Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Review - - Five Days With a Duke


Five Days With a Duke
by Christi Caldwell
The Heart of a Scandal - Book 5
Publisher: Christi Caldwell
Release Date: January 7, 2020
Reviewed by PJ
 


Years earlier, Connell Wordsworth, the Duke of Renaud gave up the woman he wanted for the responsibilities thrust upon him. After loss upon loss, he heads to London, for a new home with no memories, no staff, and the only thing he wants in life…to be alone. He’s managing that feat quite nicely until…

Lady Constance Brandley, has a secret. She and her family don’t have two farthings to rub together. A spinster, long past the age of either love or marriage, she finds herself presented with a unique opportunity that could improve her circumstances. Except, that opportunity also brings the unlikeliest of gentlemen into her life—her best friend’s former betrothed, the Duke of Renaud.

Thrown together with the notorious scoundrel, it isn't long before Constance discovers there’s far more to Connell, the Duke of Renaud than the world sees. And soon she finds herself longing for, everything she shouldn’t—the heart of a duke.


PJ's Thoughts:

I adored these two! Connell is an emotionally wounded hero who, suffering painful loss too many times, has shut himself - and his heart - away from the world with only his two (outspoken and highly untrained) servants for company. Constance has also known painful loss but instead of giving up, she decides to save herself by taking a job - a job that leads her directly to the duke who, ten years earlier, dumped her best friend. It's safe to say he is not someone she holds in high esteem. What ensues is snappy banter, sizzling attraction, painful introspection, redemption, forgiveness, and love...accompanied by much laughter, a few tears, and heartfelt sighs of satisfaction. In other words, a typical Caldwell book. She never fails to make me think, make me feel, and leave me happy to have tagged along on another journey to love. 

I'm kind of particular about reading a book series in order, something I usually strongly recommend with Caldwell, but when an author is as prolific as she is, sometimes I have to toss my preferences out the window and just dive in. Five Days With a Duke is the fifth, and final, installment in Caldwell's Heart of a Scandal series. I have not read the first four books in this series yet but did that lessen my enjoyment of this book? No, it did not. As I read Constance and Connell's story, not once did I feel lost or as if I was missing something. Caldwell's storytelling gave me everything I needed to fully embrace these characters, understand the events that had brought them to this point of their lives, and experience the peaks and valleys of their emotions as they forge ahead. Of course, as is typically the case with Caldwell's books, I'm now so fully immersed in her Heart of a Scandal world that I'll be downloading and reading the rest of the books in the series at the first opportunity.


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Have you read any Christi Caldwell books?

Do you have a favorite Caldwell book or series?

One person who comments before 11:00 PM, January 23, 2020, will receive a signed, trade-size, print copy of FOR LOVE OF THE DUKE, the first book in Caldwell's Heart of a Duke series. 

*Must be 18 or older
*U.S. addresses only




20 comments:

  1. Yes I read a few of her sinful brides and wicked wallflowers series. Its difficult to choose only one as a favorite

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  2. I enjoy this author's historicals greatly. Thanks for this lovely feature.

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  3. I am captivated with Christi's wonderful stories. They are all memorable.

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  4. I have heard of Christi but never read her books. Love Historical romance and this looks good.

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  5. I have never read Caldwell, but have been meaning to try her. Is her writing similar to any other authors I might know?

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    1. Her stories - and characters - remind me a bit of Loretta Chase.

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  6. I haven't read this author yet, but this looks like the kind of story I enjoy.

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  7. I have a book of Ms Caldwell's on my Kindle. Have not read it yet. But, since I love books which make me laugh (says a lot about me more than any author)this does sound like a book I would love. I love heroic men who believe they are going to be able to live their life alone. I also love heroines who make sure that those men are completely wrong.

    Thanks for this review...y'all always bring me to a realization that there are more really good books in the world than I will ever be able to read.

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  8. I have not read any of Ms. Caldwell's books but know I definitely need to correct that. Wonderful review PJ.

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  9. I've read quite a few of Christi's books and have enjoyed every single one of them. Her books always have such lovely covers, too.

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  10. I have never read any of Christi Caldwell's books before.

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  11. I am so bad...I have 4 books (including a boxed set) of Christi's titles on my TBR shelves but I haven't taken the time to read them yet. Shame on me. This book does sound good and I love that cover. Note to self: move Christi Caldwell's books to the read next list!

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  12. I know I have several of her books in my TBR mountain, but am not sure I have read any of her books. This one certainly sounds interesting.

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  13. It has been awhile but yes I have read and enjoyed her books. Enjoyed the excerpt.
    Carol Luciano
    Lucky4750 at aol dot com

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  14. I haven't read this author. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  15. It's been a while since I've read any of Christi's books. . .

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  16. I've read a few of her earlier books.

    denise

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  17. I have not read this author so do not have a favorite. Five Days With a Duke certainly sounds tempting. Enjoyed your review.

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  18. I've read a couple of Christi's books, but am not sure I have one favorite. I loved her contribution to the Dukes of Vauxhall anthology!

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