What do you think?
Rate this book
The Heart of a Duke #11
To Redeem a Rake
He's spent years scandalizing society.
Now, this rake must change his ways.
Society's most infamous scoundrel, Daniel Winterbourne, the Earl of Monfort, has been promised a small fortune if he can relinquish his wayward, carousing lifestyle. And behaving means he must also help find a respectable companion for his youngest sister--someone who will guide her and whom she can emulate. However, Daniel knows no such woman. But when he encounters a childhood friend, Daniel believes she may just be the answer to all of his problems.
Having been secretly humiliated by an unscrupulous blackguard years earlier, Miss Daphne Smith dreams of finding work at Ladies of Hope, an institution that provides an education for disabled women. With her sordid past and a disfigured leg, few opportunities arise for a woman such as she. Knowing Daniel's history, she wishes to avoid him, but working for his sister is exactly the stepping stone she needs.
Their attraction intensifies as Daniel and Daphne grow closer, preparing his sister for the London Season. But Daniel must resist his desire for a woman tarnished by scandal while Daphne is reminded of the boy she once knew. Can society's most notorious rake redeem his reputation and become the man Daphne deserves?
Now, this rake must change his ways.
Society's most infamous scoundrel, Daniel Winterbourne, the Earl of Monfort, has been promised a small fortune if he can relinquish his wayward, carousing lifestyle. And behaving means he must also help find a respectable companion for his youngest sister--someone who will guide her and whom she can emulate. However, Daniel knows no such woman. But when he encounters a childhood friend, Daniel believes she may just be the answer to all of his problems.
Having been secretly humiliated by an unscrupulous blackguard years earlier, Miss Daphne Smith dreams of finding work at Ladies of Hope, an institution that provides an education for disabled women. With her sordid past and a disfigured leg, few opportunities arise for a woman such as she. Knowing Daniel's history, she wishes to avoid him, but working for his sister is exactly the stepping stone she needs.
Their attraction intensifies as Daniel and Daphne grow closer, preparing his sister for the London Season. But Daniel must resist his desire for a woman tarnished by scandal while Daphne is reminded of the boy she once knew. Can society's most notorious rake redeem his reputation and become the man Daphne deserves?
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2016
740 people are currently reading
542 people want to read
About the author
Christi Caldwell
136 books2,557 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
August 30, 2019
3.75/5 Stars. I'm not picky I have thoughts.
Daniel rubbed his hand over the ache in his chest. To no avail. The agony persisted; vicious, sharp and unyielding.
The Redeem a Rake by Christi Caldwell tells the story of one of the most notorious rakes/scoundrels of her world - Daniel Winterbourne, The Earl of Montfort. If you've read any of her earlier books you'll know he's the rake who organizes those wicked parties and orgies or something equally scandalous in those days. When I started this book I never once thought I'd actually like the hero - his descriptions in earlier books left us thinking of Daniel as a man I wouldn't approach even with a 10 foot pole. That continues to be a complaint of mine with CC; she creates outright villains in previous books and then expects us to not start that individual's book with prejudiced notions.
However, in this case she's done a good job of making me like, appreciate and root for Daniel. Good job CC. Daniel Winterbourne has been the bane of polite society and boon of the scoundrels, until suddenly he has the responsibility of his sister, Alice, thurst on his shoulders. The same sister he had determindely ignored since the day she was born. His uncle, the Viscount of... something, promises him a fat purse if he manages to behave himself long enough to introduce Alice into polite society and married to a respectable man and family.
At one point Daniel actually likens Alice's debut in society to launching a ship into open waters.
His eyes on the money that would help him live out his depraved existence for years on, he agrees to his uncle's bargain. He however, refuses to feel guilt towards ignoring his sister for years on end, that is until Daphne Smith, his friend from youth storms into his house and demand he behaves like a human being for once in his life.
Daphne Smith, our heroine, suffered a terrible fall when she was young that left her with a mangled leg and a permanent limp. Which, obviously led to 0 marraige proposals that has now led her to look for work at a ladies institute. She's loved her friend Daniel since he rescued her from the fall that left her crippled and carried her home in the rain. She hasn't seem him in years, until she decides to take a stand on behalf of his sister. To her surprise, he hires her to be Alice's Governess when she's trying to get him to write false references. Reluctantly, she agrees - because you know, the whole in love with him part.
This sets up our MC's for their impending romance and I have to say, despite it's faults, I enjoyed it immensly. Daphne was the star for me, an absolute star! She was somber, resigned and yet brave and bold at the same time.
“I want love, Daniel. I always did. I’ll not settle for less.”
She loved him for being a man who didn’t see her disfigurement…a man who saw she was capable and not an object to be pitied.
Their interactions are wonderful to read, and I highly appreciated that there were no attempts by Daniel to supress his feelings for Daphne by indulging in his past behaviour - though that can also be attributed to the money his uncle promised him. Anyway, I didn't at any point feel like he was a hero I didn't wish to read about. Also their relationship grew emotionally before it reached a physical level which I loved. The lust and attraction only served as an addition to the emotional connect they'd developed. Too often we get insta-lust and are left wondering if the MC's even care about each other.
“You just…did not see me, Daniel. You were too busy.”
I promise you, the angst is strong with this one. But, it's handled wonderfully and I appreciated it a great degree.
Some of my favorite quotes:
“Eighteen years is entirely too long to not dance or swim or ride. I’m dancing with you, Daphne.” How many times during her Season had she secretly wished to be waltzed about by him? “The bastard who stole your virtue was a bloody fool, without a jot of sense to see the treasure he held.”
*****
“You don’t understand,” he rasped, dropping his brow to hers. “There are wagers and questions, and everyone believes I’ll ruin you. And I want to debauch you, more than I’ve ever wanted another.”
Her lips twitched at that rambling entreaty. “I expect you’ve far more charming words than ‘I wish to debauch you’,” she teased.
“Precisely. Normally I would.” Daniel nodded jerkily, knocking her forehead. She winced. “Nor would I ever bump a woman in the head, until you, Daphne. What have you done—?”
This moment was truly adorable.
A lot of his insecurities stemmed from the fact that he didn't feel he'd be good enough for her, that he would eventually end up hurting her. As usual, our hero needed angst in his life, and Daniel's angst comes from the fact that his brother died when they were boys and he wasn't able to save his life. His father hated him for not saving his beloved son, and soon later his mother died while giving birth to Alice. In Daniel's father's eyes, he was responsible for both the losses. Obviously, I can see how that would effect Daniel and his outlook at life.
What I do not like, is that CC's go to man-pain induced behaviour is to simply have the heroes turn into man-whores who don't know how to love. There are many many many other ways to show this level of tortured behaviour and drowning someone in alcohol and women is simply the easiest option to go to, but it's lazy as hell. I wish this trope would stop - I really am not a big fan of rakes.
Fair warning, there's also a little about Daphne's past that might be trigger-y for some people. However it's dealt with really well. The conversations they have over this and his protective side were a joy to read. The ending is fairly dramatic in true CC style, but it ties up beautifully to that fateful day when Daphne lost the use of her leg as well. So I actually loved it!
In all honesty, there are some aspects of the book that I'm not fond of, but nothing so outrageous that I hated it. Overall, it was actually a very very emotional read and I'm sure I'll be coming back to it several times.
Daniel rubbed his hand over the ache in his chest. To no avail. The agony persisted; vicious, sharp and unyielding.
The Redeem a Rake by Christi Caldwell tells the story of one of the most notorious rakes/scoundrels of her world - Daniel Winterbourne, The Earl of Montfort. If you've read any of her earlier books you'll know he's the rake who organizes those wicked parties and orgies or something equally scandalous in those days. When I started this book I never once thought I'd actually like the hero - his descriptions in earlier books left us thinking of Daniel as a man I wouldn't approach even with a 10 foot pole. That continues to be a complaint of mine with CC; she creates outright villains in previous books and then expects us to not start that individual's book with prejudiced notions.
However, in this case she's done a good job of making me like, appreciate and root for Daniel. Good job CC. Daniel Winterbourne has been the bane of polite society and boon of the scoundrels, until suddenly he has the responsibility of his sister, Alice, thurst on his shoulders. The same sister he had determindely ignored since the day she was born. His uncle, the Viscount of... something, promises him a fat purse if he manages to behave himself long enough to introduce Alice into polite society and married to a respectable man and family.
At one point Daniel actually likens Alice's debut in society to launching a ship into open waters.
His eyes on the money that would help him live out his depraved existence for years on, he agrees to his uncle's bargain. He however, refuses to feel guilt towards ignoring his sister for years on end, that is until Daphne Smith, his friend from youth storms into his house and demand he behaves like a human being for once in his life.
Daphne Smith, our heroine, suffered a terrible fall when she was young that left her with a mangled leg and a permanent limp. Which, obviously led to 0 marraige proposals that has now led her to look for work at a ladies institute. She's loved her friend Daniel since he rescued her from the fall that left her crippled and carried her home in the rain. She hasn't seem him in years, until she decides to take a stand on behalf of his sister. To her surprise, he hires her to be Alice's Governess when she's trying to get him to write false references. Reluctantly, she agrees - because you know, the whole in love with him part.
This sets up our MC's for their impending romance and I have to say, despite it's faults, I enjoyed it immensly. Daphne was the star for me, an absolute star! She was somber, resigned and yet brave and bold at the same time.
“I want love, Daniel. I always did. I’ll not settle for less.”
She loved him for being a man who didn’t see her disfigurement…a man who saw she was capable and not an object to be pitied.
Their interactions are wonderful to read, and I highly appreciated that there were no attempts by Daniel to supress his feelings for Daphne by indulging in his past behaviour - though that can also be attributed to the money his uncle promised him. Anyway, I didn't at any point feel like he was a hero I didn't wish to read about. Also their relationship grew emotionally before it reached a physical level which I loved. The lust and attraction only served as an addition to the emotional connect they'd developed. Too often we get insta-lust and are left wondering if the MC's even care about each other.
“You just…did not see me, Daniel. You were too busy.”
I promise you, the angst is strong with this one. But, it's handled wonderfully and I appreciated it a great degree.
Some of my favorite quotes:
“Eighteen years is entirely too long to not dance or swim or ride. I’m dancing with you, Daphne.” How many times during her Season had she secretly wished to be waltzed about by him? “The bastard who stole your virtue was a bloody fool, without a jot of sense to see the treasure he held.”
*****
“You don’t understand,” he rasped, dropping his brow to hers. “There are wagers and questions, and everyone believes I’ll ruin you. And I want to debauch you, more than I’ve ever wanted another.”
Her lips twitched at that rambling entreaty. “I expect you’ve far more charming words than ‘I wish to debauch you’,” she teased.
“Precisely. Normally I would.” Daniel nodded jerkily, knocking her forehead. She winced. “Nor would I ever bump a woman in the head, until you, Daphne. What have you done—?”
This moment was truly adorable.
A lot of his insecurities stemmed from the fact that he didn't feel he'd be good enough for her, that he would eventually end up hurting her. As usual, our hero needed angst in his life, and Daniel's angst comes from the fact that his brother died when they were boys and he wasn't able to save his life. His father hated him for not saving his beloved son, and soon later his mother died while giving birth to Alice. In Daniel's father's eyes, he was responsible for both the losses. Obviously, I can see how that would effect Daniel and his outlook at life.
What I do not like, is that CC's go to man-pain induced behaviour is to simply have the heroes turn into man-whores who don't know how to love. There are many many many other ways to show this level of tortured behaviour and drowning someone in alcohol and women is simply the easiest option to go to, but it's lazy as hell. I wish this trope would stop - I really am not a big fan of rakes.
Fair warning, there's also a little about Daphne's past that might be trigger-y for some people. However it's dealt with really well. The conversations they have over this and his protective side were a joy to read. The ending is fairly dramatic in true CC style, but it ties up beautifully to that fateful day when Daphne lost the use of her leg as well. So I actually loved it!
In all honesty, there are some aspects of the book that I'm not fond of, but nothing so outrageous that I hated it. Overall, it was actually a very very emotional read and I'm sure I'll be coming back to it several times.
January 1, 2017
Rake and childhood best friend now spinster meet again after 13 years apart.
"Wearing grey skirts and brown dresses cannot undo the regrets we carry.” As soon as those words left his mouth, a frisson of disquiet went through him. He wasn’t one of those gents with meaningful words for anyone.
Daphne raised her eyes to his, eyes that had always seen so much. “Neither will donning black jackets and false smiles. And yet, we each survive in our own way, don’t we?”
“You drink too much, Daniel.” Daphne lifted her walking stick slightly. “You use it as a greater crutch than the cane I use for walking.”
"Wearing grey skirts and brown dresses cannot undo the regrets we carry.” As soon as those words left his mouth, a frisson of disquiet went through him. He wasn’t one of those gents with meaningful words for anyone.
Daphne raised her eyes to his, eyes that had always seen so much. “Neither will donning black jackets and false smiles. And yet, we each survive in our own way, don’t we?”
“You drink too much, Daniel.” Daphne lifted her walking stick slightly. “You use it as a greater crutch than the cane I use for walking.”
June 5, 2019
Loved this one!
October 10, 2022
4.25 stars
This was a great romance between two childhood friends who have since drifted apart in the last 13 years. Daniel is 30 and a rake of the first order—he even has wild orgy parties at his house—all to live down to the view his father had of him after tragedy befell their family and his older twin brother, the heir, died through drowning. Daphne is 28 and after both her parents death, is now trying to make her own way in the world, which is difficult for an unmarried spinster, let alone one with a disability (she has a limp and walks with the help of a cane).
I loved the interplay between them and that it wasn't all lust-based (Caldwell can sometimes have some instantaneous action going on that I don't really enjoy); they had such a strong friendship when they were young to draw upon and there is a lot of reminiscing of that and flashbacks that we get. And they really did seem like the best of friends. Daphne wants and expects more of Daniel, when no one has in far too long, and she puts him in the uncomfortable position of examining what he's really done with his life and how he's spent the past 13 years.
The addition of Alice, his younger sister, was nice and she was a refreshing addition to the cast. You really feel for her and how lonely life has been for her, first her mother dying in childbirth, then her father virtually ignoring her and hating her because she wasn't her brother (whom she never met) and her mother died giving birth to her, and then Daniel also ignoring her for most of her life. But she's a strong young woman with a good head on her shoulders.
Daphne was "betrayed" by a young lord years ago when she had a season in London, and oddly enough I've read that character's book several times now, but this was my first time reading Daphne's story. Tennyson definitely makes up for himself in his own book, but in this one he's quite horrible—really, really quite horrible, to the point where I wonder if Caldwell always knew she would write him his own book, because some of the things he does don't line up with what I know of him from his book and what I know of why he did the things he did.
Anyway, sweet romance with strong characters and good pacing.
This was a great romance between two childhood friends who have since drifted apart in the last 13 years. Daniel is 30 and a rake of the first order—he even has wild orgy parties at his house—all to live down to the view his father had of him after tragedy befell their family and his older twin brother, the heir, died through drowning. Daphne is 28 and after both her parents death, is now trying to make her own way in the world, which is difficult for an unmarried spinster, let alone one with a disability (she has a limp and walks with the help of a cane).
I loved the interplay between them and that it wasn't all lust-based (Caldwell can sometimes have some instantaneous action going on that I don't really enjoy); they had such a strong friendship when they were young to draw upon and there is a lot of reminiscing of that and flashbacks that we get. And they really did seem like the best of friends. Daphne wants and expects more of Daniel, when no one has in far too long, and she puts him in the uncomfortable position of examining what he's really done with his life and how he's spent the past 13 years.
The addition of Alice, his younger sister, was nice and she was a refreshing addition to the cast. You really feel for her and how lonely life has been for her, first her mother dying in childbirth, then her father virtually ignoring her and hating her because she wasn't her brother (whom she never met) and her mother died giving birth to her, and then Daniel also ignoring her for most of her life. But she's a strong young woman with a good head on her shoulders.
Daphne was "betrayed" by a young lord years ago when she had a season in London, and oddly enough I've read that character's book several times now, but this was my first time reading Daphne's story. Tennyson definitely makes up for himself in his own book, but in this one he's quite horrible—really, really quite horrible, to the point where I wonder if Caldwell always knew she would write him his own book, because some of the things he does don't line up with what I know of him from his book and what I know of why he did the things he did.
Anyway, sweet romance with strong characters and good pacing.
September 4, 2017
As always, Christi Caldwell puts her heart into her writing, and she especially does so with this story.
The book is about Daniel Winterbourne, the son of the Earl of Montfort, and Daphne Smith, the green eyed, freckle faced girl who lives in a cottage on the neighboring property. As children they are the best of friends, riding, swimming and fishing on the Earl's estate. Terrible events will occur, and both of their lives will forever change.
Daniel will harden his heart to all feelings, choosing to live a scandalized life among the ton as one of Society's most devilish rakes. A riding accident leaves Daphne crippled, and she must adjust to her limitations and the fact that Society now views her as less than perfect.
They meet again many years later when Daniel hires Daphne as a companion to his sister. Daphne believes that caring boy she grew up with still exists within Daniel, and she is forever attempting to break down the walls he has built around his heart. And Daniel, though he immediately finds himself drawn to Daphne, denies he can ever again love someone or be deserving of love in return. Will Daphne's love be enough to bring them together in a HEA? This story is so beautifully written. A must read.
The book is about Daniel Winterbourne, the son of the Earl of Montfort, and Daphne Smith, the green eyed, freckle faced girl who lives in a cottage on the neighboring property. As children they are the best of friends, riding, swimming and fishing on the Earl's estate. Terrible events will occur, and both of their lives will forever change.
Daniel will harden his heart to all feelings, choosing to live a scandalized life among the ton as one of Society's most devilish rakes. A riding accident leaves Daphne crippled, and she must adjust to her limitations and the fact that Society now views her as less than perfect.
They meet again many years later when Daniel hires Daphne as a companion to his sister. Daphne believes that caring boy she grew up with still exists within Daniel, and she is forever attempting to break down the walls he has built around his heart. And Daniel, though he immediately finds himself drawn to Daphne, denies he can ever again love someone or be deserving of love in return. Will Daphne's love be enough to bring them together in a HEA? This story is so beautifully written. A must read.
February 29, 2020
4 stars. Tears from beginning to end. The character depth and growth are fantastic in this book. I wish I remembered more about Daniel from the previous books in the series.
This really makes me curious about Leopold’s book (The Lady Who Loved Him) and how Christi will redeem him. It’s not available at the library or on Kindle Unlimited, so I’d have to actually purchase it. I just might.
Two things stopped this from being a 5 star read for me: 1) Daphne had no friends. 2) Overuse of the words rake and rogue.
This really makes me curious about Leopold’s book (The Lady Who Loved Him) and how Christi will redeem him. It’s not available at the library or on Kindle Unlimited, so I’d have to actually purchase it. I just might.
Two things stopped this from being a 5 star read for me: 1) Daphne had no friends. 2) Overuse of the words rake and rogue.
August 1, 2020
I was bored for most of the book. It felt that nothing much happened and that the story moved at a snails pace.
May 23, 2018
Still my favourite Christi Caldwell book. I’ve read it at least five times, and love it just as much with each re-read. While this book stands alone, Daniel’s path to redemption is all the more poignant if you’ve read The Lure of a Rake.
October 16, 2016
How on earth is he not riddled with syphilis?
December 11, 2021
Another good read by the author. This time though, it's about a handicapped older heroine (she walked with a cane) who lost everything ... quite literally (her mother, father, her home, her childhood best friend and Because of that, she'd become an empty shell of her once bubbly, brave, happy young girl.
Then there's the promiscuous hero, Daniel, who had perfected his roguish ways in order to shield his heart from the pain he experienced over his twin's death. He was a debaucherous person! I docked the star because he was truly a selfish person. Despicable.
Reading about what Daniel did many years ago ... leaving his best friend that eventually led to her innocence being taken away by some bastard was difficult. It was mean. I felt so angry for the heroine ... but yet, she bore no hatred towards Daniel albeit it was not directly his fault.
I felt there was a huge imbalance in terms of the couple's relationship. Poor girl. She suffered so much and yet, she's so forgiving. Even though Daniel finally realized he loved her, errr I wished for more of a grander gesture if you will.
However, all in all, this was a good book. I liked it a lot.
Then there's the promiscuous hero, Daniel, who had perfected his roguish ways in order to shield his heart from the pain he experienced over his twin's death. He was a debaucherous person! I docked the star because he was truly a selfish person. Despicable.
Reading about what Daniel did many years ago ... leaving his best friend that eventually led to her innocence being taken away by some bastard was difficult. It was mean. I felt so angry for the heroine ... but yet, she bore no hatred towards Daniel albeit it was not directly his fault.
I felt there was a huge imbalance in terms of the couple's relationship. Poor girl. She suffered so much and yet, she's so forgiving. Even though Daniel finally realized he loved her, errr I wished for more of a grander gesture if you will.
However, all in all, this was a good book. I liked it a lot.
July 12, 2024
actual rating: 3.5 stars
rep: mc with physical disability
everyone only know about daniel the rake and not daniel the heroic. to daphne, daniel will always have a special place in her heart even if he cut contact for years and even after he became an utter rake. daphne and daniel will cross path once more because of daniel’s sister and daphne’s need of a referral. as daphne prepares alice for the polite society, daniel is busy falling for her. daphne’s presence brought out the daniel that nobody knows and he learns to love and be loved again.
rep: mc with physical disability
everyone only know about daniel the rake and not daniel the heroic. to daphne, daniel will always have a special place in her heart even if he cut contact for years and even after he became an utter rake. daphne and daniel will cross path once more because of daniel’s sister and daphne’s need of a referral. as daphne prepares alice for the polite society, daniel is busy falling for her. daphne’s presence brought out the daniel that nobody knows and he learns to love and be loved again.
August 3, 2020
I loved it.
Christi have this ability to create broken people, you really connect with and care for. I loved her take on the childhood friends trope - with a disabled woman finding love with a Rake. What a beautiful story.
Christi have this ability to create broken people, you really connect with and care for. I loved her take on the childhood friends trope - with a disabled woman finding love with a Rake. What a beautiful story.
March 22, 2023
11th in series. The h Daphne Smith 28, a childhood friend of H Daniel Winterbourne Earl of Montfort, 30 and a rake.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
September 5, 2016
Jam packed with emotional trials and tribulations, Christi Caldwell's eleventh installment in the HEART OF A DUKE series, TO REDEEM A RAKE, is one of my favorite Christi Caldwell books to date and is bound to be one of your favorites as well.
Miss Daphne Smith spent her childhood enjoying every aspect a reckless young girl could possibly partake of. Many times, these adventures were shared with her neighbor, the young Daniel Winterbourne who also shared her sense for excitement. All that came to an end for Daphne when she was thrown from her horse at the age of ten and irreparably shattered her leg. That day, Daniel was there to carry her home, but their friendship would never be the same. Other tragedies widened the rift between the two and for over a decade their lives took very different paths.
Now over a dozen years later, left alone in the world, Daphne must find a way to support herself or be turned out from the cottage she grew up in. With her father's death still fresh in her heart, Daphne seeks employment at a school for girls near her home, but it quickly turned down for lack of references. How does one get references if no one will take a chance on her? Knowing that her crippled leg is her main disadvantage, Daphne tries never to use it as an excuse or a crutch. After being turned away from the school, Daphne discovers that her former friend, Daniel Winterbourne's sister, Alice has been let go as a student of the school and is waiting in vain for her brother to collect her. Daphne is angered on Alice's behalf and makes her way to the Winterbourne residence to give the former friend turned profligate rake, Daniel a piece of her mind. What she finds, is a glimmer of the boy she once knew so well, a man who has tossed away good sense for a life of debauchery.
Daniel Winterbourne, the Earl of Montfort's adult years to date have been filled with self gratification in every way, but when the self proclaimed rake is reunited with his childhood best friend, Daphne, his conscience begins to nibble away at his calm and cool exterior and those feelings her once had as a boy for his friend, threaten to come back full force if he doesn't watch himself. But does he honestly want to hold back?
Left with a unwanted sister who will get in the way of his wicked ways, Daniel hires Daphne to be Alice's companion after his uncle gives Daniel the ultimatum of curbing his depravity and finding Alice a husband. Should he achieve that, he would be the recipient of the 8,000 pounds his mother left for Daniel. Easier said than done? Maybe... but maybe not.
Having to leave the countryside for London and the Season terrifies Daphne, who suffered humiliation and a personal scandal at her own come out when she was seventeen. Putting those fears aside in order to help Alice, and finally get those references she so ardently covets has Daphne doing her best to stay strong. When that scandal comes back to slap her in the face, Daphne has no idea the bear she awakens in Daniel, who finally is faced with with a spectrum of emotions he kept forever hidden.
TO REDEEM A RAKE by the brilliant Christi Caldwell is a magnificent book filled with heartbreak and triumph. This book allows us to understand how things that happen in our lives can make or break us if we allow them to. This book also allows us to understand that anyone can overcome any adversity with determination and love. Even though Daniel and Daphne were separated by over a decade of suffering and hardship, that friendship they shared as children is a building block for a bright future. All they have to do is open up and let those emotions flow.
Miss Daphne Smith spent her childhood enjoying every aspect a reckless young girl could possibly partake of. Many times, these adventures were shared with her neighbor, the young Daniel Winterbourne who also shared her sense for excitement. All that came to an end for Daphne when she was thrown from her horse at the age of ten and irreparably shattered her leg. That day, Daniel was there to carry her home, but their friendship would never be the same. Other tragedies widened the rift between the two and for over a decade their lives took very different paths.
Now over a dozen years later, left alone in the world, Daphne must find a way to support herself or be turned out from the cottage she grew up in. With her father's death still fresh in her heart, Daphne seeks employment at a school for girls near her home, but it quickly turned down for lack of references. How does one get references if no one will take a chance on her? Knowing that her crippled leg is her main disadvantage, Daphne tries never to use it as an excuse or a crutch. After being turned away from the school, Daphne discovers that her former friend, Daniel Winterbourne's sister, Alice has been let go as a student of the school and is waiting in vain for her brother to collect her. Daphne is angered on Alice's behalf and makes her way to the Winterbourne residence to give the former friend turned profligate rake, Daniel a piece of her mind. What she finds, is a glimmer of the boy she once knew so well, a man who has tossed away good sense for a life of debauchery.
Daniel Winterbourne, the Earl of Montfort's adult years to date have been filled with self gratification in every way, but when the self proclaimed rake is reunited with his childhood best friend, Daphne, his conscience begins to nibble away at his calm and cool exterior and those feelings her once had as a boy for his friend, threaten to come back full force if he doesn't watch himself. But does he honestly want to hold back?
Left with a unwanted sister who will get in the way of his wicked ways, Daniel hires Daphne to be Alice's companion after his uncle gives Daniel the ultimatum of curbing his depravity and finding Alice a husband. Should he achieve that, he would be the recipient of the 8,000 pounds his mother left for Daniel. Easier said than done? Maybe... but maybe not.
Having to leave the countryside for London and the Season terrifies Daphne, who suffered humiliation and a personal scandal at her own come out when she was seventeen. Putting those fears aside in order to help Alice, and finally get those references she so ardently covets has Daphne doing her best to stay strong. When that scandal comes back to slap her in the face, Daphne has no idea the bear she awakens in Daniel, who finally is faced with with a spectrum of emotions he kept forever hidden.
TO REDEEM A RAKE by the brilliant Christi Caldwell is a magnificent book filled with heartbreak and triumph. This book allows us to understand how things that happen in our lives can make or break us if we allow them to. This book also allows us to understand that anyone can overcome any adversity with determination and love. Even though Daniel and Daphne were separated by over a decade of suffering and hardship, that friendship they shared as children is a building block for a bright future. All they have to do is open up and let those emotions flow.
September 12, 2016
Caldwell’s The Heart of a Duke books have always pushed beyond the standard historical romances; to those that search the souls of each of her characters bringing out both redemption and transformation via beautiful love stories. As with truly great authors Caldwell had me enveloped in her story from the very first pages and I applaud her for always being true to her characters and her stories. If you read Hoyt, Dare, Campbell, Balogh, James or Kleypas, you need to add Caldwell to your author list. She is one of the best character driven writers in the genre.
To Redeem a Rake is Caldwell’s most emotionally compelling novel to date, as it is fraught with not only the requisite desire needed in all romances, but a deep soul searching tale for both the heroine Daphne and the hero Daniel.
I had a visceral reaction to this book, at times it hollowed my soul with emotional plight of Daphne the heroine in To Redeem a Rake. I read it through a sheen of tears that at times clouded my eyes, as both the hero Daniel and the herione Dahne are broken people. Daphne as a young girl had a horrible riding accident that shattered her leg, and because of that she was crippled for the rest of her life walking with a cane and a limp. The reason this book resonated so deeply is that the author painted a true to life character in Daphne a woman despite her disability is trying to live an authentic life. The reaction that London’s society has to Daphne is cruel. I wish I could say that it’s a book and people aren’t like that in real life, but humanity can at times be a vile creature. Despite humanity having it’s dark underbelly, I applaud Caldwell in showing the depth and breath of Daphne’s spirit as she shines in her own souls journey.
In previous The Heart of a Duke books, I loathed the minor character of Daniel, the Earl of Montfort. He was vile and totally unrepentant in his seeking his own gain and pleasure. I could not imagine Caldwell being able to redeem a character as morally debauched and reprehensible as the Earl of Montfort. His moral compass was decided pointing to carnal pleasure and alcohol, cue the orgie. Readers had experienced those wild parties in the previous series books. Some may think Caldwell went to far with the inclusion of the debauchery of regency England, but historically she is spot on in her portrayal of the excesses. If one only read Jean Austin, which had a skewed version of the period, one might be shocked by Caldwell’s writing, as we tend to think of the period being filled with virgins in white. The reality was much different, especially amongst those who sought the excess of life.
To Redeem a Rake is Caldwell’s most emotionally compelling novel to date, as it is fraught with not only the requisite desire needed in all romances, but a deep soul searching tale for both the heroine Daphne and the hero Daniel.
I had a visceral reaction to this book, at times it hollowed my soul with emotional plight of Daphne the heroine in To Redeem a Rake. I read it through a sheen of tears that at times clouded my eyes, as both the hero Daniel and the herione Dahne are broken people. Daphne as a young girl had a horrible riding accident that shattered her leg, and because of that she was crippled for the rest of her life walking with a cane and a limp. The reason this book resonated so deeply is that the author painted a true to life character in Daphne a woman despite her disability is trying to live an authentic life. The reaction that London’s society has to Daphne is cruel. I wish I could say that it’s a book and people aren’t like that in real life, but humanity can at times be a vile creature. Despite humanity having it’s dark underbelly, I applaud Caldwell in showing the depth and breath of Daphne’s spirit as she shines in her own souls journey.
In previous The Heart of a Duke books, I loathed the minor character of Daniel, the Earl of Montfort. He was vile and totally unrepentant in his seeking his own gain and pleasure. I could not imagine Caldwell being able to redeem a character as morally debauched and reprehensible as the Earl of Montfort. His moral compass was decided pointing to carnal pleasure and alcohol, cue the orgie. Readers had experienced those wild parties in the previous series books. Some may think Caldwell went to far with the inclusion of the debauchery of regency England, but historically she is spot on in her portrayal of the excesses. If one only read Jean Austin, which had a skewed version of the period, one might be shocked by Caldwell’s writing, as we tend to think of the period being filled with virgins in white. The reality was much different, especially amongst those who sought the excess of life.
September 30, 2016
One must live with the choices one makes in life. Miss Daphne Smith knows that better than anyone. IF she hadn’t chased the fortune at the end of the rainbow all those years ago; IF she hadn’t fallen prey to an unscrupulous blackguard things may have turned out differently. Now her life is full of different IF’s. IF her father hadn’t died; IF she wasn’t at the mercy of a distant relative; IF she had references for a job.
Leaving the school for young ladies where she has applied many times for a position, only to be turned away because of lack of references (and who is she kidding – because she’s a “cripple”), Daphne hears a name she hasn’t heard in many years. A name that takes her back to a happier time. A name that brings forth the different paths their lives took.
Life’s choices shape a person’s life; and not always for the better as Daniel Winterbourne, the Earl of Montfort, can attest. IF he hadn’t baited his twin brother to swim in a raging lake; IF he had been able to hold onto him when the current became too much; IF he’d been the one to drown instead. All those IF’s and he couldn’t do a damn thing about it other than live up to the opinion his late father had of him and he’s been doing a bang up job of it. Until a face from his past storms into his home making requests then demands. From that point on his life will never be the same.
When Daniel agrees to provide the references Daphne so desperately needs he makes his own condition – she must become Alice’s (his sister) companion until she weds. At which time he will provide Daphne her references and he will receive the monies his uncle is withholding in the attempts to get Daniel to change his lifestyle. A proposition that Daphne has no choice (there’s that word again) but to accept, all while knowing she’s not worthy of the position that calls for a pristine reputation, if she’s to make her way on her own.
A crotchety uncle, a sister who sees too much, deplorable friends, an attraction they both try to deny but can’t fight, and some jaw dropping moments – all components of the amazing story of childhood friends shaped by life’s circumstances finding their way to a hopefully happily ever after. Christi Caldwell never ceases to amaze me with the depth and emotion that every story contains. To Redeem a Rake is one of her best (at least until the next one - winking ).
Leaving the school for young ladies where she has applied many times for a position, only to be turned away because of lack of references (and who is she kidding – because she’s a “cripple”), Daphne hears a name she hasn’t heard in many years. A name that takes her back to a happier time. A name that brings forth the different paths their lives took.
Life’s choices shape a person’s life; and not always for the better as Daniel Winterbourne, the Earl of Montfort, can attest. IF he hadn’t baited his twin brother to swim in a raging lake; IF he had been able to hold onto him when the current became too much; IF he’d been the one to drown instead. All those IF’s and he couldn’t do a damn thing about it other than live up to the opinion his late father had of him and he’s been doing a bang up job of it. Until a face from his past storms into his home making requests then demands. From that point on his life will never be the same.
When Daniel agrees to provide the references Daphne so desperately needs he makes his own condition – she must become Alice’s (his sister) companion until she weds. At which time he will provide Daphne her references and he will receive the monies his uncle is withholding in the attempts to get Daniel to change his lifestyle. A proposition that Daphne has no choice (there’s that word again) but to accept, all while knowing she’s not worthy of the position that calls for a pristine reputation, if she’s to make her way on her own.
A crotchety uncle, a sister who sees too much, deplorable friends, an attraction they both try to deny but can’t fight, and some jaw dropping moments – all components of the amazing story of childhood friends shaped by life’s circumstances finding their way to a hopefully happily ever after. Christi Caldwell never ceases to amaze me with the depth and emotion that every story contains. To Redeem a Rake is one of her best (at least until the next one - winking ).
September 12, 2016
Another great read
There is nothing better than a Christi Caldwell book. This one is especially sweet. The story she weaves around this two people is wonderful. It really is a must read. Can't wait for more from Christi.
There is nothing better than a Christi Caldwell book. This one is especially sweet. The story she weaves around this two people is wonderful. It really is a must read. Can't wait for more from Christi.
September 29, 2021
This was simple and sweet. While the storyline is standard HR fare (spinster reforms rake), I enjoyed the characters, their histories and developments, making this feel like a fresh take on a common tale.
September 12, 2016
Another tearful story. I loved it!
September 21, 2016
A little heavy on the damaged hero(ine), but I still liked it. I'm not a fan of the man-ho, but the title of the book let me know what I was getting into!
November 11, 2016
I always enjoy this author.
October 11, 2024
Loved this one. Couldn't put it down.
November 11, 2023
Earl of Monfort, Daniel friend of Cedric from The Lure of a Rake who betrayed Cedric for money from Duke of Ravenscourt has closed himself off from emotion and 'immune to the world's disapproval and condemnation and root cause hints from an incident with his brother and comments from his father. Daphne has a bad leg from a riding accident when she was younger and was friends with Daniel as a child. Daniels brother Alistair is hinted at throughout in Daniel's thoughts but in Chapter 14 it mentions Alistar was Daniel's twin. 'Alistair was born twelve minutes ahead of Daniel and had excelled in everything except swimming and Daniel carries guilt at not being able save his brother after Alistair is carried away by a violent current during a race with Daniel'. No wonder Daniel has closed himself off from emotions or let anyone in and his father and Uncle's comments do not help the situation. Daniel takes on a lot of self blame for other people's actions like his brother's choice in swim race, Daphne's Scandal, his mother's passing. Watching Daniel and Daphne champion each other despite their deficiencies.
Daniel and Daphne each had work through their issues separately before their love reunited them.
With Alice's quick wit, compassion, smarts, and similarities to Daniel with make for a fun read in her own story. Webb's brother would be too much of a stick in the mud to keep up with Alice.
Daniel and Daphne each had work through their issues separately before their love reunited them.
With Alice's quick wit, compassion, smarts, and similarities to Daniel with make for a fun read in her own story. Webb's brother would be too much of a stick in the mud to keep up with Alice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2019
“Take pride in your pleasures, Let the world judge, for they do not know the wonder.”
To Redeem a Rake is Book 11 in the Heart of a Duke series by Christi Caldwell. Part of the reason I love Christi’s book is that she strays away from perfect heroes and heroines and writes characters with faults and disabilities. Daphne and Daniel are a perfect example of this. Daphne was born to the gentry and one day she had an accident and broke her leg severely, which left it permanently disfigured. Daniel, the son of an earl, grew up next to Daphne and they were friends until tragic circumstances made them drift apart. Daniel became a ruthless rake and upon intervention by his uncle, he must do right by his sister and refrain from scandal or lose everything. Daniel sees Daphne as a tool for respectability in his quest to marry off his sister. Daphne sees Daniel’s offer as opportunity to gain respectability and experience in a world that looks down on the disabled. Probably my favorite part was seeing them overcome their jaded existence and embracing each other and the friendship they once shared. Daniel always saw Daphne, when the world only saw her leg and that made all the difference.
Bookstagram: @hopeless.book.romantic
To Redeem a Rake is Book 11 in the Heart of a Duke series by Christi Caldwell. Part of the reason I love Christi’s book is that she strays away from perfect heroes and heroines and writes characters with faults and disabilities. Daphne and Daniel are a perfect example of this. Daphne was born to the gentry and one day she had an accident and broke her leg severely, which left it permanently disfigured. Daniel, the son of an earl, grew up next to Daphne and they were friends until tragic circumstances made them drift apart. Daniel became a ruthless rake and upon intervention by his uncle, he must do right by his sister and refrain from scandal or lose everything. Daniel sees Daphne as a tool for respectability in his quest to marry off his sister. Daphne sees Daniel’s offer as opportunity to gain respectability and experience in a world that looks down on the disabled. Probably my favorite part was seeing them overcome their jaded existence and embracing each other and the friendship they once shared. Daniel always saw Daphne, when the world only saw her leg and that made all the difference.
Bookstagram: @hopeless.book.romantic
November 23, 2019
This book seemed like it was a lot more than 273 pages. I liked Daphne and Daniel, but the story did drag, and the word “rake” was used 150 times. We knew he was a rake so it wasn’t that necessary we were told 150 times, and that’s what my iPad said the count was for that word, like we might forget the first 75 times it was used. I liked Alice too. She was funny and quite clever. And, of course we have to have one, Tennyson was a complete ass. He deserved the beating Daniel gave him. Daniel’s uncle Percival was kind of a jerk, but you couldn’t help but like him.
Overall, it was a long-winded romance that told us the same thing over and over again: Daniel was a rake.
There was explicit sex in this and a couple of swearwords.
As to the narration: Tim Campbell is a wonderful narrator. That’s the kind of narration we need instead of a female narrator who makes ALL the men sound like girls.
January 4, 2021
I liked young Daniel in the first chapter when he saved his friend Daphne after she was stranded with a broken leg, but in the years since he becomes a selfish rake who thinks only of his own pleasure and was willing to sell his sister off to the right suitor to earn the 8,000 pounds his uncle promises him. Daphne is desperate, about to be kicked out of her home, scorned for her limp, and unable to secure respectable employment when she runs into Daniel's sister Alice and she ends up being her companion. Daniel's friends were despicable for betting that he could seduce Daphne. But I start to respect him when he stands up to the lord who raped Daphne years ago because regardless of what she thinks she didn't ask for that and defends her honor. His uncle was funny and Alice was determined to find her own happiness regardless of what anyone else wanted and she stood up for Daphne through it all.
May 18, 2017
Daniel Winterbourne has been a rake that used and abused even those he called friend. Daphne was his childhood friend that met with tragic accident leaving her "crippled". This was a truly moving story of redemption when you thought it not possible. The layer of emotional depth was so intricate and well crafted it left you hurting for these people on a personal level. This story gripped you from the beginning until the last page. Their strength of character on their journey to rediscover who they are as individual's was riveting, which also left doubting they could ever be together. It was a beautiful story that left you emotionally spent and well satisfied. You can reread this story and will definitely fall in love with Daniel over and over again. A+
July 18, 2019
This was such an uplifting story about overcoming physical & mental disabilities. Christi Caldwell has created two wonderful people, Daniel & Daphne who are not perfect - Daniel on the inside & Daphne on the outside, as seen by society. How they prevailed over their personal demons with strength, understanding, kindness & heroics was heartwarming. The building up of their love story from childhood friends that took them away from one another, to becoming adults & meeting again after 13 years & still finding the affection was an emotional journey. I found myself laughing & then crying - it pulls at your heartstrings, so bring your tissues to the the read. Christ Caldwell has written another fantastic regency romance!
March 9, 2019
I thought i would hate this one ! But it has turned out to be my favorite in the series. I absolutely loved Daphne !! Wish we would have gotten a full story with Alice , with her attitude and view on life as the sister of a rake, she would have made a great heroine in her own novel.
The difference in writing from this book to the first books in the series is amazing . You can tell when the author really started to become a good author. Someone who’s books you actually wanted to read. I’m happy i didn’t give up on this series
The difference in writing from this book to the first books in the series is amazing . You can tell when the author really started to become a good author. Someone who’s books you actually wanted to read. I’m happy i didn’t give up on this series
September 30, 2022
Been having a book slump recently and this reminded how lovely historical romances can be. I loved the heroine and I loved that the the hero in this book was actually a 'rake' with all the negative traits a rake entails (instead of books just having their heroes being rakes and glossing over what that actually means), and how he had to directly confront his failures as a friend and a brother. He had to face the consequences of his 13 years of neglect and dissolute behaviour , he wasn't let off so easily, and the 'redemption' at the end was both believable and worth it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews