Blog Tour & ARC Review: Desperately Seeking a Duchess (All the Duke's Sins #2) by Christi Caldwell
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Series: All the Duke's Sins #2
Author: Christi Caldwell
Published May 24th 2022 by Berkley Books
Goodreads Synopsis
What happens when an impoverished duke with a reputation for being a rogue collides with a strong-willed heiress who wants to explore the world? An unlikely friendship...and unexpected passion.
Cailin Audley doesn't fit in with Polite Society. A life spent among the working class taught her to value her independence in a way no newfound fortune or glittering ballroom could ever erase. When a major misstep sees the new heiress whisked away to the English countryside, Cailin soon realizes the vexing lengths her family will go to see her settled. But having risked her heart once before, Cailin has no interest in the men of the ton--especially not the frustratingly charming Duke of St. James.
Courtland Balfour, the Duke of St. James, devoted brother and notorious rogue, despises what he must become--a fortune hunter. But with the ducal coffers drained by his late, spendthrift of a father, Courtland knows his duty lies at the altar and he will do anything to ensure a future for his siblings. Just his luck that the one lady who could make this new fate bearable, who enflames him like no other, is the one woman who wants nothing to do with him or his title.
But when an act of desperation inadvertently lands he and Cailin at the heart of another scandal, Courtland knows better than to waste his chance. Surely he can convince Cailin to love him?
Goodreads
Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
For all of her life, Cailin Audley has known that her brother's would do anything for her, even if that means meeting their absentee father, and joining polite society so she could have a good life. But Cailin doesn't fit in with the other society women, and she would much rather be back home in her mining village, than in a Mayfair ballroom. She might be able to learn how to act the part, but when the stain of being a Duke's illegitimate daughter is indelible, no matter how large a dowry her father awards her, it's clear that Cailin is looked down on. Apart from by the handsome and charming Duke of St. James. Courtland Balfour may be a duke, but he's a penniless one, and knows that he needs to do something to save his family, especially his younger sisters. The only family member who has any inkling of the financial situation is his twin brother, who works for Cailin's family, and after a mistaken idea to masquerade as his brother, and kiss Cailin, Courtland needs to protect them all. Cailin, who just may be the only woman he could imagine marrying, wants nothing to do with him, but when she lands herself in the country after a social faux pas, can she steel her heart against the duke.
Immediately after reading Along Came a Lady, I had to start book 2. When we met Cailin, it was clear that she had such a story waiting to tell, and let me tell you, Desperately Seeking a Duchess did not disappoint! I couldn't put this down from the moment I picked it up. Cailin is a strong woman, but she's got vulnerable sides, and being in society is not right for her. She soon realises that her family want her married and settled as quickly as they can - for her own good, because they want her to be safe - but it rankles, especially after having her heart broken in the past. Her and Courtland's relationship was perfect for their characters, as was the interactions with their siblings, who were so protective of them! Ellie, in particular, was the superstar of the book, though some of her actions were questionable. Honestly, I don't think I could've asked for much more from this book, and the way they opened up, and truly fell for each other, was one of the best romances I've read in a while. Caldwell has kicked it out the park, and I'm looking forward to her next book!
Dates Read:
March 6, 2022
Rating
4 Stars
Christi Caldwell is the USA Today bestselling author of the Sinful Brides series and the Heart of a Duke series. She blames novelist Judith McNaught for luring her into the world of historical romance. Christi lives in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing and being a mommy to the most inspiring little boy and empathetic, spirited girls who, with their mischievous twin antics, offer an endless source of story ideas. Learn more online at christicaldwell.com.
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