An unexpected treasure of good and bad memories, safe and endangered lives, honest and real evil realities and a host of painful, shocking, hateful, resentful and healing emotions. The main characters Dare and Temperance started out life differently but grew up in the harsh east end of London. They grew up best friends and when old enough married. In their own way they loved each other. But Dare did not love Temperance enough to give up his thieving ways and he left her. Her abusive father beat the living daylights out of her because he wanted her to marry someone else. He left her unrecognizable and barren. She lost her baby as she was heavy with child when he beat her. This is a dark story to read. But it makes one think on the value of family, friends, acquaintances and spouses. It makes one think on what makes a person do what they do. The why of it and the how of it. Is it worth it? When Dare is given the chance for a new life, a new beginning will he accept it, embrace it, exploit it or own it? And what of Temperance? How will she fit into this new life of Dare's and will she want to be a part of it or not? This story covers all that and much, much more. It reveals the human psyche as no other book I have ever read. It reveals the good. the bad and the ugly side of life and love. I hope the author considers writing a sequel that would revolve around Temperance's brother Chance and the woman he loves and at the same time bring us up to date with Dare and Temperance. A must read. I highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed.

I think that this book had more potential than it reached. It tried to do too much, and didn't really accomplish it.
If it had been a little bit quicker paced, I think that it would've been better. It was just too much for how short the book was.

This whole series has been a delight for me, so I’m sad to see it end. Marriage in trouble is one of my favorite tropes, and this was definitely an interesting take,

Her Wicked Marquess ⭐️⭐️⭐️by
LisaTorquay

I have read many books by Lisa Torquay but this one just didn’t do it for me.

Hester was indeed a woman of her own mind so I found it difficult to believe the Drake could have such power over her. I believe sex is a powerful motivator but that was the whole story.

There lives from different backgrounds was unique but somewhat predictable.

Many of the words were repetitive and somewhat ridiculous. I just can’t picture someone saying them. I love Lisa’s style but this book needed more substance.

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 REALLY struggled with this book. Specifically with the hero who is so incredibly selfish and obtuse. I kept waiting for him to realize what he was doing and how wrong he was but it was nearly the end of the book before he did. I’m glad they got their HEA but I can say without a doubt that Dare doesn’t deserve her. The ending wrapped up too quickly, some more information would have been nice, what happens to Kinsley? What happens with Dare’s Grandmother? Not sure I’d read again. Just wasn’t feeling this one.

TW: infant loss, abuse

A powerful, emotional and passionate must read that pulls at the heart and soul. Darkness and light war with each other in the lives of Dare and Temperance as they come together as youths, break apart and are reunited.

Dare saved Temperance from a life of abuse, but he could not pull away from his propensity to steal from the rich and give to the poor. She decides to go out on her own due to him not giving up this almost obsession.

It finally catches up with him, but he is rescued by his grandfather with conditions he has to carry out. To obtain his rightful inheritance, he must provide an heir and help his sister find a husband. He goes to Temperance and they come back together.

But can they now find love and live happily ever after? Their journey is not an easy one, but obtaining a long and lasting love, is more than worth it....

I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley. I am reducing star simply because I cried (a lot) and I generally don't like to cry while reading romance novels, even if the cry is totally warranted in context. These characters broke my heart and slowly wove it back together again. Temperance was raised by an abusive father and is dealing with hidden trauma. Dare was rejected by his aristocratic father and went on to become a thief, stealing from the rich to give to those in need. Temperance and Dare loved each other, and got married, but Temperance eventually couldn't stand his dangerous lifestyle (for good reason). After five years apart, Dare is found by his family, and assumed the role of Marquess. But he needs a wife. It's a good thing he already has one. Too bad she kinda hates him (even if she also still kinda loves him too). Dare and Temperance have to do a lot of work to find their way back together, but their journey is so worth it. This is an emotional read with a great cast of characters!

This was such a well written book. I felt transported back into the past as I read each page.
This story grips the reader from the first when it was describing the hanging of the hero. The hero styles himself as a contemporary Robin Hood. He steals from the aristocracy, pawns the items and uses the money to fund supportive programs in the stews of London. He helps people who are unjustly accused of crimes and are facing exportation for stealing a loaf of bread to feed their mother or siblings. He buys clothing and shoes for the poor. But he was caught. He had been caught in the past, and always avoided the noose for various reasons. But this time he was caught, hood on with the noose around his head. And he was praying and panicking. Then, he is roughly dragged off the gallows into a room to face his grandparents, a duke and duchess. He is an earl, but not the heir. The heir is a cousin who would not support the family after he inherited. So the duke offered the hero/earl and LOT of money to get married. The heroine is a seamstress who is working to help her friends and brother. They are poor, but are getting by. The heroine is actually the hero's wife. She left him when she realized that he liked the thrill of stealing and helping people over loving her. And now he has to introduce her to the ton as his countess.
So okay, the rest is up to you. The author does a great job of mixing the reality of the setting with the world of the aristos. It is easy to get dragged into the drama of the tale and it is a little tiring, but then it is a complete story. This book was well writtwn with correct grammar and spelling. The premise and plot are innovative and different enough to capture the reader's attention. This is easily 5 stars with a recommendation to read.

I really enjoyed Dare and Temperance’s story. They were able to overcome a painful past and change their lives for the better. 4 stars.

Another very good book in the Lost Lords of London series. I didn't find myself quite as engaged in this one, but it was an emotional story with good writing. Caldwell always writes stories that tug at the heartstrings and this one is no exception. I think the conflict between the hero and heroine just didn't seem quite as genuine as other books in the series, but I still really enjoyed it.

ARC provided through Netgalley

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
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

This is the second Lost of Lords of London book I read and I really enjoyed it. Dare Grey is a Robin Hood type who steals from the rich and gives it to the poor who live in the Rookeries. He married Temperance Swift in order to save her from her abusive father, but for many years, they have been separated. The book opens with Dare about to be executed after being caught thieving but he is saved by a Duke and Duchess that happens to be his grandparents., his mother's parents. Both of his parents are dead, as is his younger brother and cousin and he needs to save the Marquessate and take care of the sister he never knew. They offer him twenty thousand pounds if he 1) marries off his sister or 2) he marries and produces and heir. Since he is already married, he goes to find Temperance in order to help marry off his sister. Both Dare and Temperance have kept secrets from each other and it is those secrets that destroyed their marriage once... will it happen again? My only caveat is that it didn't move as fast as the second book and it felt like it took a little while to get things moving.

UNDRESSED WITH THE MARQUESS is the third book in the LOST LORDS OF LONDON series. While it held my interest, it was a little slow going for me in the beginning. There is a depth to the characters and a richness to the story thanks to the detailed descriptions of the setting.

This is Dare and Temperance’s story, and it takes us from the English countryside to London, where the ton resides, and also to the depressed areas of the city. Dare is now a Marquess. It’s the hopes of his grandparents, if not his sister, that he will return the bankrupt marquessate to it’s former glory. Of course, his grandparents have some stipulations before he can get his hands on any of the money. There is a lot of miscommunication between the various characters, but Dare and Temperance seem to know what they want.

There are twists and turns to the story along with some unsavory characters. Dare and Temperance have chemistry but don’t like to put any other labels on their relationship. The story is fraught with emotion, adventure, and romance, with wonderful secondary characters adding to the story. There is nice closure though I would have liked an epilogue to take us just a little farther into the character’s lives.

Ms. Caldwell is a wonderful author of historical romances and I have many of her books on my TBR pile. I look forward to reading them all!

3.5 Stars
Undressed with the Marquess is the third and last book in the Lost Lords of London series. Darius “Dare” Grey left Mayfair thinking he would have a grand adventure in the Rookeries, but it was only an illusion. His father, the Marquess of Milford, convinced him his family was better off without Dare in it. So, Dare turned to the thievery and became Robin Hood in the Rookeries for people in need. Eventually, his luck ran out and he found himself in Newgate facing the gallows. His grandfather, the Duke of Pemberly who never believed he was dead, was searching for him and found him just in time. The duke proposes that Dare take up the title and he will give him the money he has set aside for Dare if he will meet two conditions. Dare must take care of Kinsley, his sister until she is married or if he must get married and provide a male heir.
Temperance Swift had married Dare when she was young and tried to convince him to stop his thievery before he got caught. She is surprised when Dare finds her and asks her to come to London as his wife and help find his sister a husband. When she realizes that Kinsley does not want to get married, she knows Dare cannot meet his grandfather’s conditions because she can’t have children after her tragic miscarriage.
I’ve always loved books by this author, but this book was not a hit for me. The writing itself was good but there were too many things that just didn’t make sense such as a marquess being taken to Newgate for bribery. The book was too sad with no happiness to counteract it. I’m still a fan and will read future books by this author but I just didn’t care for this one.

The opening of this novel is pure genius. I was immediately immersed in Dare's perspective. The Robin Hood of the rookeries made his choice long ago, and he's resigned to his fate. A last-minute reprieve thrusts him into a life he abandoned. He abhors the luxury he was born to, and has no desire to go back. But it's that or the gallows.

Five years ago, marriage to Dare saved Temperance from the brutality of the rookeries. But he refused to give up his criminal ways, and she refused to build a life with a man who could be arrested and dragged away at any moment. She's found a quiet if difficult existence working as a seamstress.

When Dare comes to claim her as his marchioness, she's reluctant. She can't trust him to put her ahead of his mission and the thievery that's sure to put him back in Newgate. She goes with Dare only to help her brother, so he can afford to marry his sweetheart.

This novel is more character-driven than most of Caldwell's work. It mostly involves Dare coming to terms with his new identity, and how he can achieve his old goals in new ways. His devotion Temperance, and her commitment to keep him from doing stupid things that could get him killed, helps him through the transformation. It's a deeply emotional story featuring characters who've suffered painful pasts and who are trying to put their lives back together.

As is often the case with Caldwell's novels, dark moments make the happy ending all the more satisfying. I'm not a huge fan of gritty stories, but this author is such a masterful storyteller that I find her books irresistible.

I was a little leery going in knowing this one was going to be slightly dark, but it was extremely well handled. Temperance and Dare have a history together that they had to work hard to get through before we can have our HEA. You just want to hug Temperance just to help her through her struggles and smack Dare! I hope we get more on Dare's sister in the future to get more of her story! Thank you for the advanced copy, it was a joy to read, even as I cried through parts of it!

I really hate to say this, but I didn't enjoy this one at all. I'm not sure exactly what it was that didn't click for me, but it would perhaps be fairer to say that it was a number of things. I couldn't connect with the characters and the plot seemed to be quite unbelievable. It also (possibly slightly irrationally seeing as this is fiction and all) irritated me that there were frequent mentions of mills in London, which as we all know is so well known for them.
It is a shame because I've read and really enjoyed books by this author before, this one was just a rare miss. No doubt I will still enjoy others in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Temperance and Dare’s story had me hooked right from the first page. Their characters especially that of Dare were so complicated but absolutely amazing, it was difficult not to fall in love with them. I would recommend a box of tissues with this book because it sure is a tearjerker. It is a beautiful story with a star crossed lovers trope. This is book three in the Lost Lords of London Series and can be read as a standalone although I highly recommend reading it as part of the series. The other stories are just as gripping as this one and I loved the whole series.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Undressed With The Marquess by Christi Caldwell is the third book in her exciting Lost Lords of London series. It can be read as a stand-alone. I do, however, highly recommend the first two books in the series. Dare Grey, aka Darius Greyson, aka Marquess of Milford, set off on an adventure in the streets of London as a child, but when he tried to go home again, his perfectionist father told him to stay away that he wasn’t good enough to be the heir. He became a Robin Hood like figure in the stews of London, robbing the wealthy to save the poor. His thieving ways have caught up with him, and he’s about to be hanged when at the last moment, his maternal grandfather, the Duke of Pemberly, arranges for him to be released. Along with a nearly bankrupt estate and a sister he’s never met, Dare finds out to his dismay that he was also betrothed as a child to the daughter of a family friend, which will be a problem as he already has a wife. Temperance Swift left Dare five years ago when she realized that he was never going to be there when she needed him, that his need to help others with his thievery was always going to come first.
I very much enjoyed watching Dare and Temperance find their way back to each other despite the obstacles thrown in their way, including betrayals by those whom they trusted and learning to thrive in an entirely new world. CW: Miscarriage Steam Level: Medium. Publishing Date: November 17, 2020 #UndressedWithTheMarquess #ChristiCaldwell #MontlakePublishing #HistoricalRomance #LostLordsOfLondon #bookstagram #bookstagrammer