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The Heart of a Duke #0.5
In Need of a Knight
In Need of a Knight--Previously Titled In Need of a Duke
Dear Readers,
I’ve received many emails asking where one might find In Need of a Duke, the prequel story for my Heart of a Duke series. Originally featured as part of a limited edition collection, when the collection was unpublished, so too was In Need of a Duke.
When I received all my rights back, I put Aldora and Michael’s story through a rewrite, adding a new prologue, epilogue, characters, and expanded scenes. However, I still did not publish the book--until now. You see, when I met Aldora’s friends, I was intrigued. Here were new ladies dreaming of love. I could not simply forget those characters, and yet neither, given the timeline of the Heart of a Duke series, could I tell their stories, either. Then, one of Aldora’s friends spoke to me, and spurred the creation of The Heart of a Scandal series, the first ever Heart of a Duke spin-off!.
For those of you who've been looking for Aldora and Michael's story, I hope you enjoy!
Hugs,
Christi
~Official Blurb~
Years earlier, a gypsy woman passed to Lady Aldora Adamson and her friends a heart pendant that promised them each the heart of a duke.
Now, a young lady, with her family facing ruin and scandal, Lady Aldora doesn't have time for mythical stories about cheap baubles. She needs to save her younger siblings and has resigned herself to marrying a titled gentleman with wealth, power, and a respectable name. She sets her bespectacled sights upon the Marquess of St. James. Until...
An Unexpected Meeting
Turned out by his father after a tragic scandal, Lord Michael Knightly has grown into a powerful, but self-made man. With the whispers and stares that still follow him, he's been shut out of respectable society. He would rather be anywhere but London...
Then he meets Lady Aldora, a young woman who mistakes him for his brother, the Marquess of St. James. The connection between Aldora and Michael is immediate and as they come to know one another, Aldora's feelings for Michael grow.
Now, Aldora is left to choose between her responsibilities as a sister and her love for Michael.
Dear Readers,
I’ve received many emails asking where one might find In Need of a Duke, the prequel story for my Heart of a Duke series. Originally featured as part of a limited edition collection, when the collection was unpublished, so too was In Need of a Duke.
When I received all my rights back, I put Aldora and Michael’s story through a rewrite, adding a new prologue, epilogue, characters, and expanded scenes. However, I still did not publish the book--until now. You see, when I met Aldora’s friends, I was intrigued. Here were new ladies dreaming of love. I could not simply forget those characters, and yet neither, given the timeline of the Heart of a Duke series, could I tell their stories, either. Then, one of Aldora’s friends spoke to me, and spurred the creation of The Heart of a Scandal series, the first ever Heart of a Duke spin-off!.
For those of you who've been looking for Aldora and Michael's story, I hope you enjoy!
Hugs,
Christi
~Official Blurb~
Years earlier, a gypsy woman passed to Lady Aldora Adamson and her friends a heart pendant that promised them each the heart of a duke.
Now, a young lady, with her family facing ruin and scandal, Lady Aldora doesn't have time for mythical stories about cheap baubles. She needs to save her younger siblings and has resigned herself to marrying a titled gentleman with wealth, power, and a respectable name. She sets her bespectacled sights upon the Marquess of St. James. Until...
An Unexpected Meeting
Turned out by his father after a tragic scandal, Lord Michael Knightly has grown into a powerful, but self-made man. With the whispers and stares that still follow him, he's been shut out of respectable society. He would rather be anywhere but London...
Then he meets Lady Aldora, a young woman who mistakes him for his brother, the Marquess of St. James. The connection between Aldora and Michael is immediate and as they come to know one another, Aldora's feelings for Michael grow.
Now, Aldora is left to choose between her responsibilities as a sister and her love for Michael.
145 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2014
734 people are currently reading
873 people want to read
About the author
Christi Caldwell
137 books2,560 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 107 reviews
August 13, 2018
#eyerollBasics.
Aldora retreated a step and pressed her palm to her chest. Her heart thumped wildly. Goodness, she’d read about the Marquess of St. James in the papers. But they’d failed to mention anything about his tall, commanding presence. His raw, masculine vitality. She held up a hand. “Stop, my lord.”
Surprisingly, he did.
And more surprisingly—she didn’t want him to.
Setting: Prologue is in Berkshire, England, Summer 1808; rest of the book is in London, England, 1811
Heroine: Lady Aldora Adamson (19)
Hero: Lord Michael Knightly (?)
Summary.
Aldora's father left his family financially ruined when he died 3 years ago, and she needs to marry well to support her younger siblings and mother. She's decided on the Marquess of St. James (who knows why; never made clear—oh right, because he serves on an orphanage board, so must be a decent guy, and has a scandalous brother, so won't mind that her family is scandalously ... poor?). She plans to "randomly" run into him one morning in Hyde Park when he's out riding, but instead runs into the Marquess's younger brother, who doesn't correct her mistaken impression.
From the beginning, they each feel a very strong connection with the other. More run-ins. More attraction. Then Michael confesses that he's not who she thinks he is and Aldora is upset; the Marquess starts paying her attention and it seems like what she initially wanted is actually going to come true ... except now she no longer wants it. But what to do?! They're poor and are doing everything they can to keep up appearances ... oh but wait, Michael is rich! Yeaaaaaah, BUT he's scandalous and made his wealth in trade and that will ruin her younger sisters marriage prospects. Even though besides for some stares and whispers, he doesn't seem like all that much of an outcast, especially now that his brother plans to make clear he's welcome back in the family fold. But regardless—what is Aldora to do?!
Reaction.
In case my rating and above summary didn't tip you off, I did not enjoy this book. I started getting a headache with all the eye-rolling going on (I know, I know, such an exaggeration—I'm following Caldwell's lead). This book proved once again that for some reason, anything Caldwell has written pre-her-Sinful-Brides series is NOT a win with me (with 2 exceptions); I just need to give in already and accept that fact. I don't know how the author who writes all of these books that I can't stand and that give me eye-rolling headaches also wrote the Sinful Brides and The Brethren series.
So much of the premise makes no sense. And are there really NO other tall and dark-haired men who might be out riding every morning in Hyde Park (obviously there are); Aldora has never seen the man before (but plans to marry him), but that won't be a problem! Because apparently he's the only dark-haired man in London who has early morning horseback riding habits. So she's never met the Marquess. But plans to marry him. Based on little to no knowledge. Because all of her friends are focused on Dukes, so he should be available. Ummm, okay.
Also, if she's so blind she can't really see distinguishing features, how does she then recognize Michael in the ballroom a few days later? And considering she wasn't wearing her glasses when they first met, why does he wax poetically (to himself) about how gutsy she is to wear her glasses to a ball and not care what others think. Just so many things I couldn't stand! He feels tenderness towards her within the first few moments (because why?). From a tumble all her tightly pinned hair is all of a sudden flowing down her back (that doesn't actually happen). They're in love with each other based on nothing and within a hot second.
Finally, why is it we have these heroes that admire their heroines because whereas every other society woman would have cow-towed, or crumbled, or had hysterics, or whatever-other-thing, the heroine doesn't? I mean, I understand why our heroines are the way they are, but has anyone else realized (I only just now did) that either romance authors assume most women are annoying prissy weaklings, or our heroes think that?
Bottom Line.
Read it! Ha—juuuust kidding. Don't. Save yourself the time and money. Instead, head straight to Caldwell's Sinful Brides series; it's fantastic!!
Recommendations.
Read these Christi Caldwell books instead:
The Lady Who Loved Him (The Brethren, #2) - ④½ my review
The Rogue's Wager (Sinful Brides, #1) - ④½ my review
The Scoundrel's Honor (Sinful Brides, #2) - ④½
The Lady's Guard (Sinful Brides, #3) - ④-④½ my review
The Heiress's Deception (Sinful Brides, #4) - ④ my review
Tempted by a Lady's Smile (Lords of Honor, #4) - ④ my review
To Tempt a Scoundrel (The Heart of a Duke, #15) - ④
January 19, 2025
Aldora must save her family from disgrace. Her father's gambling debts have them on the edge of poverty. A gypsy's gift of a ruby necklace, known as the Heart of a Duke, promises her a Duke respected by Society, wealthy enough to pay off her father's debts and offers her love. But the man she thinks is the Marquess of St.James is really his disgraced brother. Will Aldora choose love? This is a tear jerker with some humor. Kisses only.
May 13, 2022
This is my 67th book by Christi Caldwell. I keep a 190 page word doc of all the books I’ve read listed by author. I noticed that sometime authors will have a series of 3 books and you think that’s it and then later and unexpectedly write another one in the series. So because of that, every once in awhile I will go through my list and compare it with the authors page on fantasticfiction.com to make I didn’t forget any books in a series.
Even though this book is from 2017, I guess I never read it, even though I’ve read all The Heart of a Duke’s series to date. So I went ahead and got it. I'm not big fan of novellas so that is probably why I originally didn't read it but glad I went back.
I really liked this book. Super cute story. I wish it would have been a longer read but still good. I have enjoyed this whole series for many years and can't wait to read the new ones coming out.
Even though this book is from 2017, I guess I never read it, even though I’ve read all The Heart of a Duke’s series to date. So I went ahead and got it. I'm not big fan of novellas so that is probably why I originally didn't read it but glad I went back.
I really liked this book. Super cute story. I wish it would have been a longer read but still good. I have enjoyed this whole series for many years and can't wait to read the new ones coming out.
September 11, 2017
I still wish this prequel was a full length novel.
July 30, 2018
I read this prequel novella as part of THE HEART OF A DUKE BUNDLE. Read my complete review here.
IN NEED OF A KNIGHT
I absolutely adored the first Christi Caldwell book I read The Scoundrel's Honor and was hoping for that same magic from this box set. Sadly, this prequel novella fell immensely short, and I am now left wondering if I just happened to stumble upon Christi's one-hit-wonder book. Though I didn't completely despise this novella--I really loved Michael's character and his perseverance to create his own life and success after everyone in his life discarded him so quickly. Aldora's selflessness and determination despite the hole her father left her family in was also admirable. But despite my love for these characters, I found the storyline itself to be lackluster. There was passion and plenty of angst surrounding their impossible love story, but I was left feeling unsatisfied and unimpressed, nevermind that the story was wholly clean and ultimately forgettable. 3 stars
IN NEED OF A KNIGHT
I absolutely adored the first Christi Caldwell book I read The Scoundrel's Honor and was hoping for that same magic from this box set. Sadly, this prequel novella fell immensely short, and I am now left wondering if I just happened to stumble upon Christi's one-hit-wonder book. Though I didn't completely despise this novella--I really loved Michael's character and his perseverance to create his own life and success after everyone in his life discarded him so quickly. Aldora's selflessness and determination despite the hole her father left her family in was also admirable. But despite my love for these characters, I found the storyline itself to be lackluster. There was passion and plenty of angst surrounding their impossible love story, but I was left feeling unsatisfied and unimpressed, nevermind that the story was wholly clean and ultimately forgettable. 3 stars
December 6, 2017
This was a nice quick story. I enjoyed it. I did think there was more internal dialogue by Michael and Aldora but otherwise good.
Christi Caldwell is usually hit or miss. This was in between. Not bad but not the worst.
They made a good match. I liked the story line and plot. There wasn't a lot of filler nonsense either.
As for the narration, it was good. I like Tim Campbell. He does a good job on the women's voices and has a nice reading voice which is kind of sexy too.
Christi Caldwell is usually hit or miss. This was in between. Not bad but not the worst.
They made a good match. I liked the story line and plot. There wasn't a lot of filler nonsense either.
As for the narration, it was good. I like Tim Campbell. He does a good job on the women's voices and has a nice reading voice which is kind of sexy too.
June 21, 2022
adorable! i’ve been curious about aldora and michael’s story after reading the first book in this series. aldora had set her side on the marquess of st. james but ended up falling in love with his younger brother. michael was chased out by his father after a scandal and his reputation hasn’t been good in polite society despite his brother’s title. aldora and michael soon fall in love within this short book, and had their own happily ever after.
March 16, 2015
I will read the next story but I had a difficult time with the cliched phrases the author resorted to. We will see how the next goes....
April 6, 2015
badly chosen title... this has absolutely nothing to do with a duke...
September 19, 2021
I loved this sweet romance. Michael Knight has been shun from the Ton because he shot another member in a duel. It did not matter that the man cheated at cards, and tried to shoot him in the back. When Michael aimed at his shoulder he hit an artery. He has spent his life on the fringes of society , and made a fortune in trade. Aldora is all that stands between her mother, and siblings facing ruin. She as the eldest, must marry well to save face with the Ton. She has her sights set on a Lord. Yet she gets nearly run down by a black steed who she mistakes for his older brother. She continues to see him in quiet until at a ball he asks her to formally waltz. He tells her he is Michael, but that is not his middle name, but first. The story then becomes a drama. Will Michael fight for her, and help with her family ? What of his older brother, who seems to care for the girl as well. It was a tender story. I loved it. I gave it a 5 stars.
April 11, 2017
This was a very good short story to start out a series.
Aldora and Michael meet under a case of mistaken identity. Michael is intrigued but the forthright and feisty girl and does not tell her his true identity. Michaels past is shrouded in scandal and he feels he has nothing to offer Aldora and no right to want her. Aldora's father has left them in debt and she must find a way to help her family.
I loved the characters in this story and I do hope Christi Caldwell writes a book for each of Aldora's siblings and Michael's brother Marquees St. James. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
*Book Obsessed Chicks Review team
Aldora and Michael meet under a case of mistaken identity. Michael is intrigued but the forthright and feisty girl and does not tell her his true identity. Michaels past is shrouded in scandal and he feels he has nothing to offer Aldora and no right to want her. Aldora's father has left them in debt and she must find a way to help her family.
I loved the characters in this story and I do hope Christi Caldwell writes a book for each of Aldora's siblings and Michael's brother Marquees St. James. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
*Book Obsessed Chicks Review team
November 23, 2017
151117
This book is innocent which I LIKE! I found zero smut scene and only one, two kissing scenes? I can't remember.
However, the dialogues are way cheesy!
This book is innocent which I LIKE! I found zero smut scene and only one, two kissing scenes? I can't remember.
However, the dialogues are way cheesy!
December 10, 2018
3 stars - Historical Romance
February 27, 2019
Love, love this book. Loved the characters and the plot. Tim Campbell is an awesome narrator as well. Happy reading/listening!
July 16, 2021
This was a beautiful and touching love story about mistaken identity and the motives that bring people together. I thought the characters were likeable and the plot was fulfilling despite the short amount of pages. The ending was very satisfying!
March 2, 2025
OH MY GODDD this was such a cute book i just wish it wasn’t a novella so there could’ve been more pining 😭😭 nonetheless i LOVVEEEDDD this
April 17, 2017
FINAL DECISION: This was a nice story although the short length made it difficult to fully engage with these characters especially with Aldora's dilemma. The story was complete and did not feel rushed.
THE STORY: Lady Aldora Adamson along with her dearests friends received a necklace which promised the heart of a duke to the wearer. Aldora hopes for years to find love but she has given up and resigned herself to marriage to save her family. She decides to settle on a marquess. Arranging to run into the marquess to begin her chase of him, Aldora mistakes Lord Michael Knightly for his older brother. A man of scandalous reputation based on a youthful duel, Michael begins to fall for Aldora but knows that there is little hope if she realizes that he is the scandalous younger brother instead of the marquess.
OPINION: I liked this story which has a fun trope of the heroine mistaking the hero for the man she plans on marrying. Unlike his older brother, Michael is entirely unsuitable for Aldora's desperate situation. There are some very amusing moments as the two argue and debate and find each other annoying and irresistible.
I thought that these two were well matched as a couple and I liked their interactions. I thought that the story was well constructed. My one complaint was that the short length did not allow us to go far enough in understanding Aldora's motivations for having to marry the marquess even when she was in love with Michael. I understood her reasons, but not the emotions involved in it.
These two were a good couple for a novella romance because everything was nicely contained and constructed. One other thing that was missing was an explanation of the necklace which didn't seem to have a real effect here.
WORTH MENTIONING: This novella was previously published under the title IN NEED OF A DUKE and published in an anthology.
CONNECTED BOOKS: IN NEED OF A KNIGHT is the prequel for two loosely connected series: The Heart of a Duke series and The Heart of a Scandal series.
STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
THE STORY: Lady Aldora Adamson along with her dearests friends received a necklace which promised the heart of a duke to the wearer. Aldora hopes for years to find love but she has given up and resigned herself to marriage to save her family. She decides to settle on a marquess. Arranging to run into the marquess to begin her chase of him, Aldora mistakes Lord Michael Knightly for his older brother. A man of scandalous reputation based on a youthful duel, Michael begins to fall for Aldora but knows that there is little hope if she realizes that he is the scandalous younger brother instead of the marquess.
OPINION: I liked this story which has a fun trope of the heroine mistaking the hero for the man she plans on marrying. Unlike his older brother, Michael is entirely unsuitable for Aldora's desperate situation. There are some very amusing moments as the two argue and debate and find each other annoying and irresistible.
I thought that these two were well matched as a couple and I liked their interactions. I thought that the story was well constructed. My one complaint was that the short length did not allow us to go far enough in understanding Aldora's motivations for having to marry the marquess even when she was in love with Michael. I understood her reasons, but not the emotions involved in it.
These two were a good couple for a novella romance because everything was nicely contained and constructed. One other thing that was missing was an explanation of the necklace which didn't seem to have a real effect here.
WORTH MENTIONING: This novella was previously published under the title IN NEED OF A DUKE and published in an anthology.
CONNECTED BOOKS: IN NEED OF A KNIGHT is the prequel for two loosely connected series: The Heart of a Duke series and The Heart of a Scandal series.
STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
April 15, 2018
The heroine was whiny and every second page she she was complaining about her late father's vices: gambling away all money, fathering a child with his mistress, leaving his family destitue, being amoral, she had to marry a rich man, she had to marry a duke....All these complaints spoilt the reading experience.
The heroine is quite dumb: why should a wealthy, titled gentleman (at least a marquess) marry an average looking girl not only without dowry but also in urgent need of enough funds to settle the family's debts and provide for mother and younger siblings.
A good editor could improve not only the poor grammar, interpunction, and spelling but also the story. It is set in Regency but the author does not have a lot of knowledge of behaviour, speech, and manners of that time.
The heroine is quite dumb: why should a wealthy, titled gentleman (at least a marquess) marry an average looking girl not only without dowry but also in urgent need of enough funds to settle the family's debts and provide for mother and younger siblings.
A good editor could improve not only the poor grammar, interpunction, and spelling but also the story. It is set in Regency but the author does not have a lot of knowledge of behaviour, speech, and manners of that time.
February 7, 2016
This was a pleasant, but somewhat weak novella. My first book by Christi Caldwell. This book shows the problem with most novellas -- there is just not enough time to fully develop a relationship. Our hero falls for her almost at first meeting. Why? Her heart-shaped face? I don't quite buy it. Also, the main conflict was a little too easily resolved. (I can't, I can't, oh wait, maybe I can). The good news? I am reading a longer Caldwell book and it is MUCH better. The book sets up the characters for this series, but doesn't do a whole lot more. Still, I enjoyed it.
May 2, 2017
Michael Knightly ♥
He’d considered himself strong, resilient. He’d lived in the solitude of Wales, not even contacted when his mother had died, followed by his father years later. The pain of his family’s rejection had stung at first, but then Michael had gradually erected a wall around his heart. He’d thought himself unaffected. He’d thought himself immune to paltry things like pain and happiness and love.
Then in one damn fool ride through Hyde Park, he’d met a feisty, beautiful young woman who’d torn down those walls.
He’d considered himself strong, resilient. He’d lived in the solitude of Wales, not even contacted when his mother had died, followed by his father years later. The pain of his family’s rejection had stung at first, but then Michael had gradually erected a wall around his heart. He’d thought himself unaffected. He’d thought himself immune to paltry things like pain and happiness and love.
Then in one damn fool ride through Hyde Park, he’d met a feisty, beautiful young woman who’d torn down those walls.
October 2, 2024
Wonderful romance
In Need of a Knight is a prequel to The Heart of A Duke series. This is a remarkable story. Caldwell is a master story teller. The romance and tension builds in the book til I felt like I was going to burst. Page turning breathless read. Looking forward to Schooling the Duke.
In Need of a Knight is a prequel to The Heart of A Duke series. This is a remarkable story. Caldwell is a master story teller. The romance and tension builds in the book til I felt like I was going to burst. Page turning breathless read. Looking forward to Schooling the Duke.
May 28, 2019
I really loved Aldora & Michael but I wanted more time spent on them building their relationship & getting to know one another. This was a very clean read with a few kisses & I missed the heat between them. The story was fun & entertaining & really enjoyed Aldora's siblings & Michael's brother.
I highly recommend this read to all historical romance readers!
I highly recommend this read to all historical romance readers!
June 22, 2015
Ohhh I love Aldora and Michael...My problems usually with Caldwell books are the repetition of inner dialogues but since this is a Novella we are spared that torture and still get to enjoy her story telling skills. A good start to the series.
March 14, 2020
4 Stars
November 30, 2019
I have been traipsing through several of Christi Caldwell’s Regency era books, and I liked this one as well or better than most. It’s shorter than even Caldwell’s usually moderate length but doesn’t suffer for it. In this book, I think the hero grabbed my sympathy first, then eventually the heroine’s plight did too. The twist at the end was fun and unexpected.
I’ve added here a commentary on the author’s writing in general. I’ve tried to figure out what specifically draws me to Caldwell’s books as they mostly conform closely to the basics of the trope, so I keep wondering why I don’t grow bored. I’ve decided one aspect is that each has thus far had a delightful surprise twist at the end, usually one I didn’t see coming even after having read/listened to SO many books. Also, although not intensely intricately written or deeply detailed, Caldwell is able to evoke some genuinely romantic moments that ring true and I believe those moments are what romance readers are looking for.
Caldwell’s books (so far) are enjoyable, as well as decently written, plotted and paced. That is also nice to count on that dependability when you just want a pleasant read, believe it or not. Nothing worse than getting four or five chapters into a promising story and then get hit with some kind of bizarre wackiness that simply would not be likely, possible, feasible or make any sense at all.
Also, sometimes real life can be so confusing, hectic, hard, etc.; it’s a relief not to be drawn too hard through the emotional mud of extremely dire situations, terrible sorrows, extreme situations and emotions, wretched backstories or intensely drawn sketches of the “true” or “gritty” reality of the times as seems to be the current fashion of writing about this era.
One criticism is there is a bit too much introspection explaining the characters thoughts for my taste, which may be more confusing simply because I have been listening almost exclusively to audiobooks. If reading, I might not have to keep readjusting what I thought the character just said to “Oh that was a thought,” when it’s immediately followed by “What she instead said was...”. 😊
Still, I prefer to infer emotions than have them spelled out.
The “heat” index of this book was surprisingly clean despite some very touching romantic moments.
I’ve added here a commentary on the author’s writing in general. I’ve tried to figure out what specifically draws me to Caldwell’s books as they mostly conform closely to the basics of the trope, so I keep wondering why I don’t grow bored. I’ve decided one aspect is that each has thus far had a delightful surprise twist at the end, usually one I didn’t see coming even after having read/listened to SO many books. Also, although not intensely intricately written or deeply detailed, Caldwell is able to evoke some genuinely romantic moments that ring true and I believe those moments are what romance readers are looking for.
Caldwell’s books (so far) are enjoyable, as well as decently written, plotted and paced. That is also nice to count on that dependability when you just want a pleasant read, believe it or not. Nothing worse than getting four or five chapters into a promising story and then get hit with some kind of bizarre wackiness that simply would not be likely, possible, feasible or make any sense at all.
Also, sometimes real life can be so confusing, hectic, hard, etc.; it’s a relief not to be drawn too hard through the emotional mud of extremely dire situations, terrible sorrows, extreme situations and emotions, wretched backstories or intensely drawn sketches of the “true” or “gritty” reality of the times as seems to be the current fashion of writing about this era.
One criticism is there is a bit too much introspection explaining the characters thoughts for my taste, which may be more confusing simply because I have been listening almost exclusively to audiobooks. If reading, I might not have to keep readjusting what I thought the character just said to “Oh that was a thought,” when it’s immediately followed by “What she instead said was...”. 😊
Still, I prefer to infer emotions than have them spelled out.
The “heat” index of this book was surprisingly clean despite some very touching romantic moments.
March 15, 2025
I swear I read this once before but I read it in one quick session and enjoyed it. It was a quick, but nice, clean romance. The prologue helps give you context for the rest of the series but the epilogue was just ok.
I liked that the Marquess wasn't made out to be a villain or horrible - just not for the heroine and enjoyed the brief chemistry between Michael and Aldora (it's less than 100 pages so only so much interaction).
Having read a few in this series, it is annoying that it's called "Heart of a Duke" when so many of the heroes are in fact, NOT dukes nor will they be. What's also confusing is that there are other books related to this series NOT written by this author BUT related to the four women in the prologue of THIS book. It seems to have started as an anthology (that you can't get anymore; https://books.google.com/books/about/...) with authors Christi Caldwell, Samantha Grace, Robin Delany, Olivia Kelly and Aileen Fish - but you can get some of the stories separately.
1. Eleanor's story - doesn't seem to have been printed separately
2. Valera's Story - Charming a Scoundrel by Samantha Grace (you can get this one separately and I enjoyed this one)
3. Alison's story - doesn't seem to have been printed separately
4. Aldora's story - In Need of a Duke (or In Need of a Knight) by Christi Calwelld - this story, which also sets up Christi's own series
5. Charlotte's story - Her Secondhand Duke by Aileen Fish (you can get this one separately)
I liked that the Marquess wasn't made out to be a villain or horrible - just not for the heroine and enjoyed the brief chemistry between Michael and Aldora (it's less than 100 pages so only so much interaction).
Having read a few in this series, it is annoying that it's called "Heart of a Duke" when so many of the heroes are in fact, NOT dukes nor will they be. What's also confusing is that there are other books related to this series NOT written by this author BUT related to the four women in the prologue of THIS book. It seems to have started as an anthology (that you can't get anymore; https://books.google.com/books/about/...) with authors Christi Caldwell, Samantha Grace, Robin Delany, Olivia Kelly and Aileen Fish - but you can get some of the stories separately.
1. Eleanor's story - doesn't seem to have been printed separately
2. Valera's Story - Charming a Scoundrel by Samantha Grace (you can get this one separately and I enjoyed this one)
3. Alison's story - doesn't seem to have been printed separately
4. Aldora's story - In Need of a Duke (or In Need of a Knight) by Christi Calwelld - this story, which also sets up Christi's own series
5. Charlotte's story - Her Secondhand Duke by Aileen Fish (you can get this one separately)
November 24, 2023
Enjoyed the story and characters but I felt like a lot was missing. They didn’t spend enough time together to fall in love. It was a few very short times running into each other.
I found it very odd that Aldora just assumed that Michael was the Marquee just because she was told the Marquee who was tall and had dark hair rode in that park at that time of day. Like, no other tall, dark haired men rode in the park at that time of day?
Also, why in the world would Michael assume that Aldora assumed he was his brother?! She never called him St. James at all! She just said “my lord”. She could have just been saying “my lord” because he was dressed expensively and sounded like a well educated gentleman. Why would he assume she meant by “my lord” she meant his brother?! Didn’t make sense at all!
Not sure if this was meant to be a short story, but it surely felt that way. I felt that there was opportunity missed with Aldora having connections with powerful friends, like Emilia, who was engaged to a Duke. Emilia’s family could have held a house party and had invited Michael and his brother, the Marquess. And then, during that time at a house party, that could have been for like two weeks, they could have done a bunch of activities for them to get to know each other. Just an okay story. I wouldn’t pay more than 99 cents on it.
I found it very odd that Aldora just assumed that Michael was the Marquee just because she was told the Marquee who was tall and had dark hair rode in that park at that time of day. Like, no other tall, dark haired men rode in the park at that time of day?
Also, why in the world would Michael assume that Aldora assumed he was his brother?! She never called him St. James at all! She just said “my lord”. She could have just been saying “my lord” because he was dressed expensively and sounded like a well educated gentleman. Why would he assume she meant by “my lord” she meant his brother?! Didn’t make sense at all!
Not sure if this was meant to be a short story, but it surely felt that way. I felt that there was opportunity missed with Aldora having connections with powerful friends, like Emilia, who was engaged to a Duke. Emilia’s family could have held a house party and had invited Michael and his brother, the Marquess. And then, during that time at a house party, that could have been for like two weeks, they could have done a bunch of activities for them to get to know each other. Just an okay story. I wouldn’t pay more than 99 cents on it.
December 2, 2017
So, Christi Caldwell is always a hit-or-miss for me and this time it was a hit. I liked everything about this story. I mean, a little bit of it was some crazy thinking on Michael’s part but at least CC didn’t beat you over the head with it, as she likes to do. Michael was in a duel with Lord Everworth and Everworth doesn’t like it when Michael won’t duel with him so he fires at Michael’s back and Michael turned and fired and Everworth was killed. Why CC wanted to have Michael think he was a “murderer” is beyond me. Then his family turned on him and banished him to Wales or some damn place, where he proceeded to make himself filthy rich.
I really did like Michael and Aldora, and I liked his brother Wilburn, too. I liked Aldora’s twin sisters, Katherine and Anne, and her brother Benedict. Her mother was just an unlikable idiot.
There were two kisses in this story and that’s all.
As to the narration: I simply love Tim Campbell. He gives the men such great voices and the women sound like women. What more can you ask for?
April 9, 2018
There are issues here that have prevented me from giving it a higher rating.
1. The use of present day words and phrases applied in present day context which makes this book a pseudo~Regency romance. Words like "as in" may fit but it is Uncomfortable for this genre, "invite" for invitation ~ both uses have Contemporary feel.
2. The gossip about the Adamsons' reduced circumstances would not have taken 3 years for the gossip~hungry ton to devour such delicious scandalous news. There is the famous servants grapevine after all, specially if most of them were let go. There are also the men's Clubs where the Earl gambled and lost his fortune.
On the plus side, the author is still a Good Storyteller and weaves a relatable plot. Despite my issues, I really enjoyed the story of Aldora and her Knight. It was heart~warming and fun (provided by the moments of wit and humor).
1. The use of present day words and phrases applied in present day context which makes this book a pseudo~Regency romance. Words like "as in" may fit but it is Uncomfortable for this genre, "invite" for invitation ~ both uses have Contemporary feel.
2. The gossip about the Adamsons' reduced circumstances would not have taken 3 years for the gossip~hungry ton to devour such delicious scandalous news. There is the famous servants grapevine after all, specially if most of them were let go. There are also the men's Clubs where the Earl gambled and lost his fortune.
On the plus side, the author is still a Good Storyteller and weaves a relatable plot. Despite my issues, I really enjoyed the story of Aldora and her Knight. It was heart~warming and fun (provided by the moments of wit and humor).
September 1, 2018
I purchased In Need of a Knight as part of anthology by Christi Caldwell.
Lady Aldora Adamson and her friends secretly meet with a gypsy woman to get a locket that will bring them love. The name the locked 'Love for a Duke' when several of the young ladies express an interest in marrying a duke. Lady Aldora just wants a man that will love and respect her.
It is her turn to wear the locket and she sets out to meet the Marquess of St. James in Hyde Park one early morning. Instead she meets is disgraced younger brother Lord Michael Knightly and fall in love with him. This sets the scene for how these two mismatched lovers according to the ton find a way to happiness and solving each other's problems. It is a fun historical fiction love story.
Lady Aldora Adamson and her friends secretly meet with a gypsy woman to get a locket that will bring them love. The name the locked 'Love for a Duke' when several of the young ladies express an interest in marrying a duke. Lady Aldora just wants a man that will love and respect her.
It is her turn to wear the locket and she sets out to meet the Marquess of St. James in Hyde Park one early morning. Instead she meets is disgraced younger brother Lord Michael Knightly and fall in love with him. This sets the scene for how these two mismatched lovers according to the ton find a way to happiness and solving each other's problems. It is a fun historical fiction love story.
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