What do you think?
Rate this book
Lost Lords of London #3
Undressed with the Marquess
For a heartbroken woman and a daring thief, the most tempting proposal comes after marriage in the unforgettable final Lost Lords of London novel by USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell.
Long ago, Dare Grey disappeared from privilege to help the downtrodden. Abandoning his future as a nobleman, he instead came of age as the most skilled—and wanted—thief in East London. But when the Robin Hood of the Rookeries is captured, his influential grandfather offers him a choice: face his heritage...or the gallows. And to step into his rightful role as marquess, Dare must find a wife.
Little do they know, he already has.
Marrying Dare rescued young Temperance Swift from a brutal life. Yet his commitments were elsewhere, and Temperance would not continue in the charade of a relationship that surely would end with her husband in Newgate Prison. It broke her heart to leave the righteous bandit, but she established a new life for herself as a seamstress. One who respected and obeyed the law and kept herself safe—if lonely.
But Dare finds her and offers to resume their role as husband and wife, and this time it will yield a fortune. A fortune that could be used to help the disadvantaged, without resorting to ever-more-daring thefts...
Once they're ensconced in the comfortable family fold of Mayfair, the romance they thought ended years ago stirs again. But when every kiss is shadowed by the mistakes of the past, and a haunting secret Temperance bears, will love be enough to save them from such an uncertain fate?
Long ago, Dare Grey disappeared from privilege to help the downtrodden. Abandoning his future as a nobleman, he instead came of age as the most skilled—and wanted—thief in East London. But when the Robin Hood of the Rookeries is captured, his influential grandfather offers him a choice: face his heritage...or the gallows. And to step into his rightful role as marquess, Dare must find a wife.
Little do they know, he already has.
Marrying Dare rescued young Temperance Swift from a brutal life. Yet his commitments were elsewhere, and Temperance would not continue in the charade of a relationship that surely would end with her husband in Newgate Prison. It broke her heart to leave the righteous bandit, but she established a new life for herself as a seamstress. One who respected and obeyed the law and kept herself safe—if lonely.
But Dare finds her and offers to resume their role as husband and wife, and this time it will yield a fortune. A fortune that could be used to help the disadvantaged, without resorting to ever-more-daring thefts...
Once they're ensconced in the comfortable family fold of Mayfair, the romance they thought ended years ago stirs again. But when every kiss is shadowed by the mistakes of the past, and a haunting secret Temperance bears, will love be enough to save them from such an uncertain fate?
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2020
734 people are currently reading
1859 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
November 5, 2020
Series: Lost Lords of London #3
Publication Date: 11/17/20
Number of Pages: 364
The opening scene has Dare walking to the gallows to be hanged for theft. He’s been there several times before – all for theft – and he’s managed to escape. But it doesn’t look like it will happen this time. The scene describes the previous hangings that day – ones that Dare had to witness – one person’s head comes off and another dangles and twitches forever. The bag is put over Dare’s head, the noose is put over his head and they are moving him forward over the trap door – when …
Temperance Swift was born in the rookeries to a mean, abusive drunk and a Vicar’s daughter (we didn’t learn how that matchup happened). Her mother took in washing and her father ran street gangs. Temperance, her mother, and her brother all suffered horrible beatings from her father. Yet, temperance always took care of others – especially her brother. She does have a loving and giving heart. She marries Dare Grey because he will protect her from her abusive father – and – well – she loved him. She wanted desperately for him to change his ways, but she still loved him.
Darius Greyson (Dare Grey), Marquess of Milford, has to meet one of two requirements from his grandparents in order to receive the twenty-thousand pounds they have for him. He NEEDS that money in order to help more people in the rookeries, so he agrees. He has to either marry off his sister or marry and produce an heir. Little do they know he’s already married – and they all learn that in a really dramatic way.
Old enemies emerge to cause trouble for Dare and Temperance gives him some devastating news before they finally get around to the ending. That ending – well – it was just there – all of a sudden – and it left me unfinished. I’m not sure I felt the HEA – thus the need for an epilogue.
Please realize it is with great sadness and dismay that I tell you this book just didn’t work for me. If you read it, I sincerely hope it works for you. The book, as always, is well written – it is just that the story didn’t work for me. It is one of the darkest, most depressing books I’ve ever read – without a single ray of sunshine. I didn’t find a single character that I really liked – except for a couple of the supporting characters. The main characters, especially the heroine, were so busy wallowing in self-pity that they couldn’t move on with their life. I totally understand Temperance’s loss, I just think 5 years is enough time to come to grips with it. Not accept it – not like it – but to at least have dealt with it so she can live her life. I also thought the plotline itself was implausible – so many things just didn’t make sense to me. I guess the bottom line is, it just didn’t make me feel good when I finished reading it. I also believe this is one book that simply cried for an epilogue set a couple of years into the future so maybe we find out they managed to have their own child after all – or – we find them surrounded with several foster children – something to put a little sunshine into the book.
There were so many things in the premise of this book that just didn’t make sense to me. For one thing, there was no way society was going to accept these two – especially Temperance – back into society even if his grandfather is a duke. Then, there is the arrest of him for trying to bribe a prison guard – after he was the Marquess – just wouldn’t have happened. A peer might have been arrested for murder, but not much else. And the ledger he had – with all of the names of folks he helped in the Rookeries – how did he still have that after being locked up in Newgate then going to be hung?
Anyway – I’m truly sorry this book didn’t work for me – and I truly hope it works for you should you choose to read it. I love this author and always love her books – I just couldn’t love this one. I do look forward to reading more books by her though.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 11/17/20
Number of Pages: 364
The opening scene has Dare walking to the gallows to be hanged for theft. He’s been there several times before – all for theft – and he’s managed to escape. But it doesn’t look like it will happen this time. The scene describes the previous hangings that day – ones that Dare had to witness – one person’s head comes off and another dangles and twitches forever. The bag is put over Dare’s head, the noose is put over his head and they are moving him forward over the trap door – when …
Temperance Swift was born in the rookeries to a mean, abusive drunk and a Vicar’s daughter (we didn’t learn how that matchup happened). Her mother took in washing and her father ran street gangs. Temperance, her mother, and her brother all suffered horrible beatings from her father. Yet, temperance always took care of others – especially her brother. She does have a loving and giving heart. She marries Dare Grey because he will protect her from her abusive father – and – well – she loved him. She wanted desperately for him to change his ways, but she still loved him.
Darius Greyson (Dare Grey), Marquess of Milford, has to meet one of two requirements from his grandparents in order to receive the twenty-thousand pounds they have for him. He NEEDS that money in order to help more people in the rookeries, so he agrees. He has to either marry off his sister or marry and produce an heir. Little do they know he’s already married – and they all learn that in a really dramatic way.
Old enemies emerge to cause trouble for Dare and Temperance gives him some devastating news before they finally get around to the ending. That ending – well – it was just there – all of a sudden – and it left me unfinished. I’m not sure I felt the HEA – thus the need for an epilogue.
Please realize it is with great sadness and dismay that I tell you this book just didn’t work for me. If you read it, I sincerely hope it works for you. The book, as always, is well written – it is just that the story didn’t work for me. It is one of the darkest, most depressing books I’ve ever read – without a single ray of sunshine. I didn’t find a single character that I really liked – except for a couple of the supporting characters. The main characters, especially the heroine, were so busy wallowing in self-pity that they couldn’t move on with their life. I totally understand Temperance’s loss, I just think 5 years is enough time to come to grips with it. Not accept it – not like it – but to at least have dealt with it so she can live her life. I also thought the plotline itself was implausible – so many things just didn’t make sense to me. I guess the bottom line is, it just didn’t make me feel good when I finished reading it. I also believe this is one book that simply cried for an epilogue set a couple of years into the future so maybe we find out they managed to have their own child after all – or – we find them surrounded with several foster children – something to put a little sunshine into the book.
There were so many things in the premise of this book that just didn’t make sense to me. For one thing, there was no way society was going to accept these two – especially Temperance – back into society even if his grandfather is a duke. Then, there is the arrest of him for trying to bribe a prison guard – after he was the Marquess – just wouldn’t have happened. A peer might have been arrested for murder, but not much else. And the ledger he had – with all of the names of folks he helped in the Rookeries – how did he still have that after being locked up in Newgate then going to be hung?
Anyway – I’m truly sorry this book didn’t work for me – and I truly hope it works for you should you choose to read it. I love this author and always love her books – I just couldn’t love this one. I do look forward to reading more books by her though.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 18, 2020
3.5/5. This book started really well. it's been a couple of years since I have read a book by this author, having been put off by the repetitive phrasings. poor editing and the rushed stories that she was churning out at a crazy rate. I was pleasantly surprised that the quality of the writing was back to the high standard, that made me a fan years ago when she first started. The repetitions were eliminated and there were no obvious editing errors to detract from the story. The introduction was solid with the hero rescued from execution in the nick of time by his ducal grandfather who struck a deal with him: take up his rightful title as the Marquess of Dare and the responsibilities that go with it or die as the criminal that he had become in the years since living on the streets of the Rookeries, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. Part of the duties expected of him is to take a wife and provide a heir. What the duke did not count on was that Dare already came with a wife, albeit one he had not seen for five years.
I can't fault Temperance character, strong and independent and never deviating from her values. She had endured horrific trauma and yet she remained standing on her two feet, retaining her warmth and her approachability whereas Dare allowed his childhood trauma to shape his life and petrify his heart. She was Dare's conscience but his frustratingly slow enlightenment () resulted in the marking down of this book for me. There were some unrealistic and incongruent aspects to the story, but overall I am happy to see the return of the writing prowess of Christi Caldwell.
This was an ARC from Net Galley.
I can't fault Temperance character, strong and independent and never deviating from her values. She had endured horrific trauma and yet she remained standing on her two feet, retaining her warmth and her approachability whereas Dare allowed his childhood trauma to shape his life and petrify his heart. She was Dare's conscience but his frustratingly slow enlightenment () resulted in the marking down of this book for me. There were some unrealistic and incongruent aspects to the story, but overall I am happy to see the return of the writing prowess of Christi Caldwell.
This was an ARC from Net Galley.
February 2, 2021
2.5
Thank you to Goodreads for the freebie!
I really, really loved the start of this book and the main characters... unfortunately it was one of those books where so much of the story (ie., the history our bad boy hero and plucky heroine share) was in the past that I really wanted to know all of that before moving to their reunion. The flashbacks just weren’t enough.
Too many unanswered questions that kept me from enjoying most of the first half.. Too much longing for what was instead of taking advantage of what is... that by the time the current plot line takes hold, I didn’t care nearly enough and admit to some aggressive skimming!!
I’m glad I own it— who knows maybe in another time, I’ll spend more time reading and less time skimming.
Thank you to Goodreads for the freebie!
I really, really loved the start of this book and the main characters... unfortunately it was one of those books where so much of the story (ie., the history our bad boy hero and plucky heroine share) was in the past that I really wanted to know all of that before moving to their reunion. The flashbacks just weren’t enough.
Too many unanswered questions that kept me from enjoying most of the first half.. Too much longing for what was instead of taking advantage of what is... that by the time the current plot line takes hold, I didn’t care nearly enough and admit to some aggressive skimming!!
I’m glad I own it— who knows maybe in another time, I’ll spend more time reading and less time skimming.
November 21, 2020
Fabulous read!
This final in the Lost Lord's series not only grabbed my attention, it stormed my heart.
Darius (Dare) Grey's story is mostly seen through his childhood friend from the Rookeries eyes, Temperance Swift.
The opening scenes, as the character of Dare is set, has all the hallmark of a fantastic thriller. A Robin Hood character who robs from the rich to feed the poor. I was there! His story is almost over before it begins.
And Temperance! As the story progresses who Temperance is and the burdens she carries unfold. Dare's story, which is partly Temprance's, is a memorable addition that goes to the heart.
A Montlake ARC via NetGalley
This final in the Lost Lord's series not only grabbed my attention, it stormed my heart.
Darius (Dare) Grey's story is mostly seen through his childhood friend from the Rookeries eyes, Temperance Swift.
The opening scenes, as the character of Dare is set, has all the hallmark of a fantastic thriller. A Robin Hood character who robs from the rich to feed the poor. I was there! His story is almost over before it begins.
And Temperance! As the story progresses who Temperance is and the burdens she carries unfold. Dare's story, which is partly Temprance's, is a memorable addition that goes to the heart.
A Montlake ARC via NetGalley
December 20, 2020
3.5/5. This book started really well. it's been a couple of years since I have read a book by this author, having been put off by the repetitive phrasings, poor editing and the rushed stories that she was churning out at a crazy rate. I was pleasantly surprised that the quality of the writing was back to the high standard, that made me a fan years ago when she first started. The repetitions were eliminated and there were no obvious editing errors to detract from the story. The introduction was solid with the hero rescued from execution in the nick of time by his ducal grandfather who struck a deal with him: take up his rightful title as the Marquess of Dare and the responsibilities that go with it or die as the criminal that he had become in the years since living on the streets of the Rookeries, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. Part of the duties expected of him is to take a wife and provide a heir. What the duke did not count on was that Dare already came with a wife, albeit one he had not seen for five years.
I can't fault Temperance character, strong and independent and never deviating from her values. She had endured horrific trauma and yet she remained standing on her two feet, retaining her warmth and her approachability whereas Dare allowed his childhood trauma to shape his life and petrify his heart. She was Dare's conscience but his frustratingly slow enlightenment ((view spoiler)) resulted in the marking down of this book for me.
Still, I am happy to see the return of the writing prowess of Christi Caldwell.
I can't fault Temperance character, strong and independent and never deviating from her values. She had endured horrific trauma and yet she remained standing on her two feet, retaining her warmth and her approachability whereas Dare allowed his childhood trauma to shape his life and petrify his heart. She was Dare's conscience but his frustratingly slow enlightenment ((view spoiler)) resulted in the marking down of this book for me.
Still, I am happy to see the return of the writing prowess of Christi Caldwell.
July 28, 2025
Last in a three-book series, and the one that I found most emotionally engaging. All three books have the same positives: imaginative story-telling and fully drawn characters. A narrative featuring the main character’s internal dialogue as well as their spoken words. Evolving relationships. Compelling accounts of the sharp difference between London’s high- and low-born.. This one, in particular, has a strong, believable conflict between the characters that must be resolved before the happily-ever-after. Unfortunately, all three books also share the same negative: hammering the reader repeatedly with the character’s motivations, history and personal trauma. Repeatedly. I did not need to be told hundreds of times, by both leading characters, that the hero in this book wants to help the downtrodden. Twice would have been sufficient. This is a talented author who needs an editor with a heavy hand in order to really shine. Still, definitely worth reading.
October 28, 2020
2.75 stars
this book had such a great setup with tempest and dare knowing each other since childhood and growing up in the slums together because of family issues they both had. i really wish we had gotten to see flashbacks of those formative years and see their meeting/building of friendship/first kiss etc. the characters were both very likeable as they genuinely wanted to do good and their chemistry was solid.
the main downside was the abrupt ending, and i had to remove a star for that. it feels as though the issue between the dare's grandmother and tempest is left unresolved and it would have been nice to see a page or two devoted to fixing that relationship.
all in all, this was a really easy to read, endearing historical romance with likeable characters with believable motives.
𝙖𝙧𝙘 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙣𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
this book had such a great setup with tempest and dare knowing each other since childhood and growing up in the slums together because of family issues they both had. i really wish we had gotten to see flashbacks of those formative years and see their meeting/building of friendship/first kiss etc. the characters were both very likeable as they genuinely wanted to do good and their chemistry was solid.
the main downside was the abrupt ending, and i had to remove a star for that. it feels as though the issue between the dare's grandmother and tempest is left unresolved and it would have been nice to see a page or two devoted to fixing that relationship.
all in all, this was a really easy to read, endearing historical romance with likeable characters with believable motives.
𝙖𝙧𝙘 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙣𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
April 8, 2021
Beautiful story
This book has a little of everything. A lost Lord that ran away when he was 10 and lived a life of crime and was almost hung. And then he was saved by his Grandparents. But there is so much more in the story. The love between him and his estranged wife, Temperance and a love for the people who had so little and lived in the Rookeries. The story was painful at times, and heart breaking. But in the end it was glorious. I wanted more of an epilogue but it still produced that aaah feeling so many books lack lately. Temperance was a tremendous heroine and I loved her so much. Strong and so loving she was willing to let her love be free so he could be happy. But Date had a will of his own and I just can't say how wonderful he was at the end. There are times he will annoy but in the end he comes around beautifully. When he searches for his little girls unmarked grave, my heart broke along with his. Just a beautifully touching story.
This book has a little of everything. A lost Lord that ran away when he was 10 and lived a life of crime and was almost hung. And then he was saved by his Grandparents. But there is so much more in the story. The love between him and his estranged wife, Temperance and a love for the people who had so little and lived in the Rookeries. The story was painful at times, and heart breaking. But in the end it was glorious. I wanted more of an epilogue but it still produced that aaah feeling so many books lack lately. Temperance was a tremendous heroine and I loved her so much. Strong and so loving she was willing to let her love be free so he could be happy. But Date had a will of his own and I just can't say how wonderful he was at the end. There are times he will annoy but in the end he comes around beautifully. When he searches for his little girls unmarked grave, my heart broke along with his. Just a beautifully touching story.
July 28, 2025
3.5 stars 🌟
This story was a bit more interesting than the first two books.
Darius went to find adventure at the age of 10, and ended up in the rookeries . Becoming a master thief.
Temperance was the daughter of a drunk, who used to beat her up all the time.
Meeting when they were children. When they were older, Darius married Temperance. To protect her from her father. But then he disappeared. Temperance moved away from the Rookeries. To become a seamstress in the Cotswolds.
Five years later, after he has returned to his family. He turns up to ask her to come back and be his wife again , and help him with his sister.
Bit of a Rodin Hood story .
This story was a bit more interesting than the first two books.
Darius went to find adventure at the age of 10, and ended up in the rookeries . Becoming a master thief.
Temperance was the daughter of a drunk, who used to beat her up all the time.
Meeting when they were children. When they were older, Darius married Temperance. To protect her from her father. But then he disappeared. Temperance moved away from the Rookeries. To become a seamstress in the Cotswolds.
Five years later, after he has returned to his family. He turns up to ask her to come back and be his wife again , and help him with his sister.
Bit of a Rodin Hood story .
November 10, 2020
As little more than a child, Dare Grey left his privileged life for what seemed a grand adventure to help the oppressed of East London. Rather than coming into his noble title as Marquess of Milford, he became a king of thieves. But upon his inevitable capture, this Robin Hood of East London is left with few options and must agree to a rather distasteful contract: his grandfather, a powerful duke, will free Dare from the noose, but only if he accepts his birthright as marquess, finds a wife, and sees his sister safely married off.
Unbeknownst to his family, Dare already has a wife. Temperance Swift married Dare for protection from her violent drunkard of a father. But Dare would not abandon his thievery in his determination to provide for others and Temperance refused to stand by while her husband would up imprisoned or executed. Breaking her own heart, she fled London, finding a place for herself as a seamstress, a safe and respectable, if lonely, existence.
When Dare offers her a fortune if she resumes her role as his wife, Temperance knows she can’t refuse, for her brother’s sake and to keep Dare from thieving. Once they’re back under the same roof, the connection between Dare and Temperance reignites as if no time has passed, but their every interaction is tainted by painful past mistakes, and a devastating secret Temperance has kept to herself. As before, their love may not be enough to keep them together.
As a rule, I enjoy reading about couples who are already married. It’s often endearing to see that reconnection and improved communication. That’s not what happened here and this one just didn’t quite work for me. The subject matter is quite dark in several aspects so at first I thought perhaps it was just the wrong time for me to be reading it, but the more I read, the more I realized this had several other issues that were throwing me off. I think my main problem boils down to this heroine. Yes, she had an incredibly sad and tragic history, but she kept Dare in the dark for far too long about things he had every right to know. Yes, there were times in which Dare failed to be what she needed, but she also wasn’t willing to delve into his issues and try to figure out why that might be. She was utterly perplexed as to why Dare didn’t believe himself worthy of love and had such a generally low sense of self-worth and all the while she was almost constantly berating him for his shortcomings and enumerating all the things he’d done wrong. Perhaps much of their issues could’ve been avoided if she’d been more open with him about her feelings as well. Instead, it was like these two just went around in circles and never got anywhere. I felt like I read the same dialogues and inner monologues from both MCs over and over again and it just became tedious and overly dramatic. There was also an issue of lack of believability in one of the key plot points: there’s no way a marquess would’ve been arrested and held in Newgate for bribery. This just would’ve have happened with that rank and I also felt like this scene just felt gratuitous and didn’t truly do anything to advance or improve the plot. That’s a less important point, but it was the addition of insult to injury for me on this one.
I desperately wanted to like Dare and Temperance as a couple, but she just pushed him away repeatedly, so much so that their relationship seemed much the same in the end as it had in the beginning. Dare underwent significant character development and Temperance somehow really didn’t, despite all the emotional upheaval she experienced. I also felt like I needed more from the ending, not necessarily an epilogue, but just more, especially wit regards to Dare’s grandmother and the stability of his and Temperance’s future together. Temperance came off as a bit fickle to me so their HEA needed a bit more shoring up to be wholly satisfactory for me. Overall, I got tired of Temperance harping on all reasons they couldn’t be together, even after Dare got his act straight and came into his own in the role he was always meant to occupy (which was also a very long time coming.) this is one of my favorite authors, but I don’t expect to like every single book. This one fell flat for me, but I still look forward to what’s next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Unbeknownst to his family, Dare already has a wife. Temperance Swift married Dare for protection from her violent drunkard of a father. But Dare would not abandon his thievery in his determination to provide for others and Temperance refused to stand by while her husband would up imprisoned or executed. Breaking her own heart, she fled London, finding a place for herself as a seamstress, a safe and respectable, if lonely, existence.
When Dare offers her a fortune if she resumes her role as his wife, Temperance knows she can’t refuse, for her brother’s sake and to keep Dare from thieving. Once they’re back under the same roof, the connection between Dare and Temperance reignites as if no time has passed, but their every interaction is tainted by painful past mistakes, and a devastating secret Temperance has kept to herself. As before, their love may not be enough to keep them together.
As a rule, I enjoy reading about couples who are already married. It’s often endearing to see that reconnection and improved communication. That’s not what happened here and this one just didn’t quite work for me. The subject matter is quite dark in several aspects so at first I thought perhaps it was just the wrong time for me to be reading it, but the more I read, the more I realized this had several other issues that were throwing me off. I think my main problem boils down to this heroine. Yes, she had an incredibly sad and tragic history, but she kept Dare in the dark for far too long about things he had every right to know. Yes, there were times in which Dare failed to be what she needed, but she also wasn’t willing to delve into his issues and try to figure out why that might be. She was utterly perplexed as to why Dare didn’t believe himself worthy of love and had such a generally low sense of self-worth and all the while she was almost constantly berating him for his shortcomings and enumerating all the things he’d done wrong. Perhaps much of their issues could’ve been avoided if she’d been more open with him about her feelings as well. Instead, it was like these two just went around in circles and never got anywhere. I felt like I read the same dialogues and inner monologues from both MCs over and over again and it just became tedious and overly dramatic. There was also an issue of lack of believability in one of the key plot points: there’s no way a marquess would’ve been arrested and held in Newgate for bribery. This just would’ve have happened with that rank and I also felt like this scene just felt gratuitous and didn’t truly do anything to advance or improve the plot. That’s a less important point, but it was the addition of insult to injury for me on this one.
I desperately wanted to like Dare and Temperance as a couple, but she just pushed him away repeatedly, so much so that their relationship seemed much the same in the end as it had in the beginning. Dare underwent significant character development and Temperance somehow really didn’t, despite all the emotional upheaval she experienced. I also felt like I needed more from the ending, not necessarily an epilogue, but just more, especially wit regards to Dare’s grandmother and the stability of his and Temperance’s future together. Temperance came off as a bit fickle to me so their HEA needed a bit more shoring up to be wholly satisfactory for me. Overall, I got tired of Temperance harping on all reasons they couldn’t be together, even after Dare got his act straight and came into his own in the role he was always meant to occupy (which was also a very long time coming.) this is one of my favorite authors, but I don’t expect to like every single book. This one fell flat for me, but I still look forward to what’s next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 16, 2021
Undressed with the Marquess
Lost Lords of London Book 3
Christi Caldwell
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorChrist...
Release date 11/17/2020
Publisher Montlake
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
For a heartbroken woman and a daring thief, the most tempting proposal comes after marriage in the unforgettable final Lost Lords of London novel by USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell.
Long ago, Dare Grey disappeared from privilege to help the downtrodden. Abandoning his future as a nobleman, he instead came of age as the most skilled—and wanted—thief in East London. But when the Robin Hood of the Rookeries is captured, his influential grandfather offers him a choice: face his heritage…or the gallows. And to step into his rightful role as marquess, Dare must find a wife.
Little do they know, he already has.
Marrying Dare rescued young Temperance Swift from a brutal life. Yet his commitments were elsewhere, and Temperance would not continue in the charade of a relationship that surely would end with her husband in Newgate Prison. It broke her heart to leave the righteous bandit, but she established a new life for herself as a seamstress. One who respected and obeyed the law and kept herself safe—if lonely.
But Dare finds her and offers to resume their role as husband and wife, and this time it will yield a fortune. A fortune that could be used to help the disadvantaged, without resorting to ever-more-daring thefts…
Once they’re ensconced in the comfortable family fold of Mayfair, the romance they thought ended years ago stirs again. But when every kiss is shadowed by the mistakes of the past, and a haunting secret Temperance bears, will love be enough to save them from such an uncertain fate?
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will his negative view of life impede his future with the woman who could redeem his soul ...
I have to say I quite dreaded this read because of reviews from people I follow and I was not really in the mood for a dark depressing read, why I pushed it forward, but I have to fulfill the promise I made.
Sure it is no stroll in a park but it is not the hardship I expected, the author’s style makes the story flows smoothly.
It is just the heroes are not easy to care for as they do not want to be loved. They believe they do not deserve it.
I can’t say I was found of the main characters when they were introduced.
Dare, while his reasons for rejecting his title are kept in the dark, is not easy to appreciate, so judgmental about the people he has decided to loath. And while I thought I understood what he wanted to do, why being a marquess would impede it.
Temperance is presented firstly as more stupidly stubborn than clever, so determined to prove she is smarter about something as trivial as the right color of a gown (let the woman appear as a walking pinkish nightmare if it is what she wants) when she works to put a roof on her head and food in her belly. Why jeopardize everything for such frivolities as it might endanger her living.
It is certain they are no prince nor princess charming, so very damaged by the rough existence they have lived.
So flawed and broken they leave nobody in. And I struggled to feel for them. She hold ont he tragedy of her past for too long, when he is blind to everything around so set on his way, he does not see that if he destroys his legacy, he will throw people in the streets when from his place in the society’s ladder, he has the means to fight for his oldest battle and new ones.
I disliked how he painted everything in black and white, the poor as the good and the rich, the bad. And while the child he was might have believed it, two decades later, he should have acknowledged there are more shades of grey than only black and white and from any side of the fence.
Why, it is sure they gave me a hard time, I did not read their story in one sitting. Otherwise, I would have thrown objets to their heads. I needed pauses to quiet my temper.
Yet once the past was shared, I reconciled with them, both were led on wrong paths, mostly Dare, so determined to reject his past and origins.
The author did not choose quiet personalities for her new heroes, these were so very destructive, especially Dare. Each sets on its own path, why my heart sided with Temperance because despite her flaws and the unsaid, she never strayed from her ideals when Dare lied to himself to justify his deeds.
4.5 stars
On a last note, I feel this book needed an epilogue as until the very last words, nothing was assured for Dare and Temperance.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Montlake, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Lost Lords of London Book 3
Christi Caldwell
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorChrist...
Release date 11/17/2020
Publisher Montlake
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
For a heartbroken woman and a daring thief, the most tempting proposal comes after marriage in the unforgettable final Lost Lords of London novel by USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell.
Long ago, Dare Grey disappeared from privilege to help the downtrodden. Abandoning his future as a nobleman, he instead came of age as the most skilled—and wanted—thief in East London. But when the Robin Hood of the Rookeries is captured, his influential grandfather offers him a choice: face his heritage…or the gallows. And to step into his rightful role as marquess, Dare must find a wife.
Little do they know, he already has.
Marrying Dare rescued young Temperance Swift from a brutal life. Yet his commitments were elsewhere, and Temperance would not continue in the charade of a relationship that surely would end with her husband in Newgate Prison. It broke her heart to leave the righteous bandit, but she established a new life for herself as a seamstress. One who respected and obeyed the law and kept herself safe—if lonely.
But Dare finds her and offers to resume their role as husband and wife, and this time it will yield a fortune. A fortune that could be used to help the disadvantaged, without resorting to ever-more-daring thefts…
Once they’re ensconced in the comfortable family fold of Mayfair, the romance they thought ended years ago stirs again. But when every kiss is shadowed by the mistakes of the past, and a haunting secret Temperance bears, will love be enough to save them from such an uncertain fate?
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will his negative view of life impede his future with the woman who could redeem his soul ...
I have to say I quite dreaded this read because of reviews from people I follow and I was not really in the mood for a dark depressing read, why I pushed it forward, but I have to fulfill the promise I made.
Sure it is no stroll in a park but it is not the hardship I expected, the author’s style makes the story flows smoothly.
It is just the heroes are not easy to care for as they do not want to be loved. They believe they do not deserve it.
I can’t say I was found of the main characters when they were introduced.
Dare, while his reasons for rejecting his title are kept in the dark, is not easy to appreciate, so judgmental about the people he has decided to loath. And while I thought I understood what he wanted to do, why being a marquess would impede it.
Temperance is presented firstly as more stupidly stubborn than clever, so determined to prove she is smarter about something as trivial as the right color of a gown (let the woman appear as a walking pinkish nightmare if it is what she wants) when she works to put a roof on her head and food in her belly. Why jeopardize everything for such frivolities as it might endanger her living.
It is certain they are no prince nor princess charming, so very damaged by the rough existence they have lived.
So flawed and broken they leave nobody in. And I struggled to feel for them. She hold ont he tragedy of her past for too long, when he is blind to everything around so set on his way, he does not see that if he destroys his legacy, he will throw people in the streets when from his place in the society’s ladder, he has the means to fight for his oldest battle and new ones.
I disliked how he painted everything in black and white, the poor as the good and the rich, the bad. And while the child he was might have believed it, two decades later, he should have acknowledged there are more shades of grey than only black and white and from any side of the fence.
Why, it is sure they gave me a hard time, I did not read their story in one sitting. Otherwise, I would have thrown objets to their heads. I needed pauses to quiet my temper.
Yet once the past was shared, I reconciled with them, both were led on wrong paths, mostly Dare, so determined to reject his past and origins.
The author did not choose quiet personalities for her new heroes, these were so very destructive, especially Dare. Each sets on its own path, why my heart sided with Temperance because despite her flaws and the unsaid, she never strayed from her ideals when Dare lied to himself to justify his deeds.
4.5 stars
On a last note, I feel this book needed an epilogue as until the very last words, nothing was assured for Dare and Temperance.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Montlake, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
November 17, 2020
It took me a while to get into this story but I did enjoy it. Dare and Temperance have quite a number of things to work through. Dare has to come to terms to his position as marquess and his past. Temperance had a hard upbringing and she does love Dare but she doesn’t agree with what he has done. Temperance also has a secret that she hasn’t told Dare. Dare is determined to help others in need, luckily for him, Temperance is there to show him the bigger picture. There are some heartfelt moments and there is also a mystery as to who betrayed Dare. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 22, 2023
3.5/5 stars
I've read a lot of books from Christi Caldwell. A lot. And it's been ages since any impressed me. This one was actually quite good.
This book follows along the larger thread in CC of kids from the peerage being kidnapped by a Drug lord? Mobster? something like that from East London. Darius Grey was one of those kids, and is saved from his death sentence by his grandfather the Duke and his life changes as he assumes his role as Marquess. His motivations of life are more directed towards using the priveldges of the rich aka money to help the poor in his old life - noble, and its explained quite well.
His Grandfather offers him a large sum of money if he can either make a decent entrance into society and get his sister married off or he is able to produce an heir for the dukedom. Enters Temparance, Dare's wife. She knew him since she was a child on the streets, and eventually they married to keep her safe from her abusive father.
Their differing view on the world and family and the ways in which one can make a difference is what makes up most of their conflict, and I quite enjoyed reading it. They're a good balance to each other, and I quite liked the sister as well as his grandfathers. The plot is done well, so is the characterizations. And while CC isn't the best of the authors in this genre, she has improved a lot.
There is some angst but nothing that really hits you hard.
My only complaint is that with the plot and Dare's path to figuring his life and new position out, the romance was kind of lost.
Also, severe trigger warning guys, I never read that in the description but it should be. TW Abuse and TW miscarraige. It should have been pointed out.
I've read a lot of books from Christi Caldwell. A lot. And it's been ages since any impressed me. This one was actually quite good.
This book follows along the larger thread in CC of kids from the peerage being kidnapped by a Drug lord? Mobster? something like that from East London. Darius Grey was one of those kids, and is saved from his death sentence by his grandfather the Duke and his life changes as he assumes his role as Marquess. His motivations of life are more directed towards using the priveldges of the rich aka money to help the poor in his old life - noble, and its explained quite well.
His Grandfather offers him a large sum of money if he can either make a decent entrance into society and get his sister married off or he is able to produce an heir for the dukedom. Enters Temparance, Dare's wife. She knew him since she was a child on the streets, and eventually they married to keep her safe from her abusive father.
Their differing view on the world and family and the ways in which one can make a difference is what makes up most of their conflict, and I quite enjoyed reading it. They're a good balance to each other, and I quite liked the sister as well as his grandfathers. The plot is done well, so is the characterizations. And while CC isn't the best of the authors in this genre, she has improved a lot.
There is some angst but nothing that really hits you hard.
My only complaint is that with the plot and Dare's path to figuring his life and new position out, the romance was kind of lost.
Also, severe trigger warning guys, I never read that in the description but it should be. TW Abuse and TW miscarraige. It should have been pointed out.
January 10, 2021
If you’re looking for a good story to escape reality for a short while, look no further. There are often parts that are less believable than others, particularly in this genre, and this story is no different. However, the characters were well developed and the story was loaded with well-written & impactful scenes that kept my interest throughout. One steamy scene in particular was beautifully written and portrayed. Tim Campbell’s performance was amazing as usual.
This would have been a 5 star book for me if we had learned more of the couple’s backstory & relationship build. The couple initially married for convenience and eventually came together (literally!) at some point. Though it was touched on a few times, there were some missed chances to invest the reader more into this couple’s outcome and overall memorability.
This would have been a 5 star book for me if we had learned more of the couple’s backstory & relationship build. The couple initially married for convenience and eventually came together (literally!) at some point. Though it was touched on a few times, there were some missed chances to invest the reader more into this couple’s outcome and overall memorability.
November 24, 2020
Interesting romance
Dare and Temperance's love story was a tumultuous one as each one - especially Dare had seen a lot of darkness during his growing years. That is the reason he is so unwilling to accept the rich people for their qualities.
Temperance is a clever heroine, though sometimes she does have a way of proving she is smart than getting the work done.
As Temperance and Dare come together and share their past stories and their romance blossoms slowly, both the characters reveal the changes in their personalities to reveal their other sides.
The description of the old times, the people and the romance was all enjoyable to read. Liked it.
Dare and Temperance's love story was a tumultuous one as each one - especially Dare had seen a lot of darkness during his growing years. That is the reason he is so unwilling to accept the rich people for their qualities.
Temperance is a clever heroine, though sometimes she does have a way of proving she is smart than getting the work done.
As Temperance and Dare come together and share their past stories and their romance blossoms slowly, both the characters reveal the changes in their personalities to reveal their other sides.
The description of the old times, the people and the romance was all enjoyable to read. Liked it.
November 3, 2020
I have a real soft spot for the anti-hero. Wondering if he can be redeemed. These stories have so much drama, emotion, and intensity. Especially in Christi Caldwell’s Lost Lords of London series. These men have experienced the beautiful and ugly parts of life first hand and are left unsure of what world they belong in. And because of those ties to both worlds, readers get a real sense of the struggles between classes. I love this because it allows for a wide variety of couples and keeps the dirt and danger close to the surface.
I ached for Temperance and Dare. They both put the welfare of others before their own and in so doing had sacrificed their own happiness. But where Temperance strived to live an honorable life, Dare had turned to thieving to help those in need. A Robin Hood of sorts who took from society’s most undeserving and gave it to those in need. Temperance had wanted no part in a life that would inevitably lead to Dare’s destruction. So she’d left. Years later, they are brought together again. And in that reunion, they are forced to face painful memories they’d not allowed themselves to think about in a long time.
These two were such complex characters. I loved watching them change and grow. That journey was wonderfully captivating. A page turner in the truest sense. Few authors write damaged heroes better than Christi Caldwell who has a real affinity for wounded men and the strong, uncommon heroines who heal them. She is a master of setting a scene and making readers feel they’re right there in the middle of it. If you’re looking for a beautiful and deeply emotional story that tugs at your heart strings, look no further than this newest addition. This series is sheer perfection.
I ached for Temperance and Dare. They both put the welfare of others before their own and in so doing had sacrificed their own happiness. But where Temperance strived to live an honorable life, Dare had turned to thieving to help those in need. A Robin Hood of sorts who took from society’s most undeserving and gave it to those in need. Temperance had wanted no part in a life that would inevitably lead to Dare’s destruction. So she’d left. Years later, they are brought together again. And in that reunion, they are forced to face painful memories they’d not allowed themselves to think about in a long time.
These two were such complex characters. I loved watching them change and grow. That journey was wonderfully captivating. A page turner in the truest sense. Few authors write damaged heroes better than Christi Caldwell who has a real affinity for wounded men and the strong, uncommon heroines who heal them. She is a master of setting a scene and making readers feel they’re right there in the middle of it. If you’re looking for a beautiful and deeply emotional story that tugs at your heart strings, look no further than this newest addition. This series is sheer perfection.
November 17, 2020
I adored this final story in Christi's series. Dare and Temperance were one of my favorite couples ever. I'm sorry to see this unique series end.
May 22, 2021
This the third book of the Lost Lords of London series, I loved this one a bit better than the second although I've rated it 3-stars. Again what did it for me was the narration by Tim Campbell of the characters that was done quite well.
November 9, 2020
I really hate writing reviews like this, but here goes. This book was okay. It didn't really hold my attention. The characters were okay. The story was okay. This might be the okayist book Christi Caldwell has ever written. I am a Christi Caldwell super-fan, I've read them all, and love most of them. This one just didn't really do it for me.
Honestly, I'm not the biggest fan of these stories from the slums. They are not my favorite. I think Christi is at her best with wall flowers and soldiers. I hate to say it, but it's true.
This story was a bit depressing, and the happily ever after was a bit anticlimactic. I wanted to sit Temperance and Dare both down and have a stern, Andy Griffith style talk with them about communication. They NEED it. I also found several parts of the story to be just implausible. Dare left when he was 10, but he has blocked out all of those memories? It's just.... unlikely.
I really wanted to love this book, and it just missed the mark for me. That being said, it definitely had it's good moments, and if you are into these stories that mix the Ton with the Rookery, you will probably enjoy it.
Blog:
https://ssshwearereading.wordpress.co...
Honestly, I'm not the biggest fan of these stories from the slums. They are not my favorite. I think Christi is at her best with wall flowers and soldiers. I hate to say it, but it's true.
This story was a bit depressing, and the happily ever after was a bit anticlimactic. I wanted to sit Temperance and Dare both down and have a stern, Andy Griffith style talk with them about communication. They NEED it. I also found several parts of the story to be just implausible. Dare left when he was 10, but he has blocked out all of those memories? It's just.... unlikely.
I really wanted to love this book, and it just missed the mark for me. That being said, it definitely had it's good moments, and if you are into these stories that mix the Ton with the Rookery, you will probably enjoy it.
Blog:
https://ssshwearereading.wordpress.co...
September 2, 2025
KU. Mad About Series HRBC Challenge 2025. Historical Romance. Tropes: Regency Romance, Romance/Mystery, Crime/Mafia, Law Enforcement/Spy,
MC's h. Temperance Swift, younger brother Chance Swift and best girlfriend Gwynn, father Abbadon Swift (monster), husband Dare Grey.
H. Dare Grey, Darius Greyson, Marquess of Milford, wife Temperance Grey, business partner Avery Bryant, Grandparents, Duke and Duchess of Pemberly, sister Kinsey, parent deceased and younger brother deceased.
Basic Story: A man is to be hung for being a thief. He's a man with nine lives apparently as at the last minute his grandparents a Duke and Duchess of Pemberly rescue him. Conner Steele (a Bow Street Runner and Private Investigator) {Book "The Vixen" from Wicked Wallfowers Series.}found Dare and told him he was a "Lost Lord" but he didn't quite wish to believe in fairytales so he continued on as usual until this moment. He decided to go along with the charade being the long lost grandson of the Duke and Duchess of Pemberly as the alternative meant hanging.
Opinion: This story was mainly about the redemption of Darius Grey and Dare and Temperance finding love again. I think this last series based on Mac Diggory and his evil influence in the East End of London was inferior to the previous 2 series, Sinful Brides & Wicked Wallflowers. I think there could have been connections made with the characters from these two other series. It would have given more dimension to the plot and characters connecting the series together. I gave this story 3 stars and the series 3 stars.
MC's h. Temperance Swift, younger brother Chance Swift and best girlfriend Gwynn, father Abbadon Swift (monster), husband Dare Grey.
H. Dare Grey, Darius Greyson, Marquess of Milford, wife Temperance Grey, business partner Avery Bryant, Grandparents, Duke and Duchess of Pemberly, sister Kinsey, parent deceased and younger brother deceased.
Basic Story: A man is to be hung for being a thief. He's a man with nine lives apparently as at the last minute his grandparents a Duke and Duchess of Pemberly rescue him. Conner Steele (a Bow Street Runner and Private Investigator) {Book "The Vixen" from Wicked Wallfowers Series.}found Dare and told him he was a "Lost Lord" but he didn't quite wish to believe in fairytales so he continued on as usual until this moment. He decided to go along with the charade being the long lost grandson of the Duke and Duchess of Pemberly as the alternative meant hanging.
Opinion: This story was mainly about the redemption of Darius Grey and Dare and Temperance finding love again. I think this last series based on Mac Diggory and his evil influence in the East End of London was inferior to the previous 2 series, Sinful Brides & Wicked Wallflowers. I think there could have been connections made with the characters from these two other series. It would have given more dimension to the plot and characters connecting the series together. I gave this story 3 stars and the series 3 stars.
November 15, 2020
Omg I cried through the end of this book. So much emotions and love.
Dare and Temperance fell in love young, in the slums of London. Dare sought to protect Temperance by marriage but he could not and would not change his ways. After sending him away she never thought to see him again. Years later he comes to her for help, she agreed against her better judgment. They will both get something out of this but at where will it leave them in the end?
This is such a good book. The heartache and loss is so heavy but the love and possibilities of a future drive this book. Yes it is dark and times but the light at the end is worth it !
Dare and Temperance fell in love young, in the slums of London. Dare sought to protect Temperance by marriage but he could not and would not change his ways. After sending him away she never thought to see him again. Years later he comes to her for help, she agreed against her better judgment. They will both get something out of this but at where will it leave them in the end?
This is such a good book. The heartache and loss is so heavy but the love and possibilities of a future drive this book. Yes it is dark and times but the light at the end is worth it !
June 5, 2024
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
This was my favorite of the series! I love a second chance romance and this one hit the spot. I did get frustrated when they just didn’t lay it all out but overall I loved the story. To think about what all the lower class living in the rookeries had to endure is so sad. We definitely see a different side of society in this series and it makes me like it even more. I definitely recommend this series. I just wish there had been an epilogue for this one.
This was my favorite of the series! I love a second chance romance and this one hit the spot. I did get frustrated when they just didn’t lay it all out but overall I loved the story. To think about what all the lower class living in the rookeries had to endure is so sad. We definitely see a different side of society in this series and it makes me like it even more. I definitely recommend this series. I just wish there had been an epilogue for this one.
November 13, 2020
I first want to thank NetGalley for providing me a copy of "Undressed with the Marquess" to read and provide feedback on.
As a content warning for readers that are sensitive to the topic of miscarriage, please be aware that it is a topic that is addressed in this novel, as a past trauma of the heroine, Temperance, as a result of abuse she suffered in the past (not on page).
As a whole, I think Caldwell fans will be pleased with the third entry in the "Lost Lords of London" series. Personally, I have found the series (I pre-read books 1 & 2 before tackling this book) to be a little quirky and not as interconnected as most series are traditionally set up, with this third being even more able to fully stand alone than the previous two. The hero in this book, Dare, isn't the strongest character. It really feels like he is stuck in a child's mindset of the world until almost the end of the story. The women in the story are who really stand out and are who in some cases I am left wishing to know more about. Specifically, Dare's younger sister, Kinsley, her backstory is being constantly hinted at, but never completely revealed.
***Spoiler*** The one place, this book stands out is with its HEA. I am going to praise it through the roof on this point, because there has been a call for this kind of HEA in romancelandia for a very long time and next to no one is giving readers this. Caldwell, with "Undressed with the Marquess", leaves us with a childless couple in a historical romance as the HEA. They can't have a baby, it hurts, they have come to terms with it, they are ok, and most importantly there is no miracle baby. This is revolutionary in the genre, and it needs to not be. Not every romance needs an epilogue baby, especially not when one of the premises of the story has been infertility. So I really want to praise and thank Caldwell for hearing (what isn't a personal pain of mine but is for others) the need for this kind of HEA in the community and giving it to them.
All in all, for me this one is a solid 3.5 read.
As a content warning for readers that are sensitive to the topic of miscarriage, please be aware that it is a topic that is addressed in this novel, as a past trauma of the heroine, Temperance, as a result of abuse she suffered in the past (not on page).
As a whole, I think Caldwell fans will be pleased with the third entry in the "Lost Lords of London" series. Personally, I have found the series (I pre-read books 1 & 2 before tackling this book) to be a little quirky and not as interconnected as most series are traditionally set up, with this third being even more able to fully stand alone than the previous two. The hero in this book, Dare, isn't the strongest character. It really feels like he is stuck in a child's mindset of the world until almost the end of the story. The women in the story are who really stand out and are who in some cases I am left wishing to know more about. Specifically, Dare's younger sister, Kinsley, her backstory is being constantly hinted at, but never completely revealed.
***Spoiler*** The one place, this book stands out is with its HEA. I am going to praise it through the roof on this point, because there has been a call for this kind of HEA in romancelandia for a very long time and next to no one is giving readers this. Caldwell, with "Undressed with the Marquess", leaves us with a childless couple in a historical romance as the HEA. They can't have a baby, it hurts, they have come to terms with it, they are ok, and most importantly there is no miracle baby. This is revolutionary in the genre, and it needs to not be. Not every romance needs an epilogue baby, especially not when one of the premises of the story has been infertility. So I really want to praise and thank Caldwell for hearing (what isn't a personal pain of mine but is for others) the need for this kind of HEA in the community and giving it to them.
All in all, for me this one is a solid 3.5 read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2020
Undressed with the Marquess by Christi Caldwell
Lords of London #3
Dark rather depressing second chance romance that does see the main couple together but for some reason I did not feel the happiness that I had hoped to feel for the couple. I am not sure if it is the covid-19 pandemic wanting me to have bluebirds and happiness or something else but I came away feeling sorry for the couple rather than elated for them though both were better off at the end of the story than they were when the book began.
Both Dare and Temperance had more years of hard work and difficulty in their lives living in the rookeries and even outside of them. They had dreams that were thwarted. They lost more than they gained. Both helped others as they could. And yet neither one ever seemed to be the one on the receiving end of goodness for themselves…or if/when it happened, they didn’t seem to realize, grasp, and enjoy it. I guess I felt sorry for them even though they grew apart then managed to grow close by the end of the story and wished that all their dreams could have come true.
As a conclusion to the series it might have been nice for the three kidnapped men to have met or shown up in an epilogue together though whether that was a possibility is an unknown.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
Lords of London #3
Dark rather depressing second chance romance that does see the main couple together but for some reason I did not feel the happiness that I had hoped to feel for the couple. I am not sure if it is the covid-19 pandemic wanting me to have bluebirds and happiness or something else but I came away feeling sorry for the couple rather than elated for them though both were better off at the end of the story than they were when the book began.
Both Dare and Temperance had more years of hard work and difficulty in their lives living in the rookeries and even outside of them. They had dreams that were thwarted. They lost more than they gained. Both helped others as they could. And yet neither one ever seemed to be the one on the receiving end of goodness for themselves…or if/when it happened, they didn’t seem to realize, grasp, and enjoy it. I guess I felt sorry for them even though they grew apart then managed to grow close by the end of the story and wished that all their dreams could have come true.
As a conclusion to the series it might have been nice for the three kidnapped men to have met or shown up in an epilogue together though whether that was a possibility is an unknown.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
March 6, 2021
Maybe it is me and I am in a reading slump but I could barely get through this book. It started off really well with Dare Grey being rescued from the gallows by his aristocratic grandparents. The whole theme of this series is that aristocratic children were kidnapped and then basically dumped into the stews of London to join gangs or fend for themselves, not knowing they are actually Lords. However, in this book, Dare didn’t leave until he was 10, so of course remembers his former life. But that is not really explained until later in the book and then it doesn’t make sense when earlier he acts like he doesn’t know who anybody is. All he thinks about is how soon he can get his hands on money to give to the people in the Rookeries, and doesn’t mind stealing to do that. Apparently, he can’t understand that being a Marquess will allow him to do much more for the poorer people of London? And Temperance is a complete martyr which made it very difficult to like her. She will sacrifice anything to help someone else and will do nothing that will bring her happiness. She also suffers silently with a deep secret without sharing it with anyone including the other person it affects. In the end, I couldn’t believe their HEA because I felt either one of them would runaway again if the going gets tough.
November 15, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💋💋
Outstanding writing!
Definitely on a darker track for Christi, but also totally in her usual damaged and in need of love vein.
The two main characters that we follow have really had it tough, without giving spoilers in too many areas, they’ve overcome,
Kidnapping, parental abuse,Physical and Mental abuse,Miscarriage, Separation and all that goes with these, they have had to deal with treachery, almost hanging, imprisonment and pain, and they’ve fought back.
Obviously some would feel that these subjects may be triggers, that wasn’t the case for me.
I found the story riveting, was it emotionally draining? most definitely!
This book took some writing and I can imagine Christi poring her heart and soul into it, and I figure many tears were shed in that operation.
They were definitely shed reading it.
All I can say is that I found it to be a fantastic book, one that had me in floods, but I never wanted it to finish, it really was that enthralling.
When a book gives me that reaction and totally swamps my emotions I know it’s good.
I hope you give it a go and enjoy it as much as me.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
Outstanding writing!
Definitely on a darker track for Christi, but also totally in her usual damaged and in need of love vein.
The two main characters that we follow have really had it tough, without giving spoilers in too many areas, they’ve overcome,
Kidnapping, parental abuse,Physical and Mental abuse,Miscarriage, Separation and all that goes with these, they have had to deal with treachery, almost hanging, imprisonment and pain, and they’ve fought back.
Obviously some would feel that these subjects may be triggers, that wasn’t the case for me.
I found the story riveting, was it emotionally draining? most definitely!
This book took some writing and I can imagine Christi poring her heart and soul into it, and I figure many tears were shed in that operation.
They were definitely shed reading it.
All I can say is that I found it to be a fantastic book, one that had me in floods, but I never wanted it to finish, it really was that enthralling.
When a book gives me that reaction and totally swamps my emotions I know it’s good.
I hope you give it a go and enjoy it as much as me.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
November 12, 2020
This book was given to me as a arc from netgalley in return for a my honest review.
2.75 stars *some spoilers*
Trope: second chance at love
The plot was genius, but the story didn't hold my attention. I really wanted to love this book but I couldn't get into it. I struggled through out the book to finish it. There were alot of communication errors between the two main characters Darius and Temperance. This book also sets up the mood to be depressive and I prefer it to be equally balanced with happy moments. But the sadness, grief, and depression swallowed up the brief moments that had laughters, and smiles. Character build up was great. You get to meet them both and learn of their past, how they've met, how they became an item, why they separated, and how they reunited again. Basically It had plenty of flashbacks that takes you back into their past, and it gave you a chance to see through them as individuals and as a whole. The steam level was on the lower side. The love scenes were not very descriptive, happened quickly, and held no intensity. The ending of the book was abrupt, and it made me very sad that there was no epilogue. I would've loved to see how were doing. To see them grow, and to see what became of them. Although this book didn't work out for me as I would've liked. I still want to encourage everyone to give this book a chance. We are all different human beings and have different taste and is triggered differently. You might just like it, or better yet you might just love it. You'll never know unless you try.
Darius and Temperance grew up together in the slums in the east end of London. Both fighting to survive a hard life. Temperance's father was roughen abusive drunk. He abused her on a daily basis. Darius was born into nobility but at the tender age of 10 was lured into the streets. He became a theif, a criminal, and London's most wanted. Although he was labeled as a criminal, he had very good intentions. He stole from the rich to feed the poor, and to help those in need.
Through their struggles they first meet become the best of friends. To save herself from her abusive father...Darius and Temperance decides to marry. At first it was just a marriage of convenience, a business transaction but they fall hard in love. She wants him to give up thievery, so they can have a normal marriage but he unwilling to give up that crimal life. So they both go their own ways.
Darius is to be hung, and at the exact moment he is rescued by his long lost grandfather, who happens to be a Duke. The duke gives him two choices. Come back into society and take your place, or be hung. Darius chooses to be saved but there are stipulations. He must see his sister marry off, he also must marry, and lastly provide a heir. He then decides to goes back and fetches Temperance. Why? Because they are still legally married. They both agree to work this through together to gain the money promised by the Duke if the terms are met. Through this whole mess they both realize they've never stopped loving one another. They rekindled their relation but in the mist of everything going on they lose sight of what they are and she leaves him.
After being separated again they both realize they need each other. At the end he goes to her and begs for her to take him back. She gives in and they both give their loving marriage a chance.
2.75 stars *some spoilers*
Trope: second chance at love
The plot was genius, but the story didn't hold my attention. I really wanted to love this book but I couldn't get into it. I struggled through out the book to finish it. There were alot of communication errors between the two main characters Darius and Temperance. This book also sets up the mood to be depressive and I prefer it to be equally balanced with happy moments. But the sadness, grief, and depression swallowed up the brief moments that had laughters, and smiles. Character build up was great. You get to meet them both and learn of their past, how they've met, how they became an item, why they separated, and how they reunited again. Basically It had plenty of flashbacks that takes you back into their past, and it gave you a chance to see through them as individuals and as a whole. The steam level was on the lower side. The love scenes were not very descriptive, happened quickly, and held no intensity. The ending of the book was abrupt, and it made me very sad that there was no epilogue. I would've loved to see how were doing. To see them grow, and to see what became of them. Although this book didn't work out for me as I would've liked. I still want to encourage everyone to give this book a chance. We are all different human beings and have different taste and is triggered differently. You might just like it, or better yet you might just love it. You'll never know unless you try.
Darius and Temperance grew up together in the slums in the east end of London. Both fighting to survive a hard life. Temperance's father was roughen abusive drunk. He abused her on a daily basis. Darius was born into nobility but at the tender age of 10 was lured into the streets. He became a theif, a criminal, and London's most wanted. Although he was labeled as a criminal, he had very good intentions. He stole from the rich to feed the poor, and to help those in need.
Through their struggles they first meet become the best of friends. To save herself from her abusive father...Darius and Temperance decides to marry. At first it was just a marriage of convenience, a business transaction but they fall hard in love. She wants him to give up thievery, so they can have a normal marriage but he unwilling to give up that crimal life. So they both go their own ways.
Darius is to be hung, and at the exact moment he is rescued by his long lost grandfather, who happens to be a Duke. The duke gives him two choices. Come back into society and take your place, or be hung. Darius chooses to be saved but there are stipulations. He must see his sister marry off, he also must marry, and lastly provide a heir. He then decides to goes back and fetches Temperance. Why? Because they are still legally married. They both agree to work this through together to gain the money promised by the Duke if the terms are met. Through this whole mess they both realize they've never stopped loving one another. They rekindled their relation but in the mist of everything going on they lose sight of what they are and she leaves him.
After being separated again they both realize they need each other. At the end he goes to her and begs for her to take him back. She gives in and they both give their loving marriage a chance.
February 19, 2021
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Just as Dare Grey is about to meet the hangman's noose - with no possible way of escape this time - he is handed a reprieve. He left home when he was only a child, and was never allowed back by his controlling father, but now that his father, and brother, are dead, he's the rightful Marquess of Milford. Unfortunately, the marquisate is destitute, and he has a younger sister he never met in his care too. His grandfather gives him an ultimatum - find your sister a husband, or marry yourself and have an heir, and you can have £20,000. For Dare, that seems an easy choice. He's known as the Robin Hood of the East End, helping those less fortunate than himself by stealing from the rich, and he also happens to already be married - even if his wife left five years ago when he was arrested. Temperance Grey knew her marriage to her best friend, Dare, wasn't a normal one, but it allowed her the freedom to escape from her controlling father. However, she had enough with Dare's schemes and arrests, and after a vicious attack by her father 5 years ago, she left and never looked back. Working as a seamstress in Cumbria, she's shocked when Dare arrives, with the news he's now a marquess, and he needs her help. Back in London, can Temperance trust Dare enough to look after her, and not break her heart again?
This was a book that just drew me in straight away, and I needed to see if Dare and Temperance managed to get a happy ending or not. Dare always knew he was a 'lost lord', being 10 when he first ran away, and then was denied the chance to come home. He saw how people lived in the East End, and wanted to help them in anyway he could, even if that meant stealing from other lords to pay for food, etc. This has landed him in Newgate more than a few times, but each time he manages to bribe his way out, and return to the streets to help. He met Temperance when she was only 10, and her dad was already trying to pimp her out for cash, and Dare took her under his wing. They became fast friends, and it turned into something more when they decided to marry. Temperance had an abusive, alcoholic father, who beat her, her mother, and her brother regularly, and she needed all her wits about her to survive. She's fallen for Dare, against her better judgement, and trusts he'll return after one of his visits to the country to steal, but instead she's attacked by her father, and loses the child she was carrying. This left her even more heartbroken, and she tell's Dare never to return. I honestly felt so sorry for her at this point, and when she was recounting her tale to Dare later on in the book. They were perfect for each other, and though they had a number of obstacles to overcome, like caring for an orphaned child, and dealing with Dare's sister's attitude, but they did so together, and I loved the conclusion. Like with the previous book, the only thing I wished for was more of a conclusion, or an epilogue to see how they were doing following the events in the final pages.
Just as Dare Grey is about to meet the hangman's noose - with no possible way of escape this time - he is handed a reprieve. He left home when he was only a child, and was never allowed back by his controlling father, but now that his father, and brother, are dead, he's the rightful Marquess of Milford. Unfortunately, the marquisate is destitute, and he has a younger sister he never met in his care too. His grandfather gives him an ultimatum - find your sister a husband, or marry yourself and have an heir, and you can have £20,000. For Dare, that seems an easy choice. He's known as the Robin Hood of the East End, helping those less fortunate than himself by stealing from the rich, and he also happens to already be married - even if his wife left five years ago when he was arrested. Temperance Grey knew her marriage to her best friend, Dare, wasn't a normal one, but it allowed her the freedom to escape from her controlling father. However, she had enough with Dare's schemes and arrests, and after a vicious attack by her father 5 years ago, she left and never looked back. Working as a seamstress in Cumbria, she's shocked when Dare arrives, with the news he's now a marquess, and he needs her help. Back in London, can Temperance trust Dare enough to look after her, and not break her heart again?
This was a book that just drew me in straight away, and I needed to see if Dare and Temperance managed to get a happy ending or not. Dare always knew he was a 'lost lord', being 10 when he first ran away, and then was denied the chance to come home. He saw how people lived in the East End, and wanted to help them in anyway he could, even if that meant stealing from other lords to pay for food, etc. This has landed him in Newgate more than a few times, but each time he manages to bribe his way out, and return to the streets to help. He met Temperance when she was only 10, and her dad was already trying to pimp her out for cash, and Dare took her under his wing. They became fast friends, and it turned into something more when they decided to marry. Temperance had an abusive, alcoholic father, who beat her, her mother, and her brother regularly, and she needed all her wits about her to survive. She's fallen for Dare, against her better judgement, and trusts he'll return after one of his visits to the country to steal, but instead she's attacked by her father, and loses the child she was carrying. This left her even more heartbroken, and she tell's Dare never to return. I honestly felt so sorry for her at this point, and when she was recounting her tale to Dare later on in the book. They were perfect for each other, and though they had a number of obstacles to overcome, like caring for an orphaned child, and dealing with Dare's sister's attitude, but they did so together, and I loved the conclusion. Like with the previous book, the only thing I wished for was more of a conclusion, or an epilogue to see how they were doing following the events in the final pages.
November 16, 2020
I really enjoyed this dark side of London - yes, it was depressing in parts of it but it was life on the streets in the rough part of London & life isn't all sunshine & lollipops! Dare, (Lord Darius Grey) disappeared from his life of privilege when he was ten & grew to be a man in the East End of London. Temperance Swift grew up with a vicious father who beat her & she escaped him when Dare offered her protection - not a real marriage but it kept her safe. She left him as he would never quit stealing from the rich to give to the poor & she needed to make a life for herself but she has never quit loving Dare, even after being gone five years. The Duke & Duchess finally find their grandson, Dare, & basically bribed him back into society to see his sister settled in marriage - a sister he has never met. Now he also needs a wife & he finds Temperance & offers her money to help succeed in the Duke's stipulations to him giving Dare a lot of money. Temperance agrees to help & the road to their HEA is filled with a long list of emotions - anger, concern, happiness, love, passion, sympathy, sadness but I smiled when I read the last page.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
November 15, 2020
I wanted to know what others thought of this story after I finished it so I read several reviews and a lot thought the story was too dark. I have to tell you that I have read a lot of Christi’s stories and have loved all that I read but her books set in the Mac Diggory world are dark and sometimes there seems to be no resolution that would create a happily ever after. These dark reads are my favorites of Christi’s. They are dark but you get to see the other side of Regency England. The same could be said of this story. There seems to be no way that Dare and Temperance would see eye to eye and could not make their love work. I loved both of these characters. They were strong and fought for what they believe to be right, even though it sometimes veered off the path. I thought the ending was amazing (no giving anything away).
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley
Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews