In the Dark with the Duke
Series: Lost Lords of London #2
Author: Christi Caldwell
Published June 9th 2020 by Montlake

Goodreads Synopsis
A lady of reserve and a fierce street fighter find common ground in the second Lost Lords of London novel by USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell.

Eight years ago, Lady Lila March retreated to the safe shadows of her family’s estate after a devastating tragedy. Weary of being a whisper of her former self, she is determined to brave the dangers of the outside world again. No man is better equipped to train her in the art of defense than the Savage Gentleman, East London’s undefeated street fighter.

Hugh Savage reigns as king—of the underworld. Physically invulnerable, emotionally battered, he has his reasons for bare-knuckle brawling. Though Hugh longs to break free of the ring and leave behind the brutal world of violence, he’s intrigued by the challenge Lady Lila poses. A mysterious lady of the peerage willfully descending into the dangerous rookeries? That bespeaks a woman with secrets of her own.

As their unconventional pact progresses, Hugh comes to admire the resolve in Lila’s heart. And beneath his hard surface, she sees a tenderness that touches her to the quick. They’ll soon discover how much they need each other—to face their pasts together, and to fight for a future they deserve.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Lady Lila March has been left scarred - both physically and mentally - by her experience at St Peter's Field that fateful day in August 1819. A recluse, she hasn't left her home since she recovered, and relies on the support of her family. However, enough is enough. Lila wants to be strong, and find the way to rejoin society, and feels that she needs to learn how to protect herself, and anyone else, if she finds herself in a dangerous situation again. She turns to Hugh Savage, East London’s undefeated street fighter, for his help, but he refuses - stating he doesn't teach others. He can't remember his early childhood, but knows that from a young age, he had to fight to survive, and was used as a pawn for the rich peers of London as entertainment. He managed to get his way out, but his experiences in the army, at Waterloo and Peterloo, left him scarred, and back in the ring in London. Will they be able to help each other, especially when it's revealed that Hugh is the long lost Duke of Wingate?

I've heard so much about Christi's books, and this was my first - but definitely not my last. Both of her main characters were wonderfully written, well rounded, and had such a growth throughout the course of the the book that it was a joy to see. Because of their past experiences, especially at Peterloo, they were damaged and broken inside - in different ways - and it was with each other, that they slowly were able to recover and move on with their lives. Lila had her family - her mam, brother, and widowed sister - there to support her, but even they were getting a little annoyed with her hiding from society. She's now 26/27ish, and should realistically be married by now, but it as just as she was starting her first season when she was caught up in the events in Manchester, and she never really had that experience of life. Even so, she was strong, and stood for what she wanted when she met Hugh, and didn't let him scare her or get her to back down. Hugh was sharp, and could be prickly and difficult, but he had a softer side we saw when he was with Lila - and only with Lila. He had had to develop this persona and wall to protect himself, and it was a hard one to crack through, but Lila did it. There's a mystery aspect of the book too, to find out who it was behind the Fight Club, and had caused Hugh and the others so much pain. I liked how it was resolved, and the ending of the book too. The couple had the happy ending they deserved, though I wish there was an epilogue or something. Hopefully we see more of the couple in the next book, which I'll be starting as soon as.

Dates Read:
February 16-17, 2020

Rating
4 Stars