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The Heart of a Scandal #5
Five Days with a Duke
The 5th and final installment in Christi Caldwell's Heart of a Scandal series will have readers sighing, swooning, and laughing out loud!
Years earlier, Connell Wordsworth, the Duke of Renaud gave up the woman he wanted for the responsibilities thrust upon him. After loss upon loss, he heads to London, for a new home with no memories, no staff, and the only thing he wants in life…to be alone. He’s managing that feat quite nicely until…
Lady Constance Brandley has a secret. She and her family don’t have two farthings to rub together. A spinster, long past the age of either love or marriage, she finds herself presented with a unique opportunity that could improve her circumstances. Except, that opportunity also brings the unlikeliest of gentlemen into her life—her best friend’s former betrothed, the Duke of Renaud.
Thrown together with the notorious scoundrel, it isn't long before Constance discovers there’s far more to Connell, the Duke of Renaud than the world sees. And soon she finds herself longing for, everything she shouldn’t—the heart of a duke.
Years earlier, Connell Wordsworth, the Duke of Renaud gave up the woman he wanted for the responsibilities thrust upon him. After loss upon loss, he heads to London, for a new home with no memories, no staff, and the only thing he wants in life…to be alone. He’s managing that feat quite nicely until…
Lady Constance Brandley has a secret. She and her family don’t have two farthings to rub together. A spinster, long past the age of either love or marriage, she finds herself presented with a unique opportunity that could improve her circumstances. Except, that opportunity also brings the unlikeliest of gentlemen into her life—her best friend’s former betrothed, the Duke of Renaud.
Thrown together with the notorious scoundrel, it isn't long before Constance discovers there’s far more to Connell, the Duke of Renaud than the world sees. And soon she finds herself longing for, everything she shouldn’t—the heart of a duke.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2020
1007 people are currently reading
482 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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April 19, 2020
Five Days With A Duke
The Heart of a Scandal Series #5
Christi Caldwell
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorChrist...
Release date 01/07/2020
Blurb :
Years earlier, Connell Wordsworth, the Duke of Renaud gave up the woman he wanted for the responsibilities thrust upon him. After loss upon loss, he heads to London, for a new home with no memories, no staff, and the only thing he wants in life…to be alone. He’s managing that feat quite nicely until…
Lady Constance Brandley, has a secret. She and her family don’t have two farthings to rub together. A spinster, long past the age of either love or marriage, she finds herself presented with a unique opportunity that could improve her circumstances. Except, that opportunity also brings the unlikeliest of gentlemen into her life—her best friend’s former betrothed, the Duke of Renaud.
Thrown together with the notorious scoundrel, it isn't long before Constance discovers there’s far more to Connell, the Duke of Renaud than the world sees. And soon she finds herself longing for, everything she shouldn’t—the heart of a duke
My review :
When two persons left behind by love rekindle their acquaintance, they may find none was whom the other expected...
As I was late to discover Mrs Christi Caldwell, I am often reading last installments in long running series, except for once, out of the prequel, I have read all the other novellas in this series!
Can’t say how happy I am.
While the interactions between Constance and Connell appear at first as light and easy, their frankness and directness lead them on a different path than amusement. Upon realizing Constance brought a light his life was missing, Connell must introspect to decide what road he really want to follow.
Constance’s family has fallen on hard time, and while keeping up appearances, why she accept her friend’s offer, in the home to regain something precious to her.
When she realizes her selected task is her best friend’s former betrothed, she tried to remind herself of the hurt he caused. Yet, the most they are in close contact, the more she discovers she never knew who was the duke of Renaud. She sees a different man than the one gossips and her friend talked about.
But duke or not, she does not cover and even better, for once, she can be herself, surprising him but never shocking him.
Connell thought after loosing a second time dearest ones, he needed to retire from society to avoid any more pain.
Why he is here in London when it is common for the cold season to retire to the countryside. So Constance’s apparition at his doorstep astonished him. Worth, he enjoys their sparing and throwing barbs at someone quite clever is so much fun than waiting idly to the sun to go down.
Thanks to her bluntness and honesty, he will have to work on himself to define what are his real inspirations and how far he is ready to go for it.
At they first share their joys and pains, soon they move to in a limbo friendly relation bordering seduction, with the shadow of his former betrothed and her friend looming between them.
While he appeared as the most wronged of them two emotionally, it is soon Constance who will show him how he badly he had handled his situation while she can do nothing for hers but still try because when he buries his head in the sand, she keeps her head high and tries to find a lopsided way to make things do.
A 5 stars witty and full of hopes read.
I was granted an advance copy by the author but prior to it I preordered my own. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
The Heart of a Scandal Series #5
Christi Caldwell
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorChrist...
Release date 01/07/2020
Blurb :
Years earlier, Connell Wordsworth, the Duke of Renaud gave up the woman he wanted for the responsibilities thrust upon him. After loss upon loss, he heads to London, for a new home with no memories, no staff, and the only thing he wants in life…to be alone. He’s managing that feat quite nicely until…
Lady Constance Brandley, has a secret. She and her family don’t have two farthings to rub together. A spinster, long past the age of either love or marriage, she finds herself presented with a unique opportunity that could improve her circumstances. Except, that opportunity also brings the unlikeliest of gentlemen into her life—her best friend’s former betrothed, the Duke of Renaud.
Thrown together with the notorious scoundrel, it isn't long before Constance discovers there’s far more to Connell, the Duke of Renaud than the world sees. And soon she finds herself longing for, everything she shouldn’t—the heart of a duke
My review :
When two persons left behind by love rekindle their acquaintance, they may find none was whom the other expected...
As I was late to discover Mrs Christi Caldwell, I am often reading last installments in long running series, except for once, out of the prequel, I have read all the other novellas in this series!
Can’t say how happy I am.
While the interactions between Constance and Connell appear at first as light and easy, their frankness and directness lead them on a different path than amusement. Upon realizing Constance brought a light his life was missing, Connell must introspect to decide what road he really want to follow.
Constance’s family has fallen on hard time, and while keeping up appearances, why she accept her friend’s offer, in the home to regain something precious to her.
When she realizes her selected task is her best friend’s former betrothed, she tried to remind herself of the hurt he caused. Yet, the most they are in close contact, the more she discovers she never knew who was the duke of Renaud. She sees a different man than the one gossips and her friend talked about.
But duke or not, she does not cover and even better, for once, she can be herself, surprising him but never shocking him.
Connell thought after loosing a second time dearest ones, he needed to retire from society to avoid any more pain.
Why he is here in London when it is common for the cold season to retire to the countryside. So Constance’s apparition at his doorstep astonished him. Worth, he enjoys their sparing and throwing barbs at someone quite clever is so much fun than waiting idly to the sun to go down.
Thanks to her bluntness and honesty, he will have to work on himself to define what are his real inspirations and how far he is ready to go for it.
At they first share their joys and pains, soon they move to in a limbo friendly relation bordering seduction, with the shadow of his former betrothed and her friend looming between them.
While he appeared as the most wronged of them two emotionally, it is soon Constance who will show him how he badly he had handled his situation while she can do nothing for hers but still try because when he buries his head in the sand, she keeps her head high and tries to find a lopsided way to make things do.
A 5 stars witty and full of hopes read.
I was granted an advance copy by the author but prior to it I preordered my own. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
January 7, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Another great book from Christi .
It’s a wonderful addition to her Heart Of a Scandal series and the Last in the line .
It’s passionate and gritty with heartbreaking situations and characters that will endear themselves to you very quickly.
Both are characters that you’ve met before and you’ll love them , have no doubt in that .
If you’ve read the rest of the series you’ll love everything about this , it’s just as perfect and enjoyable and will have you tearing up .
I loved it , Thankyou for a great end to this iconic series Christi .
💋💋
Another great book from Christi .
It’s a wonderful addition to her Heart Of a Scandal series and the Last in the line .
It’s passionate and gritty with heartbreaking situations and characters that will endear themselves to you very quickly.
Both are characters that you’ve met before and you’ll love them , have no doubt in that .
If you’ve read the rest of the series you’ll love everything about this , it’s just as perfect and enjoyable and will have you tearing up .
I loved it , Thankyou for a great end to this iconic series Christi .
January 1, 2020
A decade ago, Connell Wordsworth, the Duke of Renaud gave up the woman he was engaged to when his ward Hazel came to him pregnant now Hazel has married Iris’ father & moved to Leeds. Connell heads to London, for a new home with no memories, no staff, and the only thing he wants in life…to be alone. Lady Constance Brandley, has a secret. She and her family don’t have two farthings to rub together. A thirty year old, spinster finds herself presented with a unique opportunity that could improve her circumstances & maybe just maybe she'll be able to buy her beloved cello back. Except, that opportunity also brings the unlikeliest of gentlemen into her life—her best friend’s former betrothed, the Duke of Renaud.
This is the final book in the series, it could be read on its own but once you’ve entered Caldworld you want to devour each book in it. Another lovely romance of two people not only finding each other but also finding hope. The characters spring out of the page at you, I loved both Connell & Constance & how they found love when they were least expecting it, it made for an entertaining engrossing read. Their verbal sparring added light hearted moments & often had me chuckling. I also loved the epilogue, which rounded off this lovely series. Another captivating read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the final book in the series, it could be read on its own but once you’ve entered Caldworld you want to devour each book in it. Another lovely romance of two people not only finding each other but also finding hope. The characters spring out of the page at you, I loved both Connell & Constance & how they found love when they were least expecting it, it made for an entertaining engrossing read. Their verbal sparring added light hearted moments & often had me chuckling. I also loved the epilogue, which rounded off this lovely series. Another captivating read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
January 6, 2020
If you want to read a perfect story that includes everything needed to bring out all of your emotions including sighing, smiling, laughing and even crying at times, read any book written by Christi Caldwell. Her wounded heroes or heroines and their road to happiness will wrap around your heart and not let go.
A man whose life became not his own as he took on responsibilites and seemed to lose a part of himself time after time, decides he is better off alone and tries to keep his past at bay. But fate takes hold and has other ideas in the form of a spinster who thinks herself too old to find love or ever marry.
As the two come together, there is no telling what will happen, but it was a wonderful journey finding out and as she determines, he is not all what he has seemed in the past, a future opens up.
They make each other feel things they never thought to feel and they will make you believe love is possible when least expected!! One of the best I have read so far this year!
A man whose life became not his own as he took on responsibilites and seemed to lose a part of himself time after time, decides he is better off alone and tries to keep his past at bay. But fate takes hold and has other ideas in the form of a spinster who thinks herself too old to find love or ever marry.
As the two come together, there is no telling what will happen, but it was a wonderful journey finding out and as she determines, he is not all what he has seemed in the past, a future opens up.
They make each other feel things they never thought to feel and they will make you believe love is possible when least expected!! One of the best I have read so far this year!
January 14, 2020
Connell and Constance
This book was a fitting conclusion to the stories of the young misses who initially yearned to capture the heart of a Duke. Their lives were in no way predictable. They each met with hardship before finding “the One.” Admittedly, in hindsight, Aldora’s story from “In Need of a Knight,” was the easiest of them all.
Constance Brandley finds herself and her aristocratic without two farthings to rub together. A boon from her dear friend, Emilia, puts her in the position of earning a bit of coin.
The last time we saw Connell, Emilia’s former betrothed, he was seeking to explain his perfidy ten years too late. I had some sympathy for him and hoped that he would find love. It was an amazing redemption arc. I am so happy for them. Ten long years for the starry eyed girls has garnered lovely stories with older, more mature heroines. Magnificent! Just the catnip I needed.
This book was a fitting conclusion to the stories of the young misses who initially yearned to capture the heart of a Duke. Their lives were in no way predictable. They each met with hardship before finding “the One.” Admittedly, in hindsight, Aldora’s story from “In Need of a Knight,” was the easiest of them all.
Constance Brandley finds herself and her aristocratic without two farthings to rub together. A boon from her dear friend, Emilia, puts her in the position of earning a bit of coin.
The last time we saw Connell, Emilia’s former betrothed, he was seeking to explain his perfidy ten years too late. I had some sympathy for him and hoped that he would find love. It was an amazing redemption arc. I am so happy for them. Ten long years for the starry eyed girls has garnered lovely stories with older, more mature heroines. Magnificent! Just the catnip I needed.
January 9, 2020
Beautiful ❤️ Brilliant Writing
I’ve many great authors on my auto buy that I read regularly, but there’s nothing like beginning a new release written by Christi Caldwell. It’s like coming home, welcoming a treasured friend, comfort, joy, and so many other things. It never gets old. With her latest, she had me in tears by the third page in, and then from there, as always, a roller coaster of emotions. Absolutely love how this writer can leave the reader sobbing in one chapter and laughing in the next! And with Connell and Constance she does it so flawlessly. And oh my, what a treat Jennie and James are! Yes, you want to find out who they are. 😉
Words can’t really describe the brilliance of this author’s talent. As always, this work too promises to move the reader with such emotion as Connell and Constance’s story unfolds. Beautiful, funny, tender. *sigh*
I’ve many great authors on my auto buy that I read regularly, but there’s nothing like beginning a new release written by Christi Caldwell. It’s like coming home, welcoming a treasured friend, comfort, joy, and so many other things. It never gets old. With her latest, she had me in tears by the third page in, and then from there, as always, a roller coaster of emotions. Absolutely love how this writer can leave the reader sobbing in one chapter and laughing in the next! And with Connell and Constance she does it so flawlessly. And oh my, what a treat Jennie and James are! Yes, you want to find out who they are. 😉
Words can’t really describe the brilliance of this author’s talent. As always, this work too promises to move the reader with such emotion as Connell and Constance’s story unfolds. Beautiful, funny, tender. *sigh*
April 19, 2020
Five Days With A Duke
The Heart of a Scandal Series #5
Christi Caldwell
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorChrist...
Release date 01/07/2020
Blurb :
Years earlier, Connell Wordsworth, the Duke of Renaud gave up the woman he wanted for the responsibilities thrust upon him. After loss upon loss, he heads to London, for a new home with no memories, no staff, and the only thing he wants in life…to be alone. He’s managing that feat quite nicely until…
Lady Constance Brandley, has a secret. She and her family don’t have two farthings to rub together. A spinster, long past the age of either love or marriage, she finds herself presented with a unique opportunity that could improve her circumstances. Except, that opportunity also brings the unlikeliest of gentlemen into her life—her best friend’s former betrothed, the Duke of Renaud.
Thrown together with the notorious scoundrel, it isn't long before Constance discovers there’s far more to Connell, the Duke of Renaud than the world sees. And soon she finds herself longing for, everything she shouldn’t—the heart of a duke
My review :
When two persons left behind by love rekindle their acquaintance, they may find none was whom the other expected...
As I was late to discover Mrs Christi Caldwell, I am often reading last installments in long running series, except for once, out of the prequel, I have read all the other novellas in this series!
Can’t say how happy I am.
While the interactions between Constance and Connell appear at first as light and easy, their frankness and directness lead them on a different path than amusement. Upon realizing Constance brought a light his life was missing, Connell must introspect to decide what road he really want to follow.
Constance’s family has fallen on hard time, and while keeping up appearances, why she accept her friend’s offer, in the home to regain something precious to her.
When she realizes her selected task is her best friend’s former betrothed, she tried to remind herself of the hurt he caused. Yet, the most they are in close contact, the more she discovers she never knew who was the duke of Renaud. She sees a different man than the one gossips and her friend talked about.
But duke or not, she does not cover and even better, for once, she can be herself, surprising him but never shocking him.
Connell thought after loosing a second time dearest ones, he needed to retire from society to avoid any more pain.
Why he is here in London when it is common for the cold season to retire to the countryside. So Constance’s apparition at his doorstep astonished him. Worth, he enjoys their sparing and throwing barbs at someone quite clever is so much fun than waiting idly to the sun to go down.
Thanks to her bluntness and honesty, he will have to work on himself to define what are his real inspirations and how far he is ready to go for it.
At they first share their joys and pains, soon they move to in a limbo friendly relation bordering seduction, with the shadow of his former betrothed and her friend looming between them.
While he appeared as the most wronged of them two emotionally, it is soon Constance who will show him how he badly he had handled his situation while she can do nothing for hers but still try because when he buries his head in the sand, she keeps her head high and tries to find a lopsided way to make things do.
A 5 stars witty and full of hopes read.
I was granted an advance copy by the author but prior to it I preordered my own. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
The Heart of a Scandal Series #5
Christi Caldwell
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorChrist...
Release date 01/07/2020
Blurb :
Years earlier, Connell Wordsworth, the Duke of Renaud gave up the woman he wanted for the responsibilities thrust upon him. After loss upon loss, he heads to London, for a new home with no memories, no staff, and the only thing he wants in life…to be alone. He’s managing that feat quite nicely until…
Lady Constance Brandley, has a secret. She and her family don’t have two farthings to rub together. A spinster, long past the age of either love or marriage, she finds herself presented with a unique opportunity that could improve her circumstances. Except, that opportunity also brings the unlikeliest of gentlemen into her life—her best friend’s former betrothed, the Duke of Renaud.
Thrown together with the notorious scoundrel, it isn't long before Constance discovers there’s far more to Connell, the Duke of Renaud than the world sees. And soon she finds herself longing for, everything she shouldn’t—the heart of a duke
My review :
When two persons left behind by love rekindle their acquaintance, they may find none was whom the other expected...
As I was late to discover Mrs Christi Caldwell, I am often reading last installments in long running series, except for once, out of the prequel, I have read all the other novellas in this series!
Can’t say how happy I am.
While the interactions between Constance and Connell appear at first as light and easy, their frankness and directness lead them on a different path than amusement. Upon realizing Constance brought a light his life was missing, Connell must introspect to decide what road he really want to follow.
Constance’s family has fallen on hard time, and while keeping up appearances, why she accept her friend’s offer, in the home to regain something precious to her.
When she realizes her selected task is her best friend’s former betrothed, she tried to remind herself of the hurt he caused. Yet, the most they are in close contact, the more she discovers she never knew who was the duke of Renaud. She sees a different man than the one gossips and her friend talked about.
But duke or not, she does not cover and even better, for once, she can be herself, surprising him but never shocking him.
Connell thought after loosing a second time dearest ones, he needed to retire from society to avoid any more pain.
Why he is here in London when it is common for the cold season to retire to the countryside. So Constance’s apparition at his doorstep astonished him. Worth, he enjoys their sparing and throwing barbs at someone quite clever is so much fun than waiting idly to the sun to go down.
Thanks to her bluntness and honesty, he will have to work on himself to define what are his real inspirations and how far he is ready to go for it.
At they first share their joys and pains, soon they move to in a limbo friendly relation bordering seduction, with the shadow of his former betrothed and her friend looming between them.
While he appeared as the most wronged of them two emotionally, it is soon Constance who will show him how he badly he had handled his situation while she can do nothing for hers but still try because when he buries his head in the sand, she keeps her head high and tries to find a lopsided way to make things do.
A 5 stars witty and full of hopes read.
I was granted an advance copy by the author but prior to it I preordered my own. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
January 23, 2021
with historical romances, i have a habit of not reading the series in sequence since most books can be read as a standalone. five days with a duke is my first introduction into the heart of a scandal series despite it being the final instalment.
unhappy with how life is, connell decided to take a trip away from his home to escape from the loss he recently experienced. when constance gets an opportunity to earn a few coins for herself, she received a special request that involves a particular duke.
during the five days with connell, constance discovers that the duke wasn't the same person as he was years ago when he jilted her best friend. simultaneously, connell reflects upon his perspective of life when he meets constance. the couple have great chemistry. their banters always let to more introspection and discovery of one another. while falling for connell, constance is tormented with the fact that he was emilia's former betrothed. for connell, he never knew he had a heart to begin with.
unhappy with how life is, connell decided to take a trip away from his home to escape from the loss he recently experienced. when constance gets an opportunity to earn a few coins for herself, she received a special request that involves a particular duke.
during the five days with connell, constance discovers that the duke wasn't the same person as he was years ago when he jilted her best friend. simultaneously, connell reflects upon his perspective of life when he meets constance. the couple have great chemistry. their banters always let to more introspection and discovery of one another. while falling for connell, constance is tormented with the fact that he was emilia's former betrothed. for connell, he never knew he had a heart to begin with.
January 6, 2020
Five Days with a Duke by Christi Caldwell is book 5 in The Heart of a Scandal Series. This is the story of Constance Brandley and Connell Wordsworth, the Duke of Renaud. I haven't read the previous books, so for me this was a standalone book. Connell about 10 years ago too on his ward and her baby which lead him to break off his engagement. Connell dedicated himself to that choice but now his ward and her child have left to be reunited with the father. Now after losing them has added to his pain of loneliness. Constance and her parents are trying to keep up appearances of being okay but in truth they are one the verge of loosing everything. When her friends comes to her with the offer to do that just might help them and their situation. But this leads her to meet Connell again. Connell broke the engagement to her best friend so she had issues with him. They of course do some back and forth with some remarks but they slowly start to see the other for who they are. Together they end up being their for the other and of course feelings that they didn't expect start to take form.
Ms. Caldwell is a wonderful story teller. Her books take you into the story and make you feel the laughs and the tears. Loved it.
Ms. Caldwell is a wonderful story teller. Her books take you into the story and make you feel the laughs and the tears. Loved it.
January 8, 2020
The absolute perfect heartwarming ending to the Heart of a Scandal Series. Ms. Caldwell does it again. I loved Connell and Constance.
March 5, 2020
I didn't swoon, I didn't laugh and I definitely wasn't laughing at the end of this book. What rubbish is this?
August 30, 2021
My. Heart.
I didn't think I'd like Connell based on his appearance in Emilia's book. But here I am, as always, wondering how in the world I ever thought such a silly thing. I laughed so much during this book. And got teary-eyed, too. This series was so good.
I didn't think I'd like Connell based on his appearance in Emilia's book. But here I am, as always, wondering how in the world I ever thought such a silly thing. I laughed so much during this book. And got teary-eyed, too. This series was so good.
March 24, 2022
The plot isn't really flushed out, nor was the context etc but it was a quick read and fairly entertaining.
Nothing really happened but they were cute enough. And that's something coming from me because I don't like to read about ladies with an occupation lol
Nothing really happened but they were cute enough. And that's something coming from me because I don't like to read about ladies with an occupation lol
January 8, 2020
Connell Wordsworth, Duke of Renaud, 10 years ago inherited a ward and her child. Connell cut all ties especially from the woman he loved. Many years later Constance Brandley is desperate for money to get her cello back and her friend Emilia needs her help. Emilia would like Constance to take the persona of Mrs. Matcher and write an advice column. Emilia gives her a letter from someone concerned about her guardian’s reputation. Constance is not only intrigued but decides to help. When she goes to help the lonely lord she finds out it is Connell the duke that hurt Emilia. Still Constance is moved to help him and Connell promises her five days to get the information she needs by spending time with him. As Constance and Connell get to know each other they slowly fall for one another. How is love even possible when Constance knows that Connell hurt her friend and Connell is still hurt from losing everything?
This is a beautiful regency love story of two acquaintances and supposed enemies because of the past. The book moves nicely with good plot twists that drive the tale making it difficult to put down! The characters despite being in other previous books in the series beforehand are fully developed and just a joy to know. Constance, the feisty independent heroine might have some tough circumstances is someone to admire and love. She’s proud without being prideful and strong even when Connell is not very nice to her. Connell the embittered harsh hero at first seems mean but really isn’t. He’s hurting and lashes out at everyone but is pretty prickly so makes it difficult to really like him. Sure he gets better as the book progresses but it’s hard to trust him especially when there is apprehension that he’ll hurt everyone including Constance. The well-written story filled with many sad sorrowful things but also wonderfully happy moments to make one smile!
This is a beautiful regency love story of two acquaintances and supposed enemies because of the past. The book moves nicely with good plot twists that drive the tale making it difficult to put down! The characters despite being in other previous books in the series beforehand are fully developed and just a joy to know. Constance, the feisty independent heroine might have some tough circumstances is someone to admire and love. She’s proud without being prideful and strong even when Connell is not very nice to her. Connell the embittered harsh hero at first seems mean but really isn’t. He’s hurting and lashes out at everyone but is pretty prickly so makes it difficult to really like him. Sure he gets better as the book progresses but it’s hard to trust him especially when there is apprehension that he’ll hurt everyone including Constance. The well-written story filled with many sad sorrowful things but also wonderfully happy moments to make one smile!
January 19, 2020
Five Days With a Duke is the last in the Heart of a Scandal series by Christi Caldwell. What a magical ride! I thoroughly enjoyed this book as well as the entire series. Caldwell has a gift of creating touchable, realistic characters who leap off the page and dare you to join their world. Five Days didn’t disappoint. I loved the heroine Lady Constance Brandley. At thirty, she is decidedly on the shelf - a fixed spinster in her household. Her family is living a secretly impoverished life. So when Constance is given an opportunity to write an advice column to earn some extra coin, she takes it. Only it leads her to an unlikely hero - The Duke of Renaud, Connell Wordsworth. Connell is first briefly introduced in book two: A Lady’s Guide to a Gentleman’s Heart. Though you don’t have to go back and read that book, I highly recommend it. I think I fell a little bit in love with Connell. ‘“I was correct,”he said in quiet tones. “Billiards is surely the way to any duke’s heart.”The air hissed and popped like the earth right before a lightning strike. Her breathing increased. Their fingers twined, wrapping around and between like climbing ivy. Feeling very much like she was ensnared by that tenacious green she could not bring herself to break the contact. She reveled in the forbidden tingles that burned a path up her arm. Then Connell tugged her forward into his arms, and she went. She went gladly and eagerly and with abandon.” Wow! Loved it! You can’t go wrong with a Caldwell romance.
January 24, 2020
This is the final book in Christi Caldwell’s fabulous Heart of a Scandal series. The series follows five friends who all hope to find love by winning the heart of a duke. Constance is the last of the ladies, though she has long given up finding love & a happy ever after due to family struggles & heartbreaking loss. Connell is the dastard duke who 10 years ago broke Constance’s best friend Emilia’s heart by severing their betrothal. Now we find he has suffered heartbreak and loss that has left him jaded & lonely. A letter brings about a chance meeting leading to side splitting laughter, mayhem and a bit of chaos. Ultimately two lonely people, scarred by heartbreak find love in each other. This book made me smile, laugh and cry a little. Christi knows how to redeem characters long thought unredeemable, they are flawed and jaded by life but this is what makes her stories so good. No one wants to read about perfect people, they don’t exist. Christi’s stories are gutsy and real. I cannot recommend this book enough, you don’t have to read the previous stories to read this one but guaranteed you will want to after finishing this book.
January 5, 2020
I will be the first to admit that Christi Caldwell is one of my favorite authors and I read everything she writes but Five Days with a Duke may be one of her best books ever. From the start we have a lonely Duke who has walled himself off from others after first breaking a betrothal to take in a ward and her daughter and then having them leave him after 10 years when the girls father returns.
This story has a poignancy that had me on the verge of tears throughout. Two lonely people finding each other and somehow seeing what is hidden beneath the outward masks. Constance approaches the Duke in part to write a column as Mrs Matcher but also because she receives a letter about a lonely Duke who needs help. Connell initially rejects her requests but then decides to giver her 5 days with him.
The characters are so well written you can't help but feel their pain and loneliness. You want them to take a chance and see that they are drawn to each other and would heal the damages done in the past. The sadness throughout is only matched by the Happily Ever After of the ending.
I received an advanced copy of this book.
This story has a poignancy that had me on the verge of tears throughout. Two lonely people finding each other and somehow seeing what is hidden beneath the outward masks. Constance approaches the Duke in part to write a column as Mrs Matcher but also because she receives a letter about a lonely Duke who needs help. Connell initially rejects her requests but then decides to giver her 5 days with him.
The characters are so well written you can't help but feel their pain and loneliness. You want them to take a chance and see that they are drawn to each other and would heal the damages done in the past. The sadness throughout is only matched by the Happily Ever After of the ending.
I received an advanced copy of this book.
January 8, 2020
I loved this! This moderately paced romance really touched my soul. It was eye-opening, realistic, emotional, honest and loving. Constance and Connell's romance were at times a dreaded lesson of facing the pain and dealing with it. It was also about the moments of longing that turned into a kiss that eventually turned into love. Constance stated she was an eclectic person but as I read the story, she was direct, forthright, open to life. She is a woman walking to the beat of a different drummer and liked it that way. I liked her character very much. Connell was a little more complex. He has known real love and known real loss. He encased his heart in ice and he was feeling the effects of it. Loneliness. When Constance came into his life again, he gained insights into his actions and feelings. He did not like it. It angered him and he tried to block it out. But in the long run realized how precious it was to face the truth. She changed his life. This is a feel-good story; nothing heavy and full of thoughtful meaningful loving moments. I really enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it. I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2020
Five Days with a Duke is truly one of the most perfect ways of finishing the Heart of a Scandal series and I for one cannot express just how perfect Cornell and Constance’s love story is.
I will warn you from the very beginning of this book I was full-on ugly crying, with Cornell having to say goodbye to the ones he loved absolutely broke my heart! And then you look into Constance sham of a home life! But then fate, or should I say a very intelligent young lady and a pen stepped in and for 5 days Cornell and Constance's life became less lonely, with someone else to think about rather than wallow in their own pain and feelings and passion bloomed between them, but then their 5 days were up and it's time to say goodbye.
To say this book is a roller coaster is an understatement! To say that Christi Caldwell has written another book that quite possibly has plunged me into a book hangover for the foreseeable future is absolutely correct! Be prepared to laugh, cry, yell and if you're like me, have a large glass of Bailey’s because of a character’s pride!
I will warn you from the very beginning of this book I was full-on ugly crying, with Cornell having to say goodbye to the ones he loved absolutely broke my heart! And then you look into Constance sham of a home life! But then fate, or should I say a very intelligent young lady and a pen stepped in and for 5 days Cornell and Constance's life became less lonely, with someone else to think about rather than wallow in their own pain and feelings and passion bloomed between them, but then their 5 days were up and it's time to say goodbye.
To say this book is a roller coaster is an understatement! To say that Christi Caldwell has written another book that quite possibly has plunged me into a book hangover for the foreseeable future is absolutely correct! Be prepared to laugh, cry, yell and if you're like me, have a large glass of Bailey’s because of a character’s pride!
January 8, 2020
Five Days with a Duke by Christi Caldwell
Heart of a Scandal Series Book Five
Connell Wordsworth, the Duke of Renaud, wanted to be alone. He'd given up the life of a rake when he found the woman he wanted to marry. He gave up the woman when he found he had a ward to take in—along with her baby. Now, ten years later he's lost and alone. Everyone has found happiness.
Lady Constance Brandley took on a job from her best friend, Emilia. A secret writing job. When she receives a letter asking to bring happiness to the guardian who had taken her in, Constance can't refuse. Even when she finds out it’s the same man who had broken her friend's heart.
Constance is part of the original group that discovered the Heart of a Duke pendant. A wonderful romance and I love the secondary characters. And Connell is a duke like none other...with very unique servants. Another winning series from Christi Caldwell.
**Sexual content
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Heart of a Scandal Series Book Five
Connell Wordsworth, the Duke of Renaud, wanted to be alone. He'd given up the life of a rake when he found the woman he wanted to marry. He gave up the woman when he found he had a ward to take in—along with her baby. Now, ten years later he's lost and alone. Everyone has found happiness.
Lady Constance Brandley took on a job from her best friend, Emilia. A secret writing job. When she receives a letter asking to bring happiness to the guardian who had taken her in, Constance can't refuse. Even when she finds out it’s the same man who had broken her friend's heart.
Constance is part of the original group that discovered the Heart of a Duke pendant. A wonderful romance and I love the secondary characters. And Connell is a duke like none other...with very unique servants. Another winning series from Christi Caldwell.
**Sexual content
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
January 7, 2020
Christi Caldwell has once again shown us that she is the master story teller. Her characters are so real, that the reader truly gets to know them, their feelings and their failings. You can’t help but become vested in their lives and feel loss when the story ends. That is just the case in “Five Days With a Duke”. The characters are very likable, even the surly, broken-hearted Duke. Constance is lovely, as a mature spinster of thirty, as she sets out to meet with the Duke in order to gain information for an article she is writing, upon receiving a request from a little girl asking her to help him. When she finds out that he is the same man that left her best friend broken-hearted years before, she is determined she’ll hate him. But as she truly gets to know him, we see her go through so many emotions, from attraction to guilt, to heartache, as she chisels away at the walls he has erected around his heart.
January 9, 2020
Christi Caldwell is more than a writer and author of fictional romantic tales, she's a loremaster for surely there is magic in her stories. How else can you explain the way you physically feel her characters emotions as you read the words she has written? In Fives Days With A Duke we get to know Connell Wordsworth, Duke of Renaud, and learn why he broke his engagement with Emelia and lived in isolation for the past 10 years. We also get to know Lady Constance Brandley and what's been happening in her life since she first wore the Heart of a Duke pendant. This is truly a story about love in all it's forms and learning how to accept and embrace it. Give yourself plenty of time to read it as you're not going to want to put your book down to do anything else. Have tissues or a handkerchief available. Forewarn your family to expect random bursts of laughter as well as tears.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily reviewed it and the comments are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily reviewed it and the comments are my own.
January 9, 2020
*****3.5 Stars****
It's always had to choose your first read of the new year as the book you pick will set the tone for your entire year. You want a book that is fun, witty and tugs at your feels and Five Days with a Duke provided all that I was looking for.
Renaud and Constance are stuck. They believe that all life has to offer is loneliness and misery and have lost the spark for life. When a chance encounter brings these to together everything changes. Each exchange they share is full of fire and passion. They challenge each other in a way that no one has and with each meeting, they are slowly brought back to life.
This story is full of biting wit, heartfelt moments and some cantankerous servants that are sure to put a smile on your face. A fun conclusion to a series of five friends who dreamed, lost, hurt and eventually found lasting love.
****Received a review copy from the author*****
It's always had to choose your first read of the new year as the book you pick will set the tone for your entire year. You want a book that is fun, witty and tugs at your feels and Five Days with a Duke provided all that I was looking for.
Renaud and Constance are stuck. They believe that all life has to offer is loneliness and misery and have lost the spark for life. When a chance encounter brings these to together everything changes. Each exchange they share is full of fire and passion. They challenge each other in a way that no one has and with each meeting, they are slowly brought back to life.
This story is full of biting wit, heartfelt moments and some cantankerous servants that are sure to put a smile on your face. A fun conclusion to a series of five friends who dreamed, lost, hurt and eventually found lasting love.
****Received a review copy from the author*****
January 2, 2020
I think I'm in love...with the Duke. I hate reviewers that tell me the story and spoil it for me so I won't do that. What I will do is tell you this rogue changed...because of a ward and her baby...and in doing so lost the chance to marry his betrothed and start a family. Then we have Constance, a beautiful young woman past her prime...who just didn't spark the attention of any man. Their story is so very sweet. They are both outspoken and delightful. She makes him smile, he makes her feel beautiful. Christi Caldwell as brought two people who are alone in the world together. It's going to take a bit of work on their part to see if anything can come of it. This story had me smiling and had me crying...the perfect story! Sad to see the end of The Heart of a Scandal series...but I'm sure Ms Caldwell has much in store for us in the future.
December 30, 2019
Christi Caldwell completes the series of The Heart of a Scandal with Constance and Connell’s book. Ten years earlier, Connell broke his engagement to Constance’s best friend, Emilia, to rescue his ward and young child. Now the ward and child have been reunited with the father and gone. He is alone. Constance has never married and her family is in dire straits spending a fortune to find their son who has been missing for two years. Constance’s cello is the latest offering for money. As she sits crying on the floor, Emilia pays a visit and asks her to take over the writing of her column, Miss Matcher. Constance and Connell’s lives are about to change.
This is such a sweet and easy read-a feel good story!
I received an ARC of this book.
This is such a sweet and easy read-a feel good story!
I received an ARC of this book.
January 2, 2020
Christi Caldwell does it again. Connell is a really nice Duke, he first gave up his rogue ways when he met his fiancé. Then he gave up his fiancé when he had to take care of a ward and her daughter. He devoted over 10 years of his life to the little girl and was very lonely when they left. Constance is a spinster whose family is broke. Her best friend is Connell’s ex-fiancé. They meet and help each other get over their loneliness. Constance makes Connell smile again. And together they made me smile. At points I felt their loneliness, but then I felt their happiness, that is how good Christi Caldwell writes. I would recommend this book.
January 9, 2020
Loved it!!
No one redeems a character better than Christi Caldwell! I was so curious to know about Renaud's story and also that of Constance but never ever thought that they will have a story together. And what a heart warming story it is...so much banter, repartee and the slow revealing of the hearts...the pain they both suffered and the light they found in each other...this is a beautiful story of love that cocoons your heart. And once again Christi paints the scenes in such a way that you seem to watch a movie unfold before your eyes. And I absolutely loved the epilogue...the most fitting end to the series!
No one redeems a character better than Christi Caldwell! I was so curious to know about Renaud's story and also that of Constance but never ever thought that they will have a story together. And what a heart warming story it is...so much banter, repartee and the slow revealing of the hearts...the pain they both suffered and the light they found in each other...this is a beautiful story of love that cocoons your heart. And once again Christi paints the scenes in such a way that you seem to watch a movie unfold before your eyes. And I absolutely loved the epilogue...the most fitting end to the series!
January 7, 2020
Wonderful
This book was such a wonderful addition to the series. Constance and Connell were well-written and loveable characters. The story flowed smoothly and kept me turning the pages. This book was entertaining. I laughed out loud a few times and found sadness at others. It takes a special writer to become that kind of emotion. I am so glad that each of the girls found their true love. Christi Caldwell is one of my favorite authors. I am willing to read any of to her books without hesitation. Highly recommend this book and all others from Christi.
This book was such a wonderful addition to the series. Constance and Connell were well-written and loveable characters. The story flowed smoothly and kept me turning the pages. This book was entertaining. I laughed out loud a few times and found sadness at others. It takes a special writer to become that kind of emotion. I am so glad that each of the girls found their true love. Christi Caldwell is one of my favorite authors. I am willing to read any of to her books without hesitation. Highly recommend this book and all others from Christi.
May 26, 2022
Laughter and tears abound in this beautiful story
Oh! Like all of Christi’s stories, I could not put this one down. At times hilarious (can we please get a future novella on Jennie and James) and then just as quickly heartbreakingly candid (I went through two boxes of Kleenex), Constance and Connell’s love story is beautifully told from start to finish. And the epilogue with Constance and her friends was a perfect bonus. Thank you for another gorgeous story Christi!
Oh! Like all of Christi’s stories, I could not put this one down. At times hilarious (can we please get a future novella on Jennie and James) and then just as quickly heartbreakingly candid (I went through two boxes of Kleenex), Constance and Connell’s love story is beautifully told from start to finish. And the epilogue with Constance and her friends was a perfect bonus. Thank you for another gorgeous story Christi!
January 11, 2020
Five Days with a Duke by Christi Caldwell has been one of my favorite books to day. I say that with all her books so it’s no surprise that this one is my new fav. There are so many emotions in this story from gut wrenching heartache to anger, fear of the unknown, and redemption, just to name a few. There were a few places where there was some ugly crying going on. All in all, it was a wonderful story and I would recommend it.
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