Desperately Seeking a Duchess
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4.3 • 79 Ratings
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- $5.99
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- $5.99
Publisher Description
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?
Customer Reviews
Wonderful
Loved this story and the characters. Christi never disappoints.
You’ll melt!
In Christi Caldwell’s latest release, rouge Courtland the Duke of St. James is a cinnamon roll and is “Desperately Seeking a Duchess” … well, sort of!!
In book two of the All the Duke’s Sins series, it starts with the Cailin’s meet cute with Lord Courtland the Duke of St. James. However, Courtland posed as his twin to fulfill Lord Keir’s assignment given by her father, the Duke of Bentley, by charming the duke’s illegitimate children. After a gun shot, a kiss and a half, and a punch, Courtland leaves the country side unsuccessful. But, he was successful in filling Cailin with dreams of entering bookstores and museums.
Cailin struggles with the rules of polite society and the lack of freedom. Her unhappiness subsides when she sees awkward Lord Keir again in her father’s home and not just in her dreams. She is baffled when he does not remember her when she talks to him in private, which only gets Keir sacked. But, she cleverly pieces everything together when the man she met months ago attends her father’s ball.
I love that Cailin rights wrongs even if her actions challenge polite society conduct. Also, I love the flashbacks and scenes that she has with her brothers. They are protective yet super sweet!
I love Courtland and his family. If you love meddling siblings, then you’ll love this book. There is also a great best friend who keeps secrets for him and wants everything for him. His youngest sibling made me laugh multiple times, and she really knows how to cause good-intentioned trouble. The way he protects his family throughout his life just made me melt!!
I love the chemistry between Cailin and Courtland!! Caldwell portrays freedom as a privilege no matter which social class you grew up in, and I love that the main characters connect in that way. Also, they each have an internal conflict that shies them from getting married, so I loved their inner monologues questioning the other’s feelings.
I read this book so fast, and there are too many moments to mention!
Thank you to Net Galley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.