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Sinful Brides #3
The Lady's Guard
In the third installment of USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell’s Sinful Brides series, a rogue turned bodyguard risks his heart on the woman he’s hired to protect.
At the notorious Hell and Sin Club nestled in London’s dark streets, Niall Marksman relishes taking the fortunes of the very same society that once disregarded his existence. Oh yes, Niall has sold his soul to the devil and paid dearly. It’s only when Lady Diana Verney appears at the gaming club looking for help that Niall knows that the devil has finally come to collect … by forcing him to protect the duke’s pampered daughter.
Disdained by the peerage and ignored by her father, Diana knows that someone wants to harm her. Her only protection is Niall, a scarred, intense man who lives and dies by the knife. Now her life and safety are in the hands of the most dangerous man in London. But a man raised on the city’s mercenary streets is adept at stealing anything he wishes—including a lady’s reputation and her heart.
At the notorious Hell and Sin Club nestled in London’s dark streets, Niall Marksman relishes taking the fortunes of the very same society that once disregarded his existence. Oh yes, Niall has sold his soul to the devil and paid dearly. It’s only when Lady Diana Verney appears at the gaming club looking for help that Niall knows that the devil has finally come to collect … by forcing him to protect the duke’s pampered daughter.
Disdained by the peerage and ignored by her father, Diana knows that someone wants to harm her. Her only protection is Niall, a scarred, intense man who lives and dies by the knife. Now her life and safety are in the hands of the most dangerous man in London. But a man raised on the city’s mercenary streets is adept at stealing anything he wishes—including a lady’s reputation and her heart.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2017
1019 people are currently reading
1321 people want to read
About the author
Christi Caldwell
137 books2,563 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling author CHRISTI CALDWELL blames Judith McNaught's "Whitney, My Love!" for luring her into the world of historical romance. While sitting in her graduate school apartment at the University of Connecticut, Christi decided to set aside her notes and pick up her laptop to try her hand at romance. She believes the most perfect heroes and heroines have imperfections, and she rather enjoys torturing them before crafting them a well deserved happily ever after!
Christi makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.
Christi makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 reviews
April 20, 2018
This book is going to rip your heart out. It is easily the darkest tale Christi has ever told us. Regular readers of Christi Caldwell will know what I mean when I say this book is even darker than Rutland or Derek.I loved every single page.
The characters are full developed and well rounded. Not only are they believable, they are lovable. I wanted to be friends with Diana. I wanted to wrap her in a hug. She feels society's censure in a whole new way. This is not the story of some miss who is avoided for some indiscretion of her youth, this is a girl with madness tainting her bloodline. No one in society would possibly wish to be involved with her. The interesting part of it, for me, was that Diana didn’t really blame society. She was lonely, and wished for companionship, but she never wallowed in self pity or whined about missing balls and parties as other young ladies might. After Robert and Helena, I completely underestimated Diana’s strength and cleverness.
Enter the hero! Step aside, Robert and Ryker. You have been completely overshadowed. Niall piqued all of our interest in Ryker and Penny’s story when Rival gang leader Killoran’s men attacked. We all know how Penelope wriggled her way past his defences, at least in part. Well, rest assured. He is everything you’ve dreamed and more! We know from Helena and Ryker’s books the hard life the brothers knew at the hand of crime lord and gang leader Diggory, but their stories hardly prepare you for the things forced on the little boy named Marksman. Diggory fully intended for Niall to earn that name. My stomach churns just thinking about it. It did take me awhile to get adjusted to the idea of big, serious Niall wearing dandy colors. Sapphire breeches just didn’t really seem to fit into my preconceived notions about his character. But get used to it, I did. Furthermore, I understood it, which is even better.
The discourse in this book is perfect. I loved the witty banter between Niall and Diana. We know going in that Niall is a laconic, hulking beast of a man, and Diana is a slip of a thing with a penchant for asking probing questions. I absolutely loved watching them go toe to toe. Their conversation is some of the best I’ve ever read. I also thoroughly enjoyed Diana’s internal monologue, and conversations with her father.
The cast of side characters is completely unique and lovable. I cannot wait for the rest of the Hell and Sin brothers to have their day!
This story is well rounded. The plot is believable and well conveyed. The writing is, as usual for Christi, flawless. If you skip this book, you are doing yourself a disservice. This is hands down my new favorite Christi book. I already want to reread it.
The characters are full developed and well rounded. Not only are they believable, they are lovable. I wanted to be friends with Diana. I wanted to wrap her in a hug. She feels society's censure in a whole new way. This is not the story of some miss who is avoided for some indiscretion of her youth, this is a girl with madness tainting her bloodline. No one in society would possibly wish to be involved with her. The interesting part of it, for me, was that Diana didn’t really blame society. She was lonely, and wished for companionship, but she never wallowed in self pity or whined about missing balls and parties as other young ladies might. After Robert and Helena, I completely underestimated Diana’s strength and cleverness.
Enter the hero! Step aside, Robert and Ryker. You have been completely overshadowed. Niall piqued all of our interest in Ryker and Penny’s story when Rival gang leader Killoran’s men attacked. We all know how Penelope wriggled her way past his defences, at least in part. Well, rest assured. He is everything you’ve dreamed and more! We know from Helena and Ryker’s books the hard life the brothers knew at the hand of crime lord and gang leader Diggory, but their stories hardly prepare you for the things forced on the little boy named Marksman. Diggory fully intended for Niall to earn that name. My stomach churns just thinking about it. It did take me awhile to get adjusted to the idea of big, serious Niall wearing dandy colors. Sapphire breeches just didn’t really seem to fit into my preconceived notions about his character. But get used to it, I did. Furthermore, I understood it, which is even better.
The discourse in this book is perfect. I loved the witty banter between Niall and Diana. We know going in that Niall is a laconic, hulking beast of a man, and Diana is a slip of a thing with a penchant for asking probing questions. I absolutely loved watching them go toe to toe. Their conversation is some of the best I’ve ever read. I also thoroughly enjoyed Diana’s internal monologue, and conversations with her father.
The cast of side characters is completely unique and lovable. I cannot wait for the rest of the Hell and Sin brothers to have their day!
This story is well rounded. The plot is believable and well conveyed. The writing is, as usual for Christi, flawless. If you skip this book, you are doing yourself a disservice. This is hands down my new favorite Christi book. I already want to reread it.
March 17, 2025
3.75 🌟
This is actually a nice book. It's my first time reading a Christi Caldwell book. She's clearly very well versed into the life and the language of the Victorian era.
However, this is also my first time reading an MMC who's a lowlife, born as a bastard in the streets of London. His mother was a whore who sold him to a street criminal who abused him and turned him into a thug and a murderer.
In fact, the whole series is about thugs, low life men and bastards.
The MFC is the daughter of a Duke who has been outcasted from society because her mother planned the murder of the MFC's bastard half brother and sister and consequently went mad and got locked up in the psychiatric hospital of Bedlam.
Our poor MFC wanted nothing from and with the haute ton. She was counting her days to travel to the island of St. George and live the rest of her days where no one knows her or her mother or father.
But suspense and intrigue were not yet done with our little MFC, many unfortunate accidents kept happening to her which led her to believe that she was being targeted by a murderer. She seeks the help of her half brother (the offspring of her father's affair with his mistress) and convinces him to assign her a guard.
Her guard is the MMC who loathes nobility and would rather pluck his eyes out than be anywhere near her. Yet, the MFC through her gentle demeanour, her pure heart and her spontaneity succeeds in thawing his icy heart.
It's endearing the inner turmoil that he goes through until he finally falls head over heels in love with her.
The plot twist at the end was a bonus point that I did not see coming.
What I didn’t like however is the discrepancy of stating her age. At first she's 17/18 then she turns 18 then almost at the end she's said to be 19.
Also, the author's repetitive information dumping is tedious. She's constantly reminding us of the MMCs past, the MFCs loneliness and the ton's banality.
All in all, it was a low-key entertaining book.
📝 ticking another Bingo square
42) "A class difference book where the heroine is of higher class"
Squares Count: 36
🔴┃🔴┃87┃13┃68┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃76┃44
🔴┃86┃04┃45┃47┃98┃50┃🔴┃85┃75
88┃51┃🔴┃02┃🔴┃🔴┃24┃🔴┃82┃01
100┃🔴┃17┃96┃43┃49┃64┃70┃15┃38
🔴┃🔴┃62┃🔴┃21┃73┃28┃🔴┃90┃77
03┃12┃80┃69┃52┃🔴┃54┃🔴┃23┃🔴
18┃🔴┃22┃🔴┃93┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃58
57┃🔴┃16┃56┃05┃🔴┃🔴┃26┃81┃🔴
🔴┃48┃79┃🔴┃53┃🔴┃06┃🔴┃89┃🔴
🔴┃19┃🔴┃66┃55┃27┃20┃63┃11┃83
This is actually a nice book. It's my first time reading a Christi Caldwell book. She's clearly very well versed into the life and the language of the Victorian era.
However, this is also my first time reading an MMC who's a lowlife, born as a bastard in the streets of London. His mother was a whore who sold him to a street criminal who abused him and turned him into a thug and a murderer.
In fact, the whole series is about thugs, low life men and bastards.
The MFC is the daughter of a Duke who has been outcasted from society because her mother planned the murder of the MFC's bastard half brother and sister and consequently went mad and got locked up in the psychiatric hospital of Bedlam.
Our poor MFC wanted nothing from and with the haute ton. She was counting her days to travel to the island of St. George and live the rest of her days where no one knows her or her mother or father.
But suspense and intrigue were not yet done with our little MFC, many unfortunate accidents kept happening to her which led her to believe that she was being targeted by a murderer. She seeks the help of her half brother (the offspring of her father's affair with his mistress) and convinces him to assign her a guard.
Her guard is the MMC who loathes nobility and would rather pluck his eyes out than be anywhere near her. Yet, the MFC through her gentle demeanour, her pure heart and her spontaneity succeeds in thawing his icy heart.
It's endearing the inner turmoil that he goes through until he finally falls head over heels in love with her.
The plot twist at the end was a bonus point that I did not see coming.
What I didn’t like however is the discrepancy of stating her age. At first she's 17/18 then she turns 18 then almost at the end she's said to be 19.
Also, the author's repetitive information dumping is tedious. She's constantly reminding us of the MMCs past, the MFCs loneliness and the ton's banality.
All in all, it was a low-key entertaining book.
📝 ticking another Bingo square
42) "A class difference book where the heroine is of higher class"
Squares Count: 36
🔴┃🔴┃87┃13┃68┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃76┃44
🔴┃86┃04┃45┃47┃98┃50┃🔴┃85┃75
88┃51┃🔴┃02┃🔴┃🔴┃24┃🔴┃82┃01
100┃🔴┃17┃96┃43┃49┃64┃70┃15┃38
🔴┃🔴┃62┃🔴┃21┃73┃28┃🔴┃90┃77
03┃12┃80┃69┃52┃🔴┃54┃🔴┃23┃🔴
18┃🔴┃22┃🔴┃93┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃58
57┃🔴┃16┃56┃05┃🔴┃🔴┃26┃81┃🔴
🔴┃48┃79┃🔴┃53┃🔴┃06┃🔴┃89┃🔴
🔴┃19┃🔴┃66┃55┃27┃20┃63┃11┃83
July 10, 2017
I started this book right after reading a contemporary bodyguard story. At the time, I thought it doesn’t get any better than this. Oh, but it does! Sure, I love those stories where the heroine spends time in close proximity to a gorgeous man willing to risk his life for hers. But when that man is a regency hunk with a cockney accent, I’m a goner! #3 in Christi Caldwell’s Sinful Brides series, The Lady’s Guard is the ultimate bodyguard romance. With romance, suspense, danger, betrayal, and lots of STEAM, your every bodyguard fantasy will be fulfilled.
Niall Marksman was born with an edge of roughness and felt nothing for anyone. The son of a cheap whore and an unknown father, he’d been handed over as a boy to a street thug. Raised by Diggory on the streets of St. Giles, Niall had been forced to thieve and murder so Diggory could grow his street power and wealth. Until Ryker Black found him. Now, he and his ‘brothers’ (Ryker, Adair, and Callum) were proprietors of the Hell and Sin, a popular gaming hell where Niall also served as the head guard. His life was much improved now, but Niall would never forget his beginnings. He’d been an emaciated boy starving in the streets, invisible to society. And so he’d “kindled a burning hatred for those pompous lords and ladies who cared for nothing but their own pleasures”.
Lady Diana Verney had been alone all of her life. The only legitimate child of the Duke and Duchess of Wilkinson, she’d been raised for one purpose-“to make an advantageous match that would grow the family’s wealth, power, and prestige”. Society had only seen her as a duke’s daughter, but now they saw her as a mad duke’s daughter. A year ago, Diana’s mother had ordered the deaths of her husband’s mistress and illegitimate children. When it was discovered, the Duke had had her sent to Bedlam. For the past year, Diana had heard the whispers of society, that she was doomed to follow her mother’s madness. And in that year, she’d had not a single caller, suitor, or friend. Her father had become an empty shadow of a man, rarely leaving his chambers. Not only was she shunned from society, but now it seemed someone wished to hurt her. There’d been broken axels, saddles, and open windows. Someone intended her harm. She’d shared the incidents with her father, but he’d merely waved off her fears. “Society might see her as a pampered duke’s daughter on her way to madness, but she was no fool.” So dressed in trousers, disguised as a boy, Diana made her way to St. Giles to seek help from the only other person she knew to turn to. Her half- brother, Ryker Black. A man who’d wanted nothing to do with her. She was nothing to him. Nothing to anyone. Yet when she told Ryker her story, he calmly accepted it. No doubts or disbelief. Ryker knew there were still those loyal to Diggory who would do anything to harm him. Even attack his family. Diana required a guard. Not some footman in her employ but a man who could truly protect her. Ryker knew just who to send. “For the first time since her mother had been carted off to Bedlam and her father had become a shell of a man, Diana didn’t feel alone.”
Niall wasn’t happy about his assignment. He belonged at the Hell and Sin. Killoran, their enemy and Diggory’s heir, threatened the security of Niall and his brothers. Someone had infiltrated the club for the last year and Niall had yet to discover who it was. He felt like his being sent away was a mark of failure and weakness. He was needed at the club, not caring for some spoiled chit with a silver spoon in her mouth. He did like the way she looked in trousers though. But “he’d be damned if he lusted after, appreciated, or had any dealings with a bloody lady”.
It bothered Diana that Niall didn’t like her. She felt a bond with him. He’d been cast out of the Hell and Sin to watch over her and she’d been cast out of society because of her mother. She’d been so long without company that she’d hoped for a friendship of sorts with Niall. That seemed the last thing he wanted.
“Life had given Niall little reason to smile and every reason to be silent and guarded.” Most people found that intimidating. Not Diana. She took him to task. No one challenged him. Diana did though, and it filled him with an unwanted wave of desire. As their weeks together progressed, they formed a truce of sorts. Niall soon realized he’d looked at Diana before but had never truly seen her. She wasn’t like the other society ladies. He’d thought ladies often spent their time shopping or at parties, but Diana didn’t attend a single event. She was clever, brave, and far more intelligent than he’d given her credit for. A grudging respect for her grew. She was the only person who treated him as anything other than a ruthless thug. She drew him into conversation, something foreign to him, and had him sharing parts of his life he’d never shared. There was something enlivening being with the bold, unafraid Diana. Yes, she was a lady, Ryker’s sister, an innocent, but somewhere along the way, she was becoming so much more.
Diana came to see Niall in a different light as well. Yes, he was menacing, but she found him more ruggedly beautiful than any gentleman of London society. There was a goodness and gentleness to him that he didn’t see. He’d become more than a guard. He’d become the only true friend Diana had ever known. He might like her and enjoy her company, but could he ever give her his heart?
Just as Niall and Diana are discovering each other, and in turn discovering themselves, the danger returns and Niall will have to face past fears he’d thought long buried if he wants to have a future with Diana.
What an exhilarating addition to a phenomenal series! I fell in love with Niall and Diana. Though they came from completely different worlds, they had so much in common. Diana had spent the last year certain she would eventually descend into insanity, linking herself to her mother’s crimes. But Niall forced her to look at herself differently and realize her mother’s crimes were not her own. Niall had spent his life thinking himself evil because of things he’d been forced to do as a child. He revealed his scars, both figurative and literal, to Diana. Yet she still saw the good in him and helped him to find it too. By sharing their secrets, they discovered it wasn’t your station or situation in life that determined your worth but how you conducted yourself and how you treated others.
I loved the way their relationship evolved. Diana was so genuine in her treatment of and interactions with Niall. It was comical to see him so out of his element. The art of conversation was beyond him. He rarely spoke and when he did, he was so abrupt. But as they spent more time together, he transformed. Like Diana, I loved his teasing rather than his mocking. His grinning rather than scowling. They needed each other to help them discover themselves. I enjoyed Niall’s relationship with his brothers as well. Ryker is starting to seem like a father figure to me, watching the others as they find a love that transforms. All the books in this series have been moving but this one especially so. The lives Niall and Diana endured were beyond imagination. It was tragic, but in finding each other, they found hope.
Christi Caldwell is a master at writing romance. She draws you in with a beautiful love story and keeps you hooked with a compelling plot. The romance doesn’t happen too quickly. She’s good at teasing and making you wait for it. The relationship builds gradually and by the time the characters realize they’re in love, you’re in love too. And when all that pent up passion is released, it’s magical. I’ve read every book in this series so I really can’t imagine reading this as a stand- alone. You’d miss out on the history of vital characters. And believe me, this is a series you don’t want to miss a second of. A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection
October 12, 2022
4 stars (Updated to 4 stars on second read)
This whole series has been fantastic (thus far, but I'm guessing the fourth and final book will be just as good). I recommend reading all of them and in order; I suppose it's not absolutely necessary, but the first two are superb (even better than this one) and are both available through Kindle Unlimited, so why wouldn't you?
I really liked Diana and Niall. I had been looking forward to his story for awhile, because he's so aloof and untouchable, the ultimate rough and tortured type. His antipathy towards the nobility is incredible, to the point where I had serious doubts about him in Book 2, so his pairing with Diana was all the more fantastic.
Wasn't crazy about the age gap (she's 19, he's in his early 30s—doesn't know his exact age), but oh well. I also found Diana's certainty that she was also going to go insane because her mom was looney tunes to not make much sense; I understand the fear, and the fear of her parents' weaknesses also being in her, but the extent to which she obsessed about it and the degree of her certainty was a bit annoying.
Overall, loved them both, loved their story, and loved them together.
Recommendations
Sinful Brides Series
Book 1. The Rogue's Wager — 4 stars, my review
Book 2. The Scoundrel's Honor — 4 stars
Book 3. The Lady's Guard — 4-4.5 stars
Book 4. The Heiress's Deception — 3.75 stars
Similar Heroes
• In Total Surrender (Secrets, #3) by Anne Mallory — 4 stars, my review
• McAlistair's Fortune (Providence, #3) by Alissa Johnson — 4 stars, my review
• Gabriel's Woman (The Lover, #2) by Robin Schone — 4 stars, my review
Similar Matches: Lady Meets Underworld Charmer
• A Rogue by Any Other Name (The Rules of Scoundrels, #1) by Sarah MacLean — 4 stars
• One Good Earl Deserves a Lover (The Rules of Scoundrels, #2) by Sarah MacLean — 4 stars, my review
• Luck Be a Lady (Rules for the Reckless, #4) by Meredith Duran — 4.5 stars
• The Rogue You Know (Coven Garden Cubs, #2) by Shana Galen — 3.5 stars, my review
• Her Wanton Wager (Mayhem in Mayfair, #2) by Grace Callaway — 4 stars
This whole series has been fantastic (thus far, but I'm guessing the fourth and final book will be just as good). I recommend reading all of them and in order; I suppose it's not absolutely necessary, but the first two are superb (even better than this one) and are both available through Kindle Unlimited, so why wouldn't you?
I really liked Diana and Niall. I had been looking forward to his story for awhile, because he's so aloof and untouchable, the ultimate rough and tortured type. His antipathy towards the nobility is incredible, to the point where I had serious doubts about him in Book 2, so his pairing with Diana was all the more fantastic.
Wasn't crazy about the age gap (she's 19, he's in his early 30s—doesn't know his exact age), but oh well. I also found Diana's certainty that she was also going to go insane because her mom was looney tunes to not make much sense; I understand the fear, and the fear of her parents' weaknesses also being in her, but the extent to which she obsessed about it and the degree of her certainty was a bit annoying.
Overall, loved them both, loved their story, and loved them together.
Recommendations
Sinful Brides Series
Book 1. The Rogue's Wager — 4 stars, my review
Book 2. The Scoundrel's Honor — 4 stars
Book 3. The Lady's Guard — 4-4.5 stars
Book 4. The Heiress's Deception — 3.75 stars
Similar Heroes
• In Total Surrender (Secrets, #3) by Anne Mallory — 4 stars, my review
• McAlistair's Fortune (Providence, #3) by Alissa Johnson — 4 stars, my review
• Gabriel's Woman (The Lover, #2) by Robin Schone — 4 stars, my review
Similar Matches: Lady Meets Underworld Charmer
• A Rogue by Any Other Name (The Rules of Scoundrels, #1) by Sarah MacLean — 4 stars
• One Good Earl Deserves a Lover (The Rules of Scoundrels, #2) by Sarah MacLean — 4 stars, my review
• Luck Be a Lady (Rules for the Reckless, #4) by Meredith Duran — 4.5 stars
• The Rogue You Know (Coven Garden Cubs, #2) by Shana Galen — 3.5 stars, my review
• Her Wanton Wager (Mayhem in Mayfair, #2) by Grace Callaway — 4 stars
July 10, 2017
Every once in a while a book comes along that takes you by surprise. It is quite, unassuming and takes you on an emotional journey you never expected. Christi has created a quite masterpiece with The Lady's Guard. Her story and characters will sneak up on you and immerse you into their world and reality.
Diana and Niall came from two completely different worlds. from all outside appearances, there is nothing about these two, which would make you believe they could work as a couple. But the beauty of this book is nothing is ever as it appears. It is easy for an individual to hide behind mask, but when you start to pull back the layers you begin to see a rich, vibrant and complex person you never expected to see.
Diana may have grown up the privilege daughter of a duke, but she never truly known love. Ignored by her father and only seen as a pawn by her mother to increase the family wealthy and standing. Diana has known nothing but loneliness and longs to escape the stifling constrictions of society.
Niall believes the world offers nothing but pain and death. Only the strong survive and if you care about anyone it will make you weak. He wraps himself in his anger and bitterness at the life he was forced to leave and blames the entitled lords and ladies who did nothing to protect a child on the streets.
When Diana and Niall world's collide it is a powerful force of anger and resentment, but as they spend time together they begin to peal back the layers of hurt and pain to find a kindred spirit. All preconceived notions about each other begin to fall away to find two lonely and hurting souls. It is at this place do they begin to heal and start to put together the pieces of their broken lives together.
There is nothing easy about Diana and Niall's journey. They will have to fight their past, present and future in order to make a life together. They must learn that they are both deserving of love and that their past does not define who they are or what their future holds.
Diana and Niall came from two completely different worlds. from all outside appearances, there is nothing about these two, which would make you believe they could work as a couple. But the beauty of this book is nothing is ever as it appears. It is easy for an individual to hide behind mask, but when you start to pull back the layers you begin to see a rich, vibrant and complex person you never expected to see.
Diana may have grown up the privilege daughter of a duke, but she never truly known love. Ignored by her father and only seen as a pawn by her mother to increase the family wealthy and standing. Diana has known nothing but loneliness and longs to escape the stifling constrictions of society.
Niall believes the world offers nothing but pain and death. Only the strong survive and if you care about anyone it will make you weak. He wraps himself in his anger and bitterness at the life he was forced to leave and blames the entitled lords and ladies who did nothing to protect a child on the streets.
When Diana and Niall world's collide it is a powerful force of anger and resentment, but as they spend time together they begin to peal back the layers of hurt and pain to find a kindred spirit. All preconceived notions about each other begin to fall away to find two lonely and hurting souls. It is at this place do they begin to heal and start to put together the pieces of their broken lives together.
There is nothing easy about Diana and Niall's journey. They will have to fight their past, present and future in order to make a life together. They must learn that they are both deserving of love and that their past does not define who they are or what their future holds.
July 9, 2017
What another amazing book from Christi Caldwell this book had me in tears and on a rollercoaster of emotions. So beautifully writing with characters you fall in love with and want to cheer on to reach that happy ending. In book three in the Sinful Brides series we meet Ryker Black's half sister Lady Diana Verney who we got a glimpse of in book one in the series. We also get to know more about Niall Marksman one of brothers in the Hell and Sin Club that part of Ryker circle of family he has made. Both Diana and Niall have had a hard and lonely life for different reasons but their worlds have come together because of dark things and people in their past. They are finding out that this connection is going to pushing them together and make them spend more time toether which they are not sure they like that ideabut things can change.
I so love the way this couple is sassy and witty with each other I found myself laughing out loud with the comments and words they said to each other and the banter back and forth between them.
This is more of a darker book than other Christi Caldwell books but one you dont want to miss. The Sinful Bride Series brings two worlds together that are very different and rarely come together. The rich high society of London and the dark streets St Giles in the poor and seedy side. I am so happy Christi Caldwell wanted to explore this world more it has brought us three beautiful and amazing books in this series, I cant wait to read books in this series and meet more brothers and hear there stories plus hear more about all the others amazing characters we have meet in this series. You dont want to miss this book and this series Christi Caldwell has a way of write characters that you fall in love with and root for and give characters that you think cant redeem themself but do and they are your new favorite hero or herione. So put this book and series on your list to read you will be happy you did.
I so love the way this couple is sassy and witty with each other I found myself laughing out loud with the comments and words they said to each other and the banter back and forth between them.
This is more of a darker book than other Christi Caldwell books but one you dont want to miss. The Sinful Bride Series brings two worlds together that are very different and rarely come together. The rich high society of London and the dark streets St Giles in the poor and seedy side. I am so happy Christi Caldwell wanted to explore this world more it has brought us three beautiful and amazing books in this series, I cant wait to read books in this series and meet more brothers and hear there stories plus hear more about all the others amazing characters we have meet in this series. You dont want to miss this book and this series Christi Caldwell has a way of write characters that you fall in love with and root for and give characters that you think cant redeem themself but do and they are your new favorite hero or herione. So put this book and series on your list to read you will be happy you did.
March 26, 2022
I don’t know, something about this one didn’t work for me. Maybe it just gave me an overall melancholy feeling.
July 8, 2019
Niall Marksman delights in taking the fortunes of the very same society that once disregarded and sneered at his existence. He distains all the nobility and their softness, so when Lady Diana Verney comes to the gaming hell, he co-owners with his blood brothers, he is less than welcoming, but she won’t be turned away, someone is after her and she will not leave without the help she needs. Her farther (a Duke) doesn’t believe her, thinking it’s the imagination of a young girl/woman, and due to the sharp and callous whispers she endures from society she has no friends to turn to and so she goes to seek the man - , who has thus far done nothing to foster the family bond they have.
When Niall is assigned to protect Diana, he is more than a little displeased/annoyed, but as he spends time with her, he realises how wrong he was about the type of person she is.
A nice read, but it didn’t grip my attention as potently as the book that came before it, I like the main characters but there was an undertone of heat and tension missing – an undertone that would have added a delicious dimension to the story and character interactions. I also felt that when it came to the pacing of the romance and its development between Niall and Diana could have been smoother.
Acquired via KU.
When Niall is assigned to protect Diana, he is more than a little displeased/annoyed, but as he spends time with her, he realises how wrong he was about the type of person she is.
A nice read, but it didn’t grip my attention as potently as the book that came before it, I like the main characters but there was an undertone of heat and tension missing – an undertone that would have added a delicious dimension to the story and character interactions. I also felt that when it came to the pacing of the romance and its development between Niall and Diana could have been smoother.
Acquired via KU.
January 13, 2020
The Lady's Guard is the third installment of Christi Caldwell's Sinful Brides series. Each book that Christi writes is my favorite until the next one comes along. This book is no exception.
Diana Verney is the heroine. She is a Duke's daughter and has 2 half siblings that we've met in previous books. She believes someone is out to kill her and needs to enlist aid from her her half brother Ryker Black.
Our hero Niall Marksman is assigned the task of guarding Diana. He was raised in the seedy end of London and the last thing he wants to do is move to posh part of town.
Both characters have their own set of demons to get over. There are tender moments that make you cry, moments that make your heart race. It was a pleasure to get to know these people and watch them grow.
Get the book! You will not be disappointed.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Diana Verney is the heroine. She is a Duke's daughter and has 2 half siblings that we've met in previous books. She believes someone is out to kill her and needs to enlist aid from her her half brother Ryker Black.
Our hero Niall Marksman is assigned the task of guarding Diana. He was raised in the seedy end of London and the last thing he wants to do is move to posh part of town.
Both characters have their own set of demons to get over. There are tender moments that make you cry, moments that make your heart race. It was a pleasure to get to know these people and watch them grow.
Get the book! You will not be disappointed.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2022
Not a fan of the writing
November 26, 2017
This is a book of hidden depths, from the beginning to the end. There are pockets of humor, and tension from beginning to end, plus short periods of pure terror for the heroine and hero.
I am an auto-click junkie for Christi Caldwell. I re-read her work, I wait for new ones with my breath caught, hoping I survive until the book releases. I have favorites, but with each book, this author grows. So I keep getting more favorite books that she keeps writing.
The Lady's Guard will join the others.
I am an auto-click junkie for Christi Caldwell. I re-read her work, I wait for new ones with my breath caught, hoping I survive until the book releases. I have favorites, but with each book, this author grows. So I keep getting more favorite books that she keeps writing.
The Lady's Guard will join the others.
February 15, 2018
Third book in the series, The Lady’s Guard did not fail and pulled at your heartstrings.
Since it is the third in the series, you find that the characters are fully developed and likeable because each do not share the same sort of demeanor or personality. The main characters are Diana and Niall..one the half-sister of Ryker Black and the other an adopted brother in the Hell and Sin gaming den. It is clear that both come from totally opposite backgrounds.
Diana has lived her life as a Duke’s daughter that comes with the privilege of living among the Ton. She came from a father who never loved her, only the mistress that bore his bastard children. Her mother was no different, the mistress of one of the most hated man in St. Giles who was killed by Ryker in the first novel of this series. The only benefit for both her parents was that she could increase the family’s wealth and standing by marrying well. She wasn’t loved and never knew what love was…the only thing she believed was that she was just like her mother, a crazed woman who would one day be put in Bedlam as she existed now.
Then there is Niall Marksman, head of Security at the Hell and Sin. He grew up in the Dials and was rescued by Ryker when he was almost put to death by an archenemy. He believes that life offers nothing but pain and death. You either kill or be killed and only the strong survives. He is fueled by anger and it is this anger that allows him to be the forceful person that he has become. He despises anyone with a title, women included because they only think of themselves and do nothing to protect those that are less fortunate.
When Diana runs into Niall in her search for the half-brother Ryker, anger sparks between the two. Diana tells Ryker that someone is out to kill her and she needs his assistance with protection. Niall is no exception as Ryker believes he needs protection from himself but just can’t see what is clearly in front of him. He is assigned to guard Diana until she makes a reasonable match, then he can return back to him home, the Hell and Sin. During his time under the Duke’s roof, he finds himself being drawn to Diana and seeing that she is unlike the ladies of the Ton that he is accustomed to seeing. All having doubts of Diana’s confession of being in danger, they go along to appease her until one horrible night when she is accosted in her own home.
It only takes one life threatening act to bring together two emotionally torn individuals. Niall hiding behind fearlessness to mask the scars born upon him by the wretched streets of St. Giles and Diana, wanting to be viewed not as one of privilege but as a woman who wants and needs to be loved by a plain man and no gent. They try to overcome their pasts by peeling back the memories that have haunt them all their lives. Those close to them see that they are right for one another, but they find that out much too late that it almost cost them being together for the rest of their lives. The learn that they are deserving of love and being loved regardless of their stations in society.
In this novel, Christi Caldwell does very good job of making you see through a darkly lit glass of the deep-seated scars and emotions of the H/H. It is well written and at times parts of the story tugged at my heart for these two lonely tortured souls. Very enjoyable read and narration by Tim Campbell was excellent.
4.5 Stars
Since it is the third in the series, you find that the characters are fully developed and likeable because each do not share the same sort of demeanor or personality. The main characters are Diana and Niall..one the half-sister of Ryker Black and the other an adopted brother in the Hell and Sin gaming den. It is clear that both come from totally opposite backgrounds.
Diana has lived her life as a Duke’s daughter that comes with the privilege of living among the Ton. She came from a father who never loved her, only the mistress that bore his bastard children. Her mother was no different, the mistress of one of the most hated man in St. Giles who was killed by Ryker in the first novel of this series. The only benefit for both her parents was that she could increase the family’s wealth and standing by marrying well. She wasn’t loved and never knew what love was…the only thing she believed was that she was just like her mother, a crazed woman who would one day be put in Bedlam as she existed now.
Then there is Niall Marksman, head of Security at the Hell and Sin. He grew up in the Dials and was rescued by Ryker when he was almost put to death by an archenemy. He believes that life offers nothing but pain and death. You either kill or be killed and only the strong survives. He is fueled by anger and it is this anger that allows him to be the forceful person that he has become. He despises anyone with a title, women included because they only think of themselves and do nothing to protect those that are less fortunate.
When Diana runs into Niall in her search for the half-brother Ryker, anger sparks between the two. Diana tells Ryker that someone is out to kill her and she needs his assistance with protection. Niall is no exception as Ryker believes he needs protection from himself but just can’t see what is clearly in front of him. He is assigned to guard Diana until she makes a reasonable match, then he can return back to him home, the Hell and Sin. During his time under the Duke’s roof, he finds himself being drawn to Diana and seeing that she is unlike the ladies of the Ton that he is accustomed to seeing. All having doubts of Diana’s confession of being in danger, they go along to appease her until one horrible night when she is accosted in her own home.
It only takes one life threatening act to bring together two emotionally torn individuals. Niall hiding behind fearlessness to mask the scars born upon him by the wretched streets of St. Giles and Diana, wanting to be viewed not as one of privilege but as a woman who wants and needs to be loved by a plain man and no gent. They try to overcome their pasts by peeling back the memories that have haunt them all their lives. Those close to them see that they are right for one another, but they find that out much too late that it almost cost them being together for the rest of their lives. The learn that they are deserving of love and being loved regardless of their stations in society.
In this novel, Christi Caldwell does very good job of making you see through a darkly lit glass of the deep-seated scars and emotions of the H/H. It is well written and at times parts of the story tugged at my heart for these two lonely tortured souls. Very enjoyable read and narration by Tim Campbell was excellent.
4.5 Stars
July 16, 2017
Book Review For: The Lady's Guard Sinful Brides, Book 3 by Christi Caldwel "The Lady's Guard' By Christi Caldwell is book Three in the "Sinful Brides" series. This is the story of Lady Diana Verney and Niall. I have read the previous books in this series but feel you can read this as a standalone. But I would also say this has been a great series so far...so you might not want to miss out on reading them all. Diana is the half sister of Ryker Black. whose story played out in book two "The Scoundrel's Honor". Diana doesn't really know her half brother because he was a illegitimate child along with his full sister. Ryder owns a Gambling Hall alone with a few other men...one being Niall. Diana has a feeling someone is trying to kill her after she had so many 'accident' and strange happenings at her home. Her father doesn't believe anything is going on so Diana sneaks out one night to go to Ryder's Hall to ask for his help. Ryder's help came in the form of Niall as a bodyguard until they can find out if there is someone after her. Niall is a hard type of man due to him growing up on the streets and being bullied into hurting people to stay alive. So he doesn't want to watch over a "Princess" while they find no one is threatening her. But their time together they find they aren't so different after all. Ms. Caldwells books always deserves more that 5 Stars....she puts allot emotions for me in her books. I honestly couldn't put it down! Loved it!"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H... https://twitter.com/soapsrus68 https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR... http://booklikes.com/bloghttps://roma... https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
June 9, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
All Christi’s books are excellent.
This series and this book are no exception
Loved every page
More please
💋💋💋
All Christi’s books are excellent.
This series and this book are no exception
Loved every page
More please
July 10, 2017
Another fantastic read from the brilliant Christi Caldwell. She's one of the few authors who are an automatic one-click purchase for me, and on this occasion I was lucky enough to get an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The book continues the wonderful Sinful Brides series, which covers the stories of the 'siblings' who run the Hell and Sin Club, and this is Niall's story. Niall stole my heart in the second book in the series (The Scoundrel's Honor) and I couldn't wait to hear more about him. In this, the book certainly didn't disappoint. It was a heart wrenching rollercoaster of emotion, from laughter to tears (both happy and sad). I absolutely loved the plot twists in the second half of the book, which I really wasn't expecting!
Niall and Diana are both very well developed characters and, as a reader, I warmed to them both in different ways. It was lovely to watch them both make their journeys towards their HEA.
As with all of Christi Caldwell's books, there were cameos from past and (hopefully) future heroes and heroines, which I always enjoy, but would not spoil the enjoyment of the book for a reader new to her work. I loved the interactions between Niall and his 'brothers' and Diana and Penelope especially.
All in all, another 5* read.
I was given an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book continues the wonderful Sinful Brides series, which covers the stories of the 'siblings' who run the Hell and Sin Club, and this is Niall's story. Niall stole my heart in the second book in the series (The Scoundrel's Honor) and I couldn't wait to hear more about him. In this, the book certainly didn't disappoint. It was a heart wrenching rollercoaster of emotion, from laughter to tears (both happy and sad). I absolutely loved the plot twists in the second half of the book, which I really wasn't expecting!
Niall and Diana are both very well developed characters and, as a reader, I warmed to them both in different ways. It was lovely to watch them both make their journeys towards their HEA.
As with all of Christi Caldwell's books, there were cameos from past and (hopefully) future heroes and heroines, which I always enjoy, but would not spoil the enjoyment of the book for a reader new to her work. I loved the interactions between Niall and his 'brothers' and Diana and Penelope especially.
All in all, another 5* read.
I was given an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2017
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 3 in Christi Caldwell's sinful brides series. I enjoyed it a great deal the story was well done and I cannot wait for the next one.
December 4, 2017
I think I may have found another author to look forward to!
Niall and Diana's cross-class romance seemed more realistic to me than most Regencies out there. There is a definite feel of the time period, along with the very real issues that people in both classes face.
One gripe is that the writing felt a little repetitive to me, that took away the grip of the plot. Also the pacing of the romance could have been smoother - one second you have Niall closing off from his emotions, determined not to have his softer feelings bloom and then boom, the next moment he is kissing her in a frenzy outside in the rain.
Under the right editor, I can see Christi Caldwell being a bestseller.
Niall and Diana's cross-class romance seemed more realistic to me than most Regencies out there. There is a definite feel of the time period, along with the very real issues that people in both classes face.
One gripe is that the writing felt a little repetitive to me, that took away the grip of the plot. Also the pacing of the romance could have been smoother - one second you have Niall closing off from his emotions, determined not to have his softer feelings bloom and then boom, the next moment he is kissing her in a frenzy outside in the rain.
Under the right editor, I can see Christi Caldwell being a bestseller.
October 29, 2017
It was an ok book. I liked the hero and heroine, and the story, I just felt that part of it was a little over done (mainly the beginning of the book, which got to be quite tedious) I get it, killed or be killed, no emotions etc, etc... Also, there was little in the way of romance build up.. he barely could stand her (she is a peer and he can't have emotions ) then all of a sudden BAM! he kisses her and loves her.. I like the back story and have been reading the series for awhile.
September 26, 2020
I loved the couple’s dynamics and the primary relationship conflict. Its the ever popular gruff character with the bright eyed character trope.
However, perhaps its because I’m reading it out of order, but the side characters were incredibly distracting. I mostly felt sorry for the heroine and her lack of human connections.
However, perhaps its because I’m reading it out of order, but the side characters were incredibly distracting. I mostly felt sorry for the heroine and her lack of human connections.
July 25, 2017
What a wonderful story! Christi Caldwell presents us with a most unlikely pairing in The Lady's Guard, Book 3 of the Sinful Brides series. This is seemingly, the most mismatched couple to date in the Caldwell universe. These two people should never have met. Their paths should have never crossed. They have nothing in common on the surface.
Aha! But… They have everything in common on the inside. Beneath the surface, where it really counts, her lonely met his lonely. His tortured soul is soothed and healed by her giving and loving soul. They are magic. To quote Christi, "I am lost."
Our Dear Couple
Niall Marksman is a self-made man starting with his name. The baseborn son of a whore, he has been a thief and a murderer in his tortured youth and he has the scars to prove it. He has risen from the lowest, grimiest gutters of the Seven Dials to the coveted and dangerous position of part owner and chief guard of the highly successful Hell and Sin Club.
I loved Niall’s ability to code switch. When he seamlessly switched from speaking in the poshest London dialect to straight gutter Cockney, I giggled every time.
Lady Diana Verney, the pampered and sheltered daughter of the Duke of Wilkinson, has seen her life turned upside down. She has gone from being a most sought after Diamond of the First Waters to a ruined and ignored Outcast from Society in the blink of an eye due to dire circumstances beyond her control.
What irony! Her heroic actions in The Rogue’s Wager, Book 1 of the Sinful Brides series, elevated her baseborn brother to the peerage and debased her own position in Society.
The Setup
Caldwell weaves another tale of brokenness. This time, we're dealing with the brokenness of the mind, the toll that the actions of others takes and how those actions reverberate in the lives of the innocents they impact. It was intriguing to follow the story as it unfolded. How on earth will this pair come together? We know that it had to happen, but the journey there was complex and satisfying.
The angst level was high in this story. Due to the subject matter and setting, our characters experienced most of their feelings internally and in isolation a great deal of the time.
Caldwell skillfully moves them out of their heads by creatively telescoping their growing feelings for one another in such a way that their attraction becomes apparent to even the casual observer. This story speaks to the tortured lonely soul. Appearances are often deceiving. The old saying, “you can't judge a book by its cover,” is most apropos here.
The Antagonist
Blow me away with the buildup and anticipation of the drama! I never guessed the source or direction from whence the danger was coming. You won't either. I loved it!
Guest Appearances
Nathaniel Stone (Always Proper, Suddenly Scandalous) and his willy-nilly nautical time table shows up.
Christopher and Sophia’s ballroom (Never Courted, Suddenly Wed) made an appearance. Such an awesome couple! Time for a reread.
Tristan Poplar, Earl of Maxwell (Captivated by a Lady's Charm) is still cutting a bachelor swath through the ton, but we know that his wings are due to be clipped soon. Can't wait for his story with our beloved Lady Pop Pop.
Broderick Killoran and his younger sister, Cleo, two future subjects of whom we can't wait to learn more, show up and are pivotal in moving the plot line. In addition, Ryker and Penelope Black, Calum and Adair, of course, the other Hell and Sin Club owner/siblings make extended appearances.
Conclusion
I wish that this story had been the second book in the Sinful Brides series. I found Diana, in spite of her youth, to be a better, more mature, match for one of our Hell and Sin Club fellows.
With Ryker's presence and power, he needed a more mature mate than a Penelope Tidemore in her first season. She needed a few more seasons under her belt. In my humble opinion, a 25 year old Penelope in the same story appearing as the last story of the series would have been perfect.
Caveat: As a fast rule, I don't care for stories with teenaged, inexperienced heroines and 30-something experienced men. It triggers me.
Even though we see the same age difference in this story, I wasn't distressed by it. I attribute my dissonant responses to the different maturity levels of the two heroines.
I look forward to the next books in this series! I highly recommend this book!
Aha! But… They have everything in common on the inside. Beneath the surface, where it really counts, her lonely met his lonely. His tortured soul is soothed and healed by her giving and loving soul. They are magic. To quote Christi, "I am lost."
Our Dear Couple
Niall Marksman is a self-made man starting with his name. The baseborn son of a whore, he has been a thief and a murderer in his tortured youth and he has the scars to prove it. He has risen from the lowest, grimiest gutters of the Seven Dials to the coveted and dangerous position of part owner and chief guard of the highly successful Hell and Sin Club.
I loved Niall’s ability to code switch. When he seamlessly switched from speaking in the poshest London dialect to straight gutter Cockney, I giggled every time.
Lady Diana Verney, the pampered and sheltered daughter of the Duke of Wilkinson, has seen her life turned upside down. She has gone from being a most sought after Diamond of the First Waters to a ruined and ignored Outcast from Society in the blink of an eye due to dire circumstances beyond her control.
What irony! Her heroic actions in The Rogue’s Wager, Book 1 of the Sinful Brides series, elevated her baseborn brother to the peerage and debased her own position in Society.
The Setup
Caldwell weaves another tale of brokenness. This time, we're dealing with the brokenness of the mind, the toll that the actions of others takes and how those actions reverberate in the lives of the innocents they impact. It was intriguing to follow the story as it unfolded. How on earth will this pair come together? We know that it had to happen, but the journey there was complex and satisfying.
The angst level was high in this story. Due to the subject matter and setting, our characters experienced most of their feelings internally and in isolation a great deal of the time.
Caldwell skillfully moves them out of their heads by creatively telescoping their growing feelings for one another in such a way that their attraction becomes apparent to even the casual observer. This story speaks to the tortured lonely soul. Appearances are often deceiving. The old saying, “you can't judge a book by its cover,” is most apropos here.
The Antagonist
Blow me away with the buildup and anticipation of the drama! I never guessed the source or direction from whence the danger was coming. You won't either. I loved it!
Guest Appearances
Nathaniel Stone (Always Proper, Suddenly Scandalous) and his willy-nilly nautical time table shows up.
Christopher and Sophia’s ballroom (Never Courted, Suddenly Wed) made an appearance. Such an awesome couple! Time for a reread.
Tristan Poplar, Earl of Maxwell (Captivated by a Lady's Charm) is still cutting a bachelor swath through the ton, but we know that his wings are due to be clipped soon. Can't wait for his story with our beloved Lady Pop Pop.
Broderick Killoran and his younger sister, Cleo, two future subjects of whom we can't wait to learn more, show up and are pivotal in moving the plot line. In addition, Ryker and Penelope Black, Calum and Adair, of course, the other Hell and Sin Club owner/siblings make extended appearances.
Conclusion
I wish that this story had been the second book in the Sinful Brides series. I found Diana, in spite of her youth, to be a better, more mature, match for one of our Hell and Sin Club fellows.
With Ryker's presence and power, he needed a more mature mate than a Penelope Tidemore in her first season. She needed a few more seasons under her belt. In my humble opinion, a 25 year old Penelope in the same story appearing as the last story of the series would have been perfect.
Caveat: As a fast rule, I don't care for stories with teenaged, inexperienced heroines and 30-something experienced men. It triggers me.
Even though we see the same age difference in this story, I wasn't distressed by it. I attribute my dissonant responses to the different maturity levels of the two heroines.
I look forward to the next books in this series! I highly recommend this book!
August 23, 2017
Christi Caldwell is absolutely an amazing Historical Romance Author. She is one of the most prolific writers today and I wish I had the time to read all her books. I have read all three books in this series and can only say that I can not pick a favorite. I loved them all. Christi has the unique talent of pulling you into her stories and keeping you immersed to the very end. She knows how to tug at your heart strings and I have to admit that I cried while reading this book. Her characters are so human. Their flaws and quirks make them special. In this story, the big strong hero is the one hiding all his insecurities and the aristocratic debutante is strong and determined.
Niall Marksman is a St. Giles native who was given into the hands of a nasty crime lord when he was an infant. He grew up hungry, cold and had to kill or be killed to survive. He is low born, scarred and will protect what is his with his dying breath. He values loyalty of above all else and when his adopted brother Ryker asks him to go to Mayfair and protect his half sister from danger, he balks but eventually agrees and leaves the safety of the gambling club and ventures into a world that he loathes. He has no use for the Gentry, they care only for what they have and could care less about anyone or anything that would interfere with their pleasures. He never expects to meet someone who will turn everything he has ever believed into dust and change the course of his life forever.
Lady Diana Verney is a typical Duke's daughter. Dutiful, meek, and obedient. She knows that she must enter the Season and marry well, until the day her whole world falls apart. Her mother, the Duchess is committed to Bedlam for plotting to murder the children of her husband's dead mistress. Her father is a shell of the man he used to be and she is convinced that she will go insane like her mother. Now a year later she is convinced that someone is trying to kill her and she cannot depend on her father to help her. She contacts her half-brother to ask for help and he sends her his head of security from the Club he owns. She has never met anyone like Niall Marksman. She is fascinated and awed at how he has survived and thrived in the world that he grew up in. As they are in each other's company every day they learn more of each other's world and begin to understand each other and develop feelings for each other that seemed impossible just weeks earlier.
This story has wonderful secondary characters from the first two books in the series and a truly evil villain. This is an addictive book that you will not be able to put down until you finish it. A deeply satisfying love story filled with a wonderful fulfilling plot and spellbinding writing. I recommend this book with all my heart. I will continue to collect Christi's books and will read every one of them even if it takes a lifetime.
Niall Marksman is a St. Giles native who was given into the hands of a nasty crime lord when he was an infant. He grew up hungry, cold and had to kill or be killed to survive. He is low born, scarred and will protect what is his with his dying breath. He values loyalty of above all else and when his adopted brother Ryker asks him to go to Mayfair and protect his half sister from danger, he balks but eventually agrees and leaves the safety of the gambling club and ventures into a world that he loathes. He has no use for the Gentry, they care only for what they have and could care less about anyone or anything that would interfere with their pleasures. He never expects to meet someone who will turn everything he has ever believed into dust and change the course of his life forever.
Lady Diana Verney is a typical Duke's daughter. Dutiful, meek, and obedient. She knows that she must enter the Season and marry well, until the day her whole world falls apart. Her mother, the Duchess is committed to Bedlam for plotting to murder the children of her husband's dead mistress. Her father is a shell of the man he used to be and she is convinced that she will go insane like her mother. Now a year later she is convinced that someone is trying to kill her and she cannot depend on her father to help her. She contacts her half-brother to ask for help and he sends her his head of security from the Club he owns. She has never met anyone like Niall Marksman. She is fascinated and awed at how he has survived and thrived in the world that he grew up in. As they are in each other's company every day they learn more of each other's world and begin to understand each other and develop feelings for each other that seemed impossible just weeks earlier.
This story has wonderful secondary characters from the first two books in the series and a truly evil villain. This is an addictive book that you will not be able to put down until you finish it. A deeply satisfying love story filled with a wonderful fulfilling plot and spellbinding writing. I recommend this book with all my heart. I will continue to collect Christi's books and will read every one of them even if it takes a lifetime.
February 11, 2020
The Lady’s Guard features an amazing opposites attract romance with an incredible group of characters.
Lady Diana Verney has no business being in a place like the Hell and Sin Club, but she knows someone is trying to kill her and it’s the only place where she can get the protection she needs. But when the bodyguard she is given is the intriguing Niall Marksman, Diana begins to question her plan. Niall tempts Diana in ways she never imagined and while her life will be safe with him, her heart may not be.
Diana led a rather sheltered existence as a duke’s daughter until her mother had her father’s mistress killed and tried to kill his illegitimate daughter. As a result, Diana has been thrust into society’s spotlight in the worst way. After she overhears rumors suggesting she’s as mad as her mother, Diana retreats from the world as much as possible fearing they’re right. Not wanting to hurt anyone, Diana keeps everyone at a distance which definitely leads to a lonely life for her.
Sold by his mother as a child, Niall quickly learned he would be forced to do unimaginable things to survive on the streets of London. This drastically affected him and he has a lot of guilt over what he’s done which he masks with sharp remarks and a cold exterior. Now that he has a stake in one of the more popular gaming hells of London, he enjoys that he now has a way to get back at those who looked down on him, taking their fortunes one game at a time.
Diana and Niall’s relationship gets off to a slow start as they both have preconceived notions about who the other is. I enjoyed the early days of Niall guarding Diana as it allowed them a chance to figure who the other person actually is and that they were wrong in their initial assumptions. Once the two get to know one another, they form a friendship layered with an obvious attraction between them. The pair’s chemistry is simply fantastic and I loved their every interaction. When their relationship progresses physically, it’s wonderfully done with some excellent scenes. I thought the final scene between the two was fantastically done and it was perfectly fitting for them.
While The Lady’s Guard is the third book in the Sinful Brides series, the book does stand well on its own. That’s not to say that there aren’t a lot of references to the plots of the prior books, there are, but the story is written in a way that makes it so you can still understand what’s going on without having read those books. However, after reading this book I am definitely interested in reading about some of the events first-hand and will definitely be going back to read the other books in the series.
Overall I really enjoyed The Lady’s Guard and am looking forward to reading more from the author in the future. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a historical romance that involves some darker elements.
Lady Diana Verney has no business being in a place like the Hell and Sin Club, but she knows someone is trying to kill her and it’s the only place where she can get the protection she needs. But when the bodyguard she is given is the intriguing Niall Marksman, Diana begins to question her plan. Niall tempts Diana in ways she never imagined and while her life will be safe with him, her heart may not be.
Diana led a rather sheltered existence as a duke’s daughter until her mother had her father’s mistress killed and tried to kill his illegitimate daughter. As a result, Diana has been thrust into society’s spotlight in the worst way. After she overhears rumors suggesting she’s as mad as her mother, Diana retreats from the world as much as possible fearing they’re right. Not wanting to hurt anyone, Diana keeps everyone at a distance which definitely leads to a lonely life for her.
Sold by his mother as a child, Niall quickly learned he would be forced to do unimaginable things to survive on the streets of London. This drastically affected him and he has a lot of guilt over what he’s done which he masks with sharp remarks and a cold exterior. Now that he has a stake in one of the more popular gaming hells of London, he enjoys that he now has a way to get back at those who looked down on him, taking their fortunes one game at a time.
Diana and Niall’s relationship gets off to a slow start as they both have preconceived notions about who the other is. I enjoyed the early days of Niall guarding Diana as it allowed them a chance to figure who the other person actually is and that they were wrong in their initial assumptions. Once the two get to know one another, they form a friendship layered with an obvious attraction between them. The pair’s chemistry is simply fantastic and I loved their every interaction. When their relationship progresses physically, it’s wonderfully done with some excellent scenes. I thought the final scene between the two was fantastically done and it was perfectly fitting for them.
While The Lady’s Guard is the third book in the Sinful Brides series, the book does stand well on its own. That’s not to say that there aren’t a lot of references to the plots of the prior books, there are, but the story is written in a way that makes it so you can still understand what’s going on without having read those books. However, after reading this book I am definitely interested in reading about some of the events first-hand and will definitely be going back to read the other books in the series.
Overall I really enjoyed The Lady’s Guard and am looking forward to reading more from the author in the future. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a historical romance that involves some darker elements.
July 3, 2017
The Lady's Guard is book three in the Sinful Brides series. I have read all three and they are equally good. They focus on a family that has been made hard by their circumstances and the people that are able to break down their walls and get in to see the real person.
Lady Diana Verney is the half sister to Ryker Black, the tough owner of the Hell and Sin Club. A place where no Lady should visit. Diana goes there to ask Ryker for protection. She has had attempts on her life and feels unsafe. Her parents are in turmoil and Diana has been left to fend for herself.
Niall Marksman has had a tough life. He is a trained killer who has been a guard at the Hell and Sin Club. He does not like the society Lady's and Lords. When he is asked to be a guard for Diana until she marries or the threat goes away he is not happy. As Niall and Diana get to know one another, they realize they are very attracted to one another. Diana is able to see the real Niall that no one else has seen. Niall is able to see the real Diana that no one else sees. As the two allow themselves to give into their temptation, the both realize there are so many differences between them that a life together would be almost impossible. Then when Diana's life is endanger not once but twice, Niall finds himself realizing he is in love with her. Now what does he do with that love? Does he act on it and if so how?
Caldwell does a great job of creating characters that are so likable and that you are routing for them. The book is well written. I cannot wait to see what happens with Niall's brothers and see if they find love as well.
Lady Diana Verney is the half sister to Ryker Black, the tough owner of the Hell and Sin Club. A place where no Lady should visit. Diana goes there to ask Ryker for protection. She has had attempts on her life and feels unsafe. Her parents are in turmoil and Diana has been left to fend for herself.
Niall Marksman has had a tough life. He is a trained killer who has been a guard at the Hell and Sin Club. He does not like the society Lady's and Lords. When he is asked to be a guard for Diana until she marries or the threat goes away he is not happy. As Niall and Diana get to know one another, they realize they are very attracted to one another. Diana is able to see the real Niall that no one else has seen. Niall is able to see the real Diana that no one else sees. As the two allow themselves to give into their temptation, the both realize there are so many differences between them that a life together would be almost impossible. Then when Diana's life is endanger not once but twice, Niall finds himself realizing he is in love with her. Now what does he do with that love? Does he act on it and if so how?
Caldwell does a great job of creating characters that are so likable and that you are routing for them. The book is well written. I cannot wait to see what happens with Niall's brothers and see if they find love as well.
January 12, 2018
A most disturbing story about a woman Diana who thought no one loved her because of her crazy mother and Niall who believed no one can love him because of the murderous acts he committed in order to survive, this story gave a gruesome picture of what it was like to survive on the filthy streets of London especially St. Giles. How could the burning and out of control attraction they had for each other survive, with him being street born and the owner of a gambling den and she is the daughter of a Duke, what a bleak outlook but love can weather all storms. This book has a wonderful storyline, the characters are quite intense and the romance is also intense and hot a most beautiful and engrossing story with lots of adventurous moments.
July 22, 2017
The Lady's Guard Beauty enters the lair of the beast and ends up rescuing them both. An adventurous spin on a tale embedded within the hearts of many romantics all over the world. Christi Caldwell has that touch. The Lady's Guard proves it. Niall is a broken man who lives on the edge of society and wallows in the center of danger. Diana is a woman that finds herself in the midst of a mysterious power struggle that lands her in serious danger from an unknown enemy. There is always a twist and a hidden lesson of value waiting hidden within. The most valuable one: The most beautiful person shines from the inside, not dazzles from the outside. Through dazzling adventure, the darkest of dangers and the tragedy that surrounds them this couple creates something beautiful.
January 1, 2024
4 stars. Glad I picked up this book again after a break of a few years. It had such character development and yearning for more. I want to read another book in the series just for a glimpse of these characters living their lives together.
July 10, 2017
One word to describe the book? Amazing! Christi takes you on yet another adventure. You'll experience so many emotions reading it. I was smiling like a loon to myself at one point, then held my breath at another, yet wanted to cry and cheer at the same time.
The story lends a voice to 2 lonely souls. Though different on the outside, they're similar in their longing to belong. They're twists and turns as I had no idea who the villain is ... or are!
The characters are well developed, so those who haven't read the series still understand and able to follow the story line. The interactions and pace of the story is very enjoyable, as it doesn't drag on nor it's rushed to the conclusion. I did expect a happy ending, but had no idea it'd be what it is. That's another bonus with Christi's stories. You think you know, but you really don't!
As always, it's a tremendous pleasure to read another story from Christi. This one will stay with me for a long time. I'll re-read it many, many more times in the years to come, as I always do with all her books.
I highly recommend this book, as well as all her books. You'll never be disappointed going with Christi Caldwell's books.
I received an ARC copy for my honest review.
The story lends a voice to 2 lonely souls. Though different on the outside, they're similar in their longing to belong. They're twists and turns as I had no idea who the villain is ... or are!
The characters are well developed, so those who haven't read the series still understand and able to follow the story line. The interactions and pace of the story is very enjoyable, as it doesn't drag on nor it's rushed to the conclusion. I did expect a happy ending, but had no idea it'd be what it is. That's another bonus with Christi's stories. You think you know, but you really don't!
As always, it's a tremendous pleasure to read another story from Christi. This one will stay with me for a long time. I'll re-read it many, many more times in the years to come, as I always do with all her books.
I highly recommend this book, as well as all her books. You'll never be disappointed going with Christi Caldwell's books.
I received an ARC copy for my honest review.
July 10, 2017
This is the 3rd book in the Sinful Brides Series and it will take you on a whirlwind of a ride.
if you are normally an emotional person, you will need at least one box of tissues.
Lady Diana has not lived a very pleasant life but she never complains or feels sorry for herself. All she really wants is a true friendship.
For some unknown reason someone is trying to harm Diana so now it is time for Niall Marksman, a guttersnipe and a fighter to become her bodyguard and possibly a hero.
There is humor, suspense, romance and some frightening moments for both Diana and Niall.
This is a must read!!! I don't know how Ms.Caldwell keeps writing these books that get better all the time. I received this ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
if you are normally an emotional person, you will need at least one box of tissues.
Lady Diana has not lived a very pleasant life but she never complains or feels sorry for herself. All she really wants is a true friendship.
For some unknown reason someone is trying to harm Diana so now it is time for Niall Marksman, a guttersnipe and a fighter to become her bodyguard and possibly a hero.
There is humor, suspense, romance and some frightening moments for both Diana and Niall.
This is a must read!!! I don't know how Ms.Caldwell keeps writing these books that get better all the time. I received this ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2017
Christi Caldwell has DONE IT AGAIN!!!
Absolutely loved this book
Couldn't put this book down it was riveting
Absolutely loved this book
Couldn't put this book down it was riveting
January 13, 2022
niall was reluctant to become diana's guard when she approached her stepbrother for help. growing up, niall never knew love or affection or care. neither did he give nor did he receive any warmth. all he knew was kill or be killed and that's what he had to do to survive. when niall became diana's protector, he didn't think the threats against her were real. angry that he's pulled away from the club, niall thinks that diana is a spoilt and pampered lady based on his perception of the nobles. soon enough, diana showed him that she isn't like any of those snobby people.
i really liked diana. throughout the book, not only did she had patience for niall's antics but she had the wit to counter him. gradually, she showed niall compassion and kindness that he had never gotten when he was younger. the aftermath of book two made diana worried for numerous reasons but she never complained nor hold grudges. instead, she kept her feelings and concerns to herself.
with a brooding hero and a lonely heroine, they made a great pair. it's hard to know what the other is thinking when they sharing their problems isn't a habit. however, with a keen eye and some observation skills, the both of them seem to understand the other. seeing how they fell for each other was cute. for niall to find someone worth protecting and for diana to meet someone who's willing to do anything for her. it's adorable.
books in the series:
1. the rogue’s wager: ✰✰✰✰
2. the scoundrel’s honor: ✰✰✰✰
3. the lady’s guard: ✰✰✰✰
4. the heiress’s deception: ✰✰✰✰
i really liked diana. throughout the book, not only did she had patience for niall's antics but she had the wit to counter him. gradually, she showed niall compassion and kindness that he had never gotten when he was younger. the aftermath of book two made diana worried for numerous reasons but she never complained nor hold grudges. instead, she kept her feelings and concerns to herself.
with a brooding hero and a lonely heroine, they made a great pair. it's hard to know what the other is thinking when they sharing their problems isn't a habit. however, with a keen eye and some observation skills, the both of them seem to understand the other. seeing how they fell for each other was cute. for niall to find someone worth protecting and for diana to meet someone who's willing to do anything for her. it's adorable.
books in the series:
1. the rogue’s wager: ✰✰✰✰
2. the scoundrel’s honor: ✰✰✰✰
3. the lady’s guard: ✰✰✰✰
4. the heiress’s deception: ✰✰✰✰
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