Along Came a Lady

Our Review

Rafe Audley is the illegitimate son of a duke. He supports his younger siblings by working as a foreman at a coalmine. Rafe wants nothing to do with the man that sired him and his three siblings. However, he cannot ignore the latest person the duke sent to retrieve him. The female persists in upending Rafe’s life and dragging him to London. He never expected to like her. Can Rafe resist Edwina’s brand of persuasion? Or will the relentless woman get her way?

Edwina Dalrymple teaches respectable young women etiquette and proper conduct in society. She wants to pave a path for herself among the ton and to earn her father’s acknowledgement. Edwina’s latest assignment may allow her that opportunity. She needs to convince the duke’s son to come to London and assume his rightful place. The stubborn man thwarts Edwina’s every attempt. Can Edwina win her battle-of-wits with Rafe? Will she eventually find the place she belongs?

I could not help but fall in love with Rafe. He is a selfless man who looks after everyone in his charge. I like how Rafe prefers to earn his livelihood through honest work and not from his father’s handouts. He cares little about his blood ties to nobility or their way of life. What I admire the most about Rafe is his dedication to his three siblings. Even at a young age, he accepted responsibility for their care and wellbeing. Rafe never once abandoned them.

I adore Edwina! She is such an intriguing and resourceful woman. I admire Edwina’s tenaciousness in eking out a respectable life for herself. She knows there are few professions open to a woman or a nobleman’s illegitimate child, especially one alone in the world. Edwina did not let her circumstances hinder her. What I love the most about Edwina is her refusal to be intimidated by Rafe. She holds her ground against him, and she meets his every challenge head on.

ALONG CAME A LADY is book one in Christi Caldwell’s new historical romance series, ALL THE DUKE’S SINS. This is my first time reading this author’s works. I enjoyed her writing style. The story’s premise is what drew me to this book. And it did not disappoint! I found myself quickly immersed in the plot and the characters.

ALONG CAME A LADY is a charming tale about two converse people discovering their true places in life. I wonder which Audley will be next? I cannot wait to find out with the next book!