USA Today Bestselling author Christi Caldwell revisits the dark, gritty side of Regency England in her Brethren of the Lords series! Death was preferable… Since his wife was killed in an accident that stole his happiness and left him injured, William Helling, the Duke of Aubrey, is a broken man. Neither strong drink and loose women nor the power he wields as leader of the Brethren of Lords can … of Lords can free him from the nightmares that haunt him. He prefers to be left alone, and has no desire to heal the wound his life has become. Then one day Miss Elsie Allenby, rumored to be a skilled healer, enters his household. He should send her away and yet he’s enthralled by the mysterious stranger.
Healing was her life…
But not a day passes when Elsie Allenby doesn’t miss her father nor remind herself where the blame for his death lies: The Brethren of Lords. Since that betrayal, she’s made a life for herself on the fringe of society, caring for wounded animals. Her peaceful life is turned upside down when her help is requested by the Brethren, and she finds herself in the presence last person she ever thought she would aide: William Helling, the leader of the Brethren.
With every exchange, passion grows between Elsie and William. Soon the protective walls they’ve built, begin to crumble. But when danger threatens them both, they’ll need to overcome the treachery around them. Will the past steal their passion or will love find a way?
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Ms. Caldwell once again has another WINNING! Page-turning, CAN’T MISS! HIT in Her Duke of Secrets. The 2nd in her Brethren’s of the Lord series. Elsie Allenby and William Helling, the Duke of Aubrey and head of the Brethren’s story. I think Elsie is my favorite of Ms. Caldwell’s heroine’s to date. I LOVED her story. Both her and William’s. As usual, Ms. Caldwell made me feel, and sympathize with both character’s. I LOVED that Elsie was a ‘Healer’. Esentially a DR. Caring for/healing both human’s and animals, alongside her beloved father, until his murder. I loved that this story heavily featured a dog, the big, old, black, Bear. Elsie’s faithful companion. As I’m a sucker for pet’s in books. And I loved when Bear befriended William. And when Elsie left Bear for Will? I got teary. I really liked William, and sympathized and felt for him. I really liked his brother, Edward too. I DID NOT like Cedric Bennett. Just another AWESOME book by Ms. Caldwell
Her Duke of Secrets is book 2 in the Brethren of the Lords series by Christi Caldwell and it does not disappoint. This was another engrossing read that had the works. William and Elsie had something undeniable. Their attraction leapt off the page.
This book has so many wise messages about living. William, Duke of Aubrey, is the head of a secret spy network of peers, The Brethren, handed down from generation to generation. Its function is to keep their country safe. From childhood he was taught weakness is to be eliminated and all is for the good of country. But in keeping with that, you lose your humanity and people become just files, nameless with no past. Not unlike our world today where we are judged on words on paper, not face to face. William kept his life secret except for those in the Brethren. Even his wife had no clue to the risks he and others took. Until the day revenge came looking and a deliberate accident claims the life of his wife and leaves William broken both in body and spirit. He blames himself and for a year punishes himself for failing to protect his wife. Although his marriage was the typical society one, he believes he should suffer. Until his brother, Lord Edward Helling, seeks out Elsie Allenby, a healer like her father, who once was enlisted by the Brethren to take care of their own. 5 years ago, he gave out 2 names of those secret agents to protect his daughter, and was branded a traitor. He was murdered with no help from the Brethren. Alone except for her faithful dog, Bear, Elsie lives an isolated life – shunned by the villagers and deserted by the Brethren and considered nothing mainly because she is female. Now all of her patients are animals in need. Shocked at the idea of helping the head of the very organization who deserted her father, Elsie remembers her father’s philosophy to help those in need. Reluctantly she agrees to go to London, with Bear, to heal William. The next weeks reveal to both of them the simple rules of life – to help those in need, to begin by forgiving yourself and others, for understanding that there are no absolutes but various shades of gray, healing begins with one’s heart and soul, never make another’s decision – give them the opportunity to choose. Beautiful romance and wise ways of life. Truly an example of the most powerful and lasting quality – LOVE!
Another great book in this series.
In her continuation of the lives of those in The Brethren (a secret order charged with protecting England) Christi Caldwell writes a heart-wrenching tale of a man’s who has lost love and a woman who has lost almost everything to The Brethren and how two different souls help each other heal.
Ms. Caldwell’s writing draws on every emotion known and Her Duke of Secrets is no exception.
This whole series is wonderful. Each book stands alone but I enjoyed reading them in order.
All of here books are a very good read. They flow well.
Loved the interaction of the characters in this book. Fast moving story.
Sorry. Did not enjoy it. Felt like someone othet that Christie wrote it.
Her Duke of Secrets by Christi Caldwell
Brethren of the Lords Series Book Two
Miss Elsie Allenby hates the Brethren and all the men in it. After all, they used her father and when he needed them…they abandoned him and let him die. And yet, when they seek her out almost five years later for her medical skills that she learned from working along her father…his words whisper back to her to always help when she can. Even if it’s the enemy that needs her help.
William Helling, the Duke of Aubrey hasn’t been living since the death of his wife almost a year ago. His own injuries from the accident…well, he deserves to suffer for not protecting those under his care. When his brother brings yet another doctor to look at him, he agrees. After all, they won’t be around long because no one can help him.
Loved the story and both the human and canine characters. Elsie has a great attitude. And she’s not afraid to be herself…even with a duke.
**Sexual content
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Very boring ,not what I would expect from this author, disappointed. Almost as if Christi Caldwell didn’t write this book, or she was trying something different, and it failed .