Such as wonderful historical romance. It was well-written and easy to read. Good characters and dialogue.

CW: Spoilers

First, let me start by saying I adore Christi Caldwell. I have read almost everything she has written and really liked the premise of this book. Malcom's backstory is intriguing and I enjoy the image she painted of St. Giles and the life of a tosher. Verity, in the same regard, has a wonderful backstory being the bastard daughter of an earl and having to forge through life in London as a single woman in an occupation that is predominantly male-dominated. The fact that she has her sister and their old nanny relying on her holding the position creates an intriguing problem. However, I really struggled to finish this book. 

At 50% and 70% through the book, I wanted to stop reading and not finish.  Malcom has little to no growth through the story and is irredeemable in my eyes. There is a point within the story where he talks about stealing another child's food and then finding the boy dead the next day. That was horrendous to read and the effect that she was going for, to prove the hardships of life in St. Giles, only made Malcom look like a monster. Verity does not seem like a well-rounded character either. She goes back and forth between strength and fear, and the amount of stuttering she does during coversation is ridiculous. It felt like she could not decide if Verity wanted to play the victim or be her own heroine. Altogether, the characters have little to no growth during the entire story and their relationship/HEA felt unlikely and forced.

There is so much possibility with the premise of this story and it truly does have some parts of it that are great. I loved the idea of unusual hero/heroine and the fact that they would both enter the aristocracy with their backstory was delightful because Malcom seemed like the best person to throw away society standards and marry Verity, the bastard daughter of an earl, but I truly cannot believe that they would end up together, nor that they would be happy.

I really, really wanted to like this. The writing was not spectacular but enjoyable to read and flowed nicely. Verity and Malcolm were both multidimensional characters individually however I'm not a huge fan of two characters being in love, but still irritated with each other. Conflict is hoid, but I never truly believed Malcolm's love for Verity. But the bigger problem for me was many of the incredibly unrealistic scenarios. When I read historical fiction, accuracy is a plus for me. I just felt some of the implausible situations, especially for the time period, were a little too outlandish.

After years of Christi Caldwell being a hit-or-miss author for me, this is the second book in a row I have absolutely loved. Verity is one of the best heroines I have read in a quite a while, and I appreciated Malcom’s loyalty to his “found family.” Was this book necessarily plausible or always accurate? Probably not—but it was a wonderful story, and that means far more to me. I’m excited for the next book in the series!

Christi Cardwell is one of those authors that I know is going to provide me a sexy, romantic, page turning story. This book, the first in a new series, does not disappoint. Great plot and characters! I look forward to more in the series.

Young Percival Northrup was robbed of his birthright as a child. A greedy relative made him disappear into London's slums. He survived certain abuse and death by diving into a sewer....and found a protector that helped him to survive and thrive.
  Verity Lovelace was born on the wrong side of the blanket and earned a living as a writer for The Londoner...until she didn't. She chased the story of the missing heir, but somehow another reporter in her office had her story. She was fired, but given the chance, a slim chance to keep her job....by finding the 'Lost Heir'.
  Percy, living as Malcolm North, making a decent living 'recovering artifacts' from the sewers wants no part of his old life.
   Ms. Caldwell's tale has greed, envy, evil, love, humor, romance and intrigue....and STEAM  Her characters are lifelike, good and bad and some with bad choices. 
   I requested and received a NetGalley ARC to peruse and offer my opinion freely.

What a lost heir to do once reinstituted to his right place when a woman is seeking out his secrets ...

Oh my !!!

It was a pages-turner read, why I could not read it previously, I needed a free-day devoted to this story.

Just a few sentences in Percival’s story and my heart was bleeding for him and the childhood he had been robbed once he became Malcom North.
Malcom is no more the sensible heir of an earldom, he has become a ruthless and merciless king of the underworld. Surviving the gutters, he has been stripped of any innocence and kindness he might have left after the brutal upbringing he was given.
Despite his apparent coldness, he is not the icy blooded monster everyone appears to think he has become. In his own way, even if he keeps everyone at arm’s length, he shows concern for the weakest under his protection. Over the years, he has gleaned a bunch of broken souls and risk takers, and whatever he might told himself, they are his kin and from all those he has won their indefectible loyalty.
Verity, without having the same dark past than Malcom, was not cuddled in a classically portrayed family, she had been shunned for her mother’s sins, whose sin was to have loved and trusted the wrong man. A man who loved them too, but too weak to fully take care of them. Why at the young age of twelve she became her remaining family only support. From then, she worked her skin to elevate her circumstances, alas it is well known women were seen as not fit for intellectual labors. And even if she is not one to cover, proving women’s worth is a challenge. And it is not prepared for the worst of the city, she runs head held high in the sewer and whatever are her mistakes, she fights like a hellion.

Both have experienced a good life with confort or some until they find themselves with nothing left and must fend for themselves or sank down.
Now together, they need to find their right place, she the illegitimate daughter and a woman, striving for acceptance in a world made by men for men and he the Earl raised in the slums of the city, to seek his bearing among his peers 

Their story is one of small trusts won one at a time, until these morph to a deeper sentiment. Yet, with the past looming over them and some shadowy figures still ready to pounce, will their burgeoning feelings be enough.

As I came to learn with Mrs Christi Caldwell’s work, she has it mapped out, her heroes have oft connection with previous works.
And here, she does not disappoint, while her heroes have not been seen previously, they are linked to an other couple.
You can perfectly read this first in a series as what it is a standalone story, yet as I have read Courting Poppy Tidemore, I confess I adored watching the couple of heroes finds its own epilogue.
And what a sweet epilogue with the best revenge ever.
I can only praise Mrs Christi Caldwell for her so very unique insight of the historical period, far from the ballrooms and closer to the real people. She is the bearer of amazing tales which feed the reader a kaleidoscope of emotions.
A 5 stars for this tale of approval and embracing one’s true identity.

A particular mention for the cover which reflects perfectly the story said atmosphere, and the characters’ descriptions.

I was granted an advance copy through Netgalley by the publisher Montlake Publishing. I also preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.

I really liked the set up of the girl reporter and the Earl in hiding.  I especially liked how it wrapped up at the end with the person who needed his comeuppance getting it.

I enjoyed this book so much - it starts with a very young child being kidnapped in London. We fast forward many years later and meet Verity Lovelace trying to track down the lost Earl of Maxwell as part of her role as Journalist for a London newspaper. As Verity uncovers the truth, she is drawn into a family associated with scandal, secrets and lies and the terrible lengths people will go to for money. 

The story of this book is pretty predictable - but I was expecting it be! It was everything I wanted and expected and more. Verity is such a great character. She's really hardworking, decent but also really spunky! I liked her right from the beginning. Malcom is a more complex character but by the end, I was rooting for him too.

The title of this book is perhaps a bit misleading. There is some sexual content and while it's an important part of the story, it's not THE story. This is a story with a lot of hardship and sadness, but it's also great fun with really likeable characters. Some Americanisms managed to find their way in to some of the dialogue towards the end of the story - but I enjoyed it so much I am prepared to forgive them!

soooo implausible. who voluntarily continues wandering around in sewers when they come into sudden wealth??

thanks to the publisher for an ARC, this is my honest review.

Fans of Caldwell will not be disappointed with this book. This is a fabulous follow up to her last series. As usual, the characters  are strong and well formed. North and Verity are multidimensional and unique. It is always so satisfying to read such an original story.

I had so many feelings about this book.  So many feelings.  Malcolm North (formerly Percival Northam), heir to the Earl of Maxwell, was kidnapped as a child soon after his parents both died from an illness.  He was also very sick at the time.  Over time he became a Tosher - an individual who makes his way by scavenging the sewers.  It isn't really clear how that happened exactly - but it seems like he ran away from those who kidnapped him and instead of living on the streets and stealing - he because a scavenger.  He ends up pretty much ruling the sewers and rounding up a band of "people." He keeps them all at a distance, but care for them and keeps them safe.  He is surprised and not particularly happy when an investigator finds him and declares him the son of the Earl.  Its not overwhelmingly clear how they actually make the determination that Malcolm is actually the son of the Earl, because Malcolm doesn't really remember much.    

Verity Lovelace is a reporter.  From a young age she has worked for a paper - working her way into the writing part of the newspaper business.  She supports her sister and a nursemaid, turned all-work type of servant. in order to keep her job at the newspaper she needs to get the story of the Earl's life.  She is willing to do anything and everything to get it.

 I liked the premise of the book a lot - and the characters were each strong in their own right.  The problem is - I just didn't like them together.  Malcolm is one tough dude - and obviously needed to be reminded of his own humanity and care for others.  But throughout the book, he just kept giving of himself (in spite of himself) and no one really took care of him.  He falls in love with Verity despite a lot of REALLY shitty things.  She is pretty much willing to take advantage of Malcolm in any way she can, regardless of his feelings on the matter.  Pretty much assuming he should just let her do what she wants no matter what.  Malcolm isn't nice to her - but did he really need to be? Despite not being all sweet and lovey dovey to her - he pretty much bows to her wishes all the time.  He only gets the breadcrumbs of feelings from her - and not much else.  

I guess in the end - I enjoyed the story - but didn't really like Verity.  She was a tough cookie - and I don't dislike her professional ambition or putting herself first attitude.  I just dislike how she treated her sister and Malcolm.  I am guessing there are quite a few cameos from other Christi Caldwell stories in this book - which will probably be awesome for her regular readers.  This was the first full length story from Christi Caldwell I've read.

I will also warn sticklers for period details - this is probably not the book for you.  I had a lot of trouble dating the story - I am guessing it was supposed to be regency? but maybe not? I wasn't sure or clear.  I also had problems with the age ranges - How old was Malcolm supposed to be? When he was kidnapped he seemed pretty young - I thought around 4 or 5? this takes place 20 years later - so that would put his age around 25? but he talk about not becoming a Tosher until he was a little older? Verity is 30 (and I don't have a problem with her being older - to be clear) - but she is still a virgin and very "innocent" even though she has lived in a fairly rough area of London with really no supervision.  This seems a little suspect.  Verity's sister was 16 or 17 - but read as MUCH younger.  She didn't seem to work and was described as very sheltered.  In a realistic situation - there is NO WAY she would have just been hanging out at home waiting for Verity to solve things.  She would have been working too.  I know Verity wanted a good life for her sister - but she kind of seemed to ignore her as a person and treated her like a 10 or 12 year old.  At the time I think this book takes place - a 12 year old working is really no surprise.  

Those details - as well as some language and gestures described (e.g. Malcolm giving Giles the finger) distracted me and confused me.  Altogether - the book seemed unfocused and I couldn't get past Verity's treatment of others.  I give Christi Caldwell credit for Malcolm confronting Verity about it - but at the same time, Verity doesn't really change or even admit that maybe she was using others to her own ends.  I wouldn't accept this behavior in a male character - and I don't accept it in Verity.  

I invite you to read it and let me know.  Maybe I am being sexist in my thoughts on Verity's behavior - or maybe I just wanted a depth to the story that I didn't get.  And maybe this story underlines all the things we don't get from mainstream media - but still read anyway.

I received this as an ARC - but these opinions (obviously) are all mine!

What a fabulous book. A true rags to riches story. We have villains and we have heroes we have unknown heroines. Other people will tell you the story. I am not the author she is too good to try to reword her story. I will tell you the Emotions the story will make you feel. There are times that you feel so sad and you don’t know how you can change it. Then there’s the times were the situation just makes you feel good. And there’s the times that make you laugh. And there are the people that make you feel sorry for them. There’s so much in this book that I’m not going to spoil it. You must read this book

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately I was not impressed by this historical novel. The author is well known for writing great novels but this one missed the mark. North was raised in the sewers and learns he is really an Earls son. He meets the heroine as she attempts to find him for her story. I didn't feel the connection between the characters and the story felt slow.

I really liked that the author made the hero be a tosher, it’s the first time I’ve ever come across that term and work in historical romance, and it’s a breath of fresh air after so many gambling house owners and lords who make investments on railroads. I also liked the conversation about the female mc’s job that’s a reflection of how still a woman’s work is underpaid and sometimes we still need laws to make a fixed amount of women be able to get hired by companies. 
I liked the couple and I’ve had a good time reading their banter. I’m sure other readers will also enjoy this book and I’m thankful for the opportunity I was given to read it.

Wow, in my opinion, this has got to be one of the best stories Christi Caldwell has ever written! Malcolm and Verity's story is filled with doing whatever it needs to survive, righting wrongs, memories returned, accepting the future, and oh, so much more. Malcolm is a hero like no other and even in his rage, he had my heart and I just wanted to hold him. Verity is a total spitfire and I absolutely adored her. 

This is a story that will grip your interest from page one and with a couple of twists and turns that you never see coming, you will get to the end with a full heart. 

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This was my first Christi Caldwell book, despite frequently seeing her name pop up in "recommended for you" lists, and it did not disappoint! The plot was very original for a historical romance novel and I appreciated that the characters dealt with real stakes and drama. Verity and Malcom's individual and joint emotional arcs were so well-done and had me rooting for them throughout the book. My only complaint was that the pacing of the first half seemed a bit disjointed, but it didn't diminish my overall enjoyment of the book. In Bed with the Earl is sure to be the first of many Christi Caldwell novels for me!

Set around the time of Poppy and Tristan's book, this book shows the other side of Tristan's story - the man becoming the Earl of Maxwell. It's interesting to meet him and see how he ticks. He makes a strong hero, and Verity is a great heroine. With neither of them raised in society there is less of the usual ton business going on. Rather, we focus on Verity trying to take care of her sister and servant, and Malcom trying to maintain his position as king of the sewers. Verity and Malcom have a contentious relationship, and though I wouldn't call it an enemies to lovers story, there's enough fun conflict between the two to take them on a fulfilling journey to love. I really enjoyed this one, and since I love Tristan and Poppy I was happy to see them get a couple appearances. I think you will get more from this book if you have read other Caldwell books (and there's a few different arcs that lead into this one), so my recommendation would be start with Sinful Brides #1 and Scandalous Seasons #4, reading the other Sinful Brides and the Wicked Wallflowers series, and also Courting Poppy Tidemore. All of those books are fantastic, and they make this one mean even more. If you have read all those, gobble this one up!

Is Malcolm the long lost kidnapped Earl of Maxwell or just a man earning a living in the sewers below London? Verity, writing for a gossip rag means to find out. She must support her sister and their nursemaid so she needs to get the scoop. 

Although this is a familiar trope Christie Maxwell give it a fresh face. The characters are interesting and sympathetic. The sexy scenes are not overly graphic. However, the title does not seem to fit the book so that was consternating. In any age, I would recommend this book to my patrons.

Overall this was a good book.  I felt like it started off at a fast pace bit definitely slowed down partway through the middle.  Towards the end it picked up again. Great story. I would read it again.