by a kindly old gentleman who offered her a job as a maid - until he turned her into his mistress. With her protector dead and his son threatening to turn her out she is again victimized by one more man.
The third person in this story is little Lady Flora - the Duke's niece. This delightful little 7 year old girl has lost her parents and is sent to live with the Duke who refuses to care for her. She is lost and frightened and deserted by governess after governess as they come into contact with the Duke and flee in fear.
Lily is forced to cooperate with her protector's son's scheme for revenge against the Winters Family. She applies for the position as the governess with the plan of stealing a diamond. If she can get the diamond she can exchange it for a small cottage to live out the rest of her live.
Fortunately, on the way to stealing the diamond, she comes to know and love Derek and Flora and finds that she could fit in with them.
The three of them are able to help heal each other's wounds in a way that they could not have done for themselves. This is a story of regret and shame and how it can be turned around with love and forgiveness - not just of others but of themselves.
Lily Benedict/Bennett is wounded emotionally. As a young girl of 16 she listened to the compliments of the previous Duke (Derek's brother) and let him take her virginity. Unfortunately, the secret got out and her father the Vicar threw her out. She then went to the Duke's house and he laughed at her foolish dreams and threw her out of his house. She was found by a kindly old gentleman who offered her a job as a maid - until he turned her into his mistress. With her protector dead and his son threatening to turn her out she is again victimized by one more man.
The third person in this story is little Lady Flora - the Duke's niece. This delightful little 7 year old girl has lost her parents and is sent to live with the Duke who refuses to care for her. She is lost and frightened and deserted by governess after governess as they come into contact with the Duke and flee in fear.
Lily is forced to cooperate with her protector's son's scheme for revenge against the Winters Family. She applies for the position as the governess with the plan of stealing a diamond. If she can get the diamond she can exchange it for a small cottage to live out the rest of her live.
Fortunately, on the way to stealing the diamond, she comes to know and love Derek and Flora and finds that she could fit in with them.
The three of them are able to help heal each other's wounds in a way that they could not have done for themselves. This is a story of regret and shame and how it can be turned around with love and forgiveness - not just of others but of themselves.
March 25, 2021
The problem with reading Christi Caldwell’s books, is that they compel you to keep reading but ultimately you feel empty at the end, like something was fundamentally missing.
Lily and Derek’s story could have probably been executed better. I don’t feel they spent enough time getting to know one another, and suddenly she loves him? As someone who spent most of the book being cynical and distrustful of men, you would think she would be more cautious around Derek, who is a snarling dude, who she immediately likens to a puppy...what?!
Lily also spends her time berating herself for her impulsiveness and her bad decision making in the past, only to turn around and keep making bad decisions and taking risks regarding her new job. Not much growth there.
They also fell in love after a week and the duke suddenly becomes all sunshine and lollipops throwing confetti, after living for eight years as an angry person...even if he was originally a charming gentleman, I don’t think after all the pain, you could just revert back to your old self like that.
Lily and Derek’s story could have probably been executed better. I don’t feel they spent enough time getting to know one another, and suddenly she loves him? As someone who spent most of the book being cynical and distrustful of men, you would think she would be more cautious around Derek, who is a snarling dude, who she immediately likens to a puppy...what?!
Lily also spends her time berating herself for her impulsiveness and her bad decision making in the past, only to turn around and keep making bad decisions and taking risks regarding her new job. Not much growth there.
They also fell in love after a week and the duke suddenly becomes all sunshine and lollipops throwing confetti, after living for eight years as an angry person...even if he was originally a charming gentleman, I don’t think after all the pain, you could just revert back to your old self like that.
February 28, 2016
What can I say besides I absolutely LOVED this story! Christi Caldwell has fast become a favorite author of mine. I've been reading historicals for over 18 years, and honestly, it's not easy to find an author who consistently writes great tales. Her tales are sweet and oh so romantic, and you just can't help but fall in love right along with the characters. I've yet to be disappointed by this author.
This particular story was definitely one of my favorites. I'm a total sucker for the Beauty and the Beast theme. Derek...<3...sigh....Brooding, dark, broken and feeling incapable of being loved. I totally fell for his character. I adored the heroine, as well. You could completely sympathize and relate to her motives and emotions. Great tale.
This particular story was definitely one of my favorites. I'm a total sucker for the Beauty and the Beast theme. Derek...<3...sigh....Brooding, dark, broken and feeling incapable of being loved. I totally fell for his character. I adored the heroine, as well. You could completely sympathize and relate to her motives and emotions. Great tale.
July 19, 2018
2.5 starts
I wanted to love it---Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairytale---but it just fell flat for me. Both characters are so absorbed in their own prideful "I'm the worst person to ever exist!" and the heroine bounces back and forth between proudly defying society's ideas on women and fully embrace them.
It just was....meh.
I wanted to love it---Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairytale---but it just fell flat for me. Both characters are so absorbed in their own prideful "I'm the worst person to ever exist!" and the heroine bounces back and forth between proudly defying society's ideas on women and fully embrace them.
It just was....meh.
April 23, 2019
I'm going to be an ass and say I really didn't like this one. I thought the heroine was insipid and unable to make up her own mind. The hero was desperate and the fact they were in love in a week was ridiculous. I didn't like it so I am being generous with my 2 stars.
Sorry.
Sorry.
February 16, 2020
The most tender, loving, romantic love story
Reading the blurb I thought it looked too sad for me, but love author, so decided to try it. The sad Hero turned out to be one of my favorite heroes. The leading heroine was such a delight to get to know.. The story is heartbreaking, but stayed with it and so glad I did, as so happy at the ending. It had the sweetest and most romantic sensual parts. This a must read, and I highly recommend it.
Reading the blurb I thought it looked too sad for me, but love author, so decided to try it. The sad Hero turned out to be one of my favorite heroes. The leading heroine was such a delight to get to know.. The story is heartbreaking, but stayed with it and so glad I did, as so happy at the ending. It had the sweetest and most romantic sensual parts. This a must read, and I highly recommend it.
March 19, 2019
Loved this book. Very powerfully written. The characters were wonderfully touchable and relatable. Can’t wait to read more from Caldwell.
February 17, 2016
So I have been waiting for this since Captivated by a Lady's Charm, we are finally going to find out the Duke of Blackthorn story and I am ecstatic that it is finally here.
Lily Bennett has received nothing but pain from the Winters family and after being cast on to the streets by the man who promised to love her, only to be tricked into becoming a mistress to a man she learned to hate, but finally Sir Henry died and yet again Lily's chance at freedom has been stripped away from her. Now she is being blackmailed yet again, this time she is being threatened in to stealing a diamond from the family she hates more than anyone…the Winters.
Derek Winters, the 8th Duke of Blackthorn used to be an easy going jolly fellow, until the war happened. A war that caused burns to scar his face and turn that once fun loving guy into a man that hated life and the everyone in it. But things go from bad to worse, when he is left as the guardian of his niece Lady Flora and now has to put up with people in his home that is until Lily turns up demanding to become Flora's governess and turns his whole world upon its head.
After a very bumpy ride and threats of being let go as the governess, Lily and Derek finally open up stuff about their past, but not everything and when the blackmail comes to light, Derek feels betrayed…will he turn back into the Beast of Blackthorn or will he fight for Lily and love.
Now I will be perfectly honest, I am not normally one of those reformed/ second chance book lovers. I normally don't like the hero to be the bad guy in previous books, to suddenly become the hero. But I have always had empathy for Derek from the very first book in the Lord of Honor series and by the time I was done with this book, I can see that he was never a monster but a man with very deep scars.
I truly loved the characters, Lily broke my heart! How much she suffered reduced me to tears, not ugly by the disgusting treatment of her by George and Henry but also by every person that feel that they have the right to look down upon her…especially Mean Mr. Davies. Lady Flora is a gem! Oh my I love that kid so much; my heart just bleeds for everything she had gone through. But my favorite of all is Harris! Oh he is so funny! Especially at the end! I also love the fact that Derek finally remembered his name.
So now I have waxed lyrical about how much I have loved the characters, let's get to the plot and the writing; the writing is smooth and the plot is gripping and kept me hooked from the moment I opened the book and thankfully the baby napped all the way throughout me reading this delicious nugget.
So finally I'm done being long winded and we get down to the score, which is really the easiest part of this review (I think), I give Rescued By A Lady's Love 5 stars
Lily Bennett has received nothing but pain from the Winters family and after being cast on to the streets by the man who promised to love her, only to be tricked into becoming a mistress to a man she learned to hate, but finally Sir Henry died and yet again Lily's chance at freedom has been stripped away from her. Now she is being blackmailed yet again, this time she is being threatened in to stealing a diamond from the family she hates more than anyone…the Winters.
Derek Winters, the 8th Duke of Blackthorn used to be an easy going jolly fellow, until the war happened. A war that caused burns to scar his face and turn that once fun loving guy into a man that hated life and the everyone in it. But things go from bad to worse, when he is left as the guardian of his niece Lady Flora and now has to put up with people in his home that is until Lily turns up demanding to become Flora's governess and turns his whole world upon its head.
After a very bumpy ride and threats of being let go as the governess, Lily and Derek finally open up stuff about their past, but not everything and when the blackmail comes to light, Derek feels betrayed…will he turn back into the Beast of Blackthorn or will he fight for Lily and love.
Now I will be perfectly honest, I am not normally one of those reformed/ second chance book lovers. I normally don't like the hero to be the bad guy in previous books, to suddenly become the hero. But I have always had empathy for Derek from the very first book in the Lord of Honor series and by the time I was done with this book, I can see that he was never a monster but a man with very deep scars.
I truly loved the characters, Lily broke my heart! How much she suffered reduced me to tears, not ugly by the disgusting treatment of her by George and Henry but also by every person that feel that they have the right to look down upon her…especially Mean Mr. Davies. Lady Flora is a gem! Oh my I love that kid so much; my heart just bleeds for everything she had gone through. But my favorite of all is Harris! Oh he is so funny! Especially at the end! I also love the fact that Derek finally remembered his name.
So now I have waxed lyrical about how much I have loved the characters, let's get to the plot and the writing; the writing is smooth and the plot is gripping and kept me hooked from the moment I opened the book and thankfully the baby napped all the way throughout me reading this delicious nugget.
So finally I'm done being long winded and we get down to the score, which is really the easiest part of this review (I think), I give Rescued By A Lady's Love 5 stars
February 26, 2016
RESCUED BY A LADY'S LOVE by Christi Caldwell is #3 in the "Lords of Honor" series, but can be read as a stand alone.
Once again, Ms. Caldwell has written a emotional and powerful tale of love, redemption, loathing, passion and romance. Can two tortured and wounded hearts find their HEA, along with the peace and happiness they crave? Beautifully and masterfully written to capture the readers heart and soul. Stays with you long after the last page. Ms. Caldwell never fails to disappoint me, and I do believe this is my favorite thus far, in the LORD'S OF HONOR series. Her writing just keeps getting better and better. Can't wait for her next grand adventure, I hope I can go along on her next grand adventure well! Highly recommended!
*Received for an honest review*
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
Once again, Ms. Caldwell has written a emotional and powerful tale of love, redemption, loathing, passion and romance. Can two tortured and wounded hearts find their HEA, along with the peace and happiness they crave? Beautifully and masterfully written to capture the readers heart and soul. Stays with you long after the last page. Ms. Caldwell never fails to disappoint me, and I do believe this is my favorite thus far, in the LORD'S OF HONOR series. Her writing just keeps getting better and better. Can't wait for her next grand adventure, I hope I can go along on her next grand adventure well! Highly recommended!
*Received for an honest review*
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
September 21, 2019
Couldn't put it down
A young Lady thrown out of family home travels to London to right the wrong she has done. She hates the family who has done her wrong so she welcomes a way to get even.
A young Lady thrown out of family home travels to London to right the wrong she has done. She hates the family who has done her wrong so she welcomes a way to get even.
June 30, 2018
Reviewed by Rachel
Book provided by author
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
I discovered Christi Caldwell exactly when I needed her most…She’s a breath of fresh air and is extremely talented with not only dialogue but the stories she weaves, making typical plot lines something extravagant.
Lily was a character that I immediately wanted to cry for, I don’t know how she did it but Miss Cadlwell had me ready to burst into tears within the first few pages, which is not an easy feat! Her past is something out of a horror story–and yet she still returns to the one duke who’s related to the man who ruined her entire existence.
She’s patient. Firm. Loving. And also terrified of Derek, the “beastly” duke of Blackthorne, and yet I love how from the start he knew she was different from the rest of the governess that had dared step into his lair. She finds him scary but at the same time its amazing how she’s attracted to his strength, which is really something that’s woven through the entire story, his strength, and her strength. They are both strong in different ways but its incredible to see how their relationship forms into more of a friendship even though there’s so much lust going around.
Derek made me sad. There I said it. He was so broken, so, angry…Yes I think that’s the word. HE was angry at the world at himself, at his friends, and yet in the back of his mind he KNEW the only person he had to blame for his anger was himself. His transformation was something that had me tearing up on most pages–even though I wanted to throttle him half the time too.
The love story was beautiful–and yet heartbreaking because as a reader you know both sides and know all it would take would be one SIMPLE honest conversation and they’d be okay, but of course, as all books go, they stumble towards the end and gain many bruises in the process.
The dialogue is wonderful and the story just made me happy even though I cried a lot throughout it. Christi Caldwell is a force to be reckoned with. If you love regency romances and something that is a lot like beauty and the beast with a different twist, check out this book.
Book provided by author
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
I discovered Christi Caldwell exactly when I needed her most…She’s a breath of fresh air and is extremely talented with not only dialogue but the stories she weaves, making typical plot lines something extravagant.
Lily was a character that I immediately wanted to cry for, I don’t know how she did it but Miss Cadlwell had me ready to burst into tears within the first few pages, which is not an easy feat! Her past is something out of a horror story–and yet she still returns to the one duke who’s related to the man who ruined her entire existence.
She’s patient. Firm. Loving. And also terrified of Derek, the “beastly” duke of Blackthorne, and yet I love how from the start he knew she was different from the rest of the governess that had dared step into his lair. She finds him scary but at the same time its amazing how she’s attracted to his strength, which is really something that’s woven through the entire story, his strength, and her strength. They are both strong in different ways but its incredible to see how their relationship forms into more of a friendship even though there’s so much lust going around.
Derek made me sad. There I said it. He was so broken, so, angry…Yes I think that’s the word. HE was angry at the world at himself, at his friends, and yet in the back of his mind he KNEW the only person he had to blame for his anger was himself. His transformation was something that had me tearing up on most pages–even though I wanted to throttle him half the time too.
The love story was beautiful–and yet heartbreaking because as a reader you know both sides and know all it would take would be one SIMPLE honest conversation and they’d be okay, but of course, as all books go, they stumble towards the end and gain many bruises in the process.
The dialogue is wonderful and the story just made me happy even though I cried a lot throughout it. Christi Caldwell is a force to be reckoned with. If you love regency romances and something that is a lot like beauty and the beast with a different twist, check out this book.
April 16, 2021
Loved It!
Rescued by a Lady’s Love, book 3 of Christi Caldwell’s, Lords of Honor series is a story of heart break and redemption and the power of love to heal. I absolutely loved this story and was so touched by these characters. My heart broke, and I wept with both sorrow and so much joy for these brave, courageous and loving characters. Derek Winters, a young rogue and second son went off to fight Napoleon, and came home battle scarred and broken to be shunned by his family and society. Derek locks himself away in his London residence, refusing to see anyone, and earning the reputation as the “Beast of Blackthorne” Lilliana Bennett was just 16 when the Duke of Blackthorne ruined her, promising love and marriage. What she got, was disowned by her family and thrown on the streets of London by the Duke and his Mother. Lily was taken in by a stranger, to serve as a maid, but made his mistress for six years instead. When he passes, Lily wants only to start over and salvage her honor, but is forced to enter into the home of Derek Winters, the new Duke of Blackthorne. She is there as Mrs Benedict, governess to Derek’s niece Flora, while searching for a diamond she has been ordered to steal. As time passes Lily realizes Derek is not like the other Winters family members, and as she continues to challenge every one of Derek’s rules, she slips past his defenses and makes him see that he’s not the beast he believes, just a man. When there interlinked past and present become known, will the feelings the built be enough to save the future they both want? This is a must read!
Rescued by a Lady’s Love, book 3 of Christi Caldwell’s, Lords of Honor series is a story of heart break and redemption and the power of love to heal. I absolutely loved this story and was so touched by these characters. My heart broke, and I wept with both sorrow and so much joy for these brave, courageous and loving characters. Derek Winters, a young rogue and second son went off to fight Napoleon, and came home battle scarred and broken to be shunned by his family and society. Derek locks himself away in his London residence, refusing to see anyone, and earning the reputation as the “Beast of Blackthorne” Lilliana Bennett was just 16 when the Duke of Blackthorne ruined her, promising love and marriage. What she got, was disowned by her family and thrown on the streets of London by the Duke and his Mother. Lily was taken in by a stranger, to serve as a maid, but made his mistress for six years instead. When he passes, Lily wants only to start over and salvage her honor, but is forced to enter into the home of Derek Winters, the new Duke of Blackthorne. She is there as Mrs Benedict, governess to Derek’s niece Flora, while searching for a diamond she has been ordered to steal. As time passes Lily realizes Derek is not like the other Winters family members, and as she continues to challenge every one of Derek’s rules, she slips past his defenses and makes him see that he’s not the beast he believes, just a man. When there interlinked past and present become known, will the feelings the built be enough to save the future they both want? This is a must read!
May 2, 2019
“We are hopeful and optimistic and naive and fail to see the perils of life, until we are scarred by them.”
Rescued by a Lady’s Love is the third book in the Lords of Honor series by Christi Caldwell. This book definitely falls into the Beauty and the Beast category. Derek, the Duke of Blackthorne is in self-condemned isolation after a horrible accident at Waterloo left him scarred on one side of his face and body. Everything starts to change when his young niece is sent to live with him after her parents are lost at sea. Lily Benedict is in dire straits, her protector has just died and left her with nothing and his son is blackmailing her to act as governess and steal from the Duke of Blackthorne. Lily only wants to stay away from Derek and find the item she seeks, but she keeps finding herself alone with him. She keeps pushing and prodding at him until he can’t keep himself hidden anymore. Lily helps Derek feel whole again. Lily and Derek both have scars from their past, the only difference is that Derek’s show on the outside. My favorite thing about Christi’s books is that her characters are real and broken and they do unforgivable things sometimes. It’s awesome to see an irredeemable character and learn their back story and know why they did the things they did. It makes everything more real.
Bookstagram: @hopeless.book.romantic
Rescued by a Lady’s Love is the third book in the Lords of Honor series by Christi Caldwell. This book definitely falls into the Beauty and the Beast category. Derek, the Duke of Blackthorne is in self-condemned isolation after a horrible accident at Waterloo left him scarred on one side of his face and body. Everything starts to change when his young niece is sent to live with him after her parents are lost at sea. Lily Benedict is in dire straits, her protector has just died and left her with nothing and his son is blackmailing her to act as governess and steal from the Duke of Blackthorne. Lily only wants to stay away from Derek and find the item she seeks, but she keeps finding herself alone with him. She keeps pushing and prodding at him until he can’t keep himself hidden anymore. Lily helps Derek feel whole again. Lily and Derek both have scars from their past, the only difference is that Derek’s show on the outside. My favorite thing about Christi’s books is that her characters are real and broken and they do unforgivable things sometimes. It’s awesome to see an irredeemable character and learn their back story and know why they did the things they did. It makes everything more real.
Bookstagram: @hopeless.book.romantic
June 16, 2020
Scars, Seen and Unseen
Derek Winters has returned from the war terribly scarred, both inside and out. Half his face is disfigured, his body bears the marks of burns, and one leg isn’t able to support him. All the fault of another soldier, his former best friend. Lily Benedict carries the guilt of an action that has scarred her life. Having given herself to a man who promised marriage, she found herself, at the age of 15, thrown out of the house and disowned by her father.
Lily has been given an opportunity for a lifetime of security, which is all that she wants and more than she believes she deserves. All she has to do is once again violate her conscience and commit a crime, against the Duke of Blackthorne, Derek Winters.
There were several times this story had me on the edge of my seat. I was torn by the gut-wrenching choices Lily had to make. Fear drove both of them to different responses, both self-destructive.
What I like about this book is its gritty portrayal of the toll that life has taken on the characters. Their emotions are honest and often painful. It has a great storyline that could easily be set in modern times.
The Audible version is narrated by Tim Campbell, who does a great job with the male voices, especially the Duke. His female voices aren’t that good. Lily often sounds whiny and high-pitched.
Derek Winters has returned from the war terribly scarred, both inside and out. Half his face is disfigured, his body bears the marks of burns, and one leg isn’t able to support him. All the fault of another soldier, his former best friend. Lily Benedict carries the guilt of an action that has scarred her life. Having given herself to a man who promised marriage, she found herself, at the age of 15, thrown out of the house and disowned by her father.
Lily has been given an opportunity for a lifetime of security, which is all that she wants and more than she believes she deserves. All she has to do is once again violate her conscience and commit a crime, against the Duke of Blackthorne, Derek Winters.
There were several times this story had me on the edge of my seat. I was torn by the gut-wrenching choices Lily had to make. Fear drove both of them to different responses, both self-destructive.
What I like about this book is its gritty portrayal of the toll that life has taken on the characters. Their emotions are honest and often painful. It has a great storyline that could easily be set in modern times.
The Audible version is narrated by Tim Campbell, who does a great job with the male voices, especially the Duke. His female voices aren’t that good. Lily often sounds whiny and high-pitched.
November 30, 2019
Loved the first two in the series and was looking foreword to this one. This one had a lot of promise, but I couldn’t get over the diamond.
The villain (V) sent the into the h duke’s household to steal back a fabulous diamond, I think it was something like 68 carats. She agreed to do this even though no one knew where this diamond was stored and she had no special talents as a thief, such as pick pocket, lock picker or safecracker.
Where would you expect to find a diamond that once belonged to the king of France? It would probably be in a bank vault or at least in some hidden safe. How could a vicker’s daughter who wasn’t a safecracker hope to get the diamond? Would anybody guess that it might just be kept on a bookcase in the H’s office?
On top of that she she had no proof the V really owned the diamond nor were we given to believe that he tried to get it back from the present duke by legal means.
I know you have to suspend belief in these books, but this was just too big a stretch for me to believe. The author cold have given her something of a lesser, more believable value to steal.
The villain (V) sent the into the h duke’s household to steal back a fabulous diamond, I think it was something like 68 carats. She agreed to do this even though no one knew where this diamond was stored and she had no special talents as a thief, such as pick pocket, lock picker or safecracker.
Where would you expect to find a diamond that once belonged to the king of France? It would probably be in a bank vault or at least in some hidden safe. How could a vicker’s daughter who wasn’t a safecracker hope to get the diamond? Would anybody guess that it might just be kept on a bookcase in the H’s office?
On top of that she she had no proof the V really owned the diamond nor were we given to believe that he tried to get it back from the present duke by legal means.
I know you have to suspend belief in these books, but this was just too big a stretch for me to believe. The author cold have given her something of a lesser, more believable value to steal.
August 5, 2025
I LOVE a beauty and the beast retelling. I love a cold hero who is angry at the world and a heroine that breaks through the walls built around himself. I tend to always enjoy a Christi Caldwell, the writing is always high quality and the dialogue and interactions gripping. At times I was going all out 5 stars for this.
A couple of issues for me, so much emotional development, the timescale was too quick for all that angst and falling in love. I needed more time to believe it. There was too many layers to the angst 1) hero’s brother took Lilys virginity way back 2) she’s been a mistress to some old geezer for 6 years (repeatedly calls herself a whore which I didn’t love) 3) The whole jewel thing. I enjoy angst but that was a whole load of bombshells waiting to drop. The steam was also very low and the start heavy in scene setting and backstory, takes quite a while for our main characters to actually meet. I enjoyed their interactions and wanted some more cutesy relationship building and romancing. This author writes budding romance so well, I wanted more, it needed to span a couple of months or something.
A couple of issues for me, so much emotional development, the timescale was too quick for all that angst and falling in love. I needed more time to believe it. There was too many layers to the angst 1) hero’s brother took Lilys virginity way back 2) she’s been a mistress to some old geezer for 6 years (repeatedly calls herself a whore which I didn’t love) 3) The whole jewel thing. I enjoy angst but that was a whole load of bombshells waiting to drop. The steam was also very low and the start heavy in scene setting and backstory, takes quite a while for our main characters to actually meet. I enjoyed their interactions and wanted some more cutesy relationship building and romancing. This author writes budding romance so well, I wanted more, it needed to span a couple of months or something.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2018
Sometimes sweet, but a plethora of verbiage...
Sometimes sweet, but a plethora of verbiage does not make this implausible plot make any sense. It reminds me of the old saying "If you can't dazzle them with brilliance then baffle them with bs. "
I love Christi's books, though I skip over the sex, since it adds nothing as a rule. But it seemed that the constant inner dialoguing that should have clarified their motivations only repeated the same, implausible situation. They fell in "love" so quickly there wasn't time for the tea to cool. Her constant, "attack is the best defense" arguments with the hero when she was obviously in the wrong grew ridiculous with repetition. He came across as stupid because of it.
I did like Flora but unfortunately, overly mature children are passé. A bit of childishness would have improved her character a great deal.
I'd pass on this one unless it is free. She has so many other books that are worth the price.
Sometimes sweet, but a plethora of verbiage does not make this implausible plot make any sense. It reminds me of the old saying "If you can't dazzle them with brilliance then baffle them with bs. "
I love Christi's books, though I skip over the sex, since it adds nothing as a rule. But it seemed that the constant inner dialoguing that should have clarified their motivations only repeated the same, implausible situation. They fell in "love" so quickly there wasn't time for the tea to cool. Her constant, "attack is the best defense" arguments with the hero when she was obviously in the wrong grew ridiculous with repetition. He came across as stupid because of it.
I did like Flora but unfortunately, overly mature children are passé. A bit of childishness would have improved her character a great deal.
I'd pass on this one unless it is free. She has so many other books that are worth the price.
June 11, 2018
I really enjoyed this read & I just couldn't stop reading until I was finished! I went in to the book thinking I would not like the nasty, bitter Derek Winters, the new Duke of Blackthorne that we met in Book 2, Captivated by a Lady's Charm but after getting to know him I was wrong. The endearing & healing relationship between the Duke, Lily Benedict is so touching & with the addition of Flora, the Duke's niece & ward after the death of her parents is so heartwarming. Derek is scarred on the outside & inside from the war & Lily is emotionally scarred for her supposed sins. I will not tell the whole story again, as you can read many reviews, but suffice it to say that this is a wonderful, tender, forgiving, beastly, romantic read that will not disappoint! I highly recommend this series or just this book for all historical romance readers!
February 21, 2020
Lily was a sweet and a very tough heroine, and I found her very well matched with Derek in this beauty-and-the-Beast-esque story. He's horribly scarred and bitter and isolated, and she's desperate enough to enter his home to steal from him in order to win security for herself, but of course she finds a connection with him that draws him out of his dark place both literally and figuratively. Thank heavens for the break from ballrooms and innocent misses that have been the backbone of this series so far.
October 10, 2018
Heartbreaking and loving
This book was full of second chances and finding oneself. Lily and Derek were too troubled souls that were able to find peace, happiness,and love with each other. This book flowed smoothly and was an excellent addition to the series. I look forward to book 4.
This book was full of second chances and finding oneself. Lily and Derek were too troubled souls that were able to find peace, happiness,and love with each other. This book flowed smoothly and was an excellent addition to the series. I look forward to book 4.
August 8, 2019
5 stars!
Scared and bitter the Duke trusts no one. Until he meets Lily,and learns to open his heart again, but her lies and betrayal are harder to forgive until he realizes what she had gone through in her young life. Loved everything about this book. The characters were maddening,intriguing and demanding. Also intriguing and romantic.
Scared and bitter the Duke trusts no one. Until he meets Lily,and learns to open his heart again, but her lies and betrayal are harder to forgive until he realizes what she had gone through in her young life. Loved everything about this book. The characters were maddening,intriguing and demanding. Also intriguing and romantic.
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