Be swept away by Christi Caldwell’s Heart of a Scandal series! There once was a gypsy’s pendant said to bring its wearer the heart of a duke. Some found love and others–heart ache. In this passionate series, clever, once-wounded, twice-wary women will find their chance at happily ever after…and maybe even, the heart of a duke!Schooling the DukeA lady betrayed:Finishing school instructor, Mrs. … lady betrayed:
Finishing school instructor, Mrs. Rowena Bryant is hated by her students, revered by the headmistress, and absolutely determined to maintain her financial security. Deceived years ago by the only man she’d ever given her heart to, Rowena relies on no one but herself—that is the best way to keep her most scandalous secret.
A soldier turned duke:
When Graham Linford returned from war on the cusp of death, he discovered he’d been betrayed by the woman he loved. From that moment, Graham shaped himself into an unfeeling nobleman, refusing to ever suffer the agony of betrayal again. Now a duke, Graham is determined no one will ever discover the touch of madness that has haunted him since battle.
Lovers reunited:
When Graham finds himself named guardian to a young lady, the woman sent as a companion to his ward is none other than Rowena Bryant. With every moment spent together, their passion reignites, and the walls they’ve built to keep one another out begin to crumble. But when their dark past tests them again will true love be enough to repair their damaged hearts?
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Miss Rowena Endicott and Graham Linford have been in love since she was 14 and he 17. She is the stepdaughter of the local vicar, her mother a former courtesan; Graham is the second son of the Duke of Hampstead, and as such joined the military, promising to marry Rowena when he returns. But before he comes home from war wounded, his older brother died, leaving him the heir. His ruthless father steps in and offers Rowena the prospect of a teaching position at a finishing school or he will throw her family and two younger sister out. With no one to turn to, she agrees and spends the next 11 years forming herself from a carefree, warm, smiling woman into a cold, emotionless dragon. Graham comes home wounded with the love he has for Rowena keeping him from despair. Until the lies told by his father and Rowena’s family turn that love into hate. But fate steps in to reunite them when Graham is left guardianship of 17 year old illegitimate daughter of the soldier who saved his life. He travels to the school Rowena is in to ask for the best teacher to act as companion for a year. He is shocked to discover Mrs. Bryant is his former love and Rowena is stunned to realize she has no choice. Each think the other has betrayed them – and Graham also suffers from the demons of the war. But Rowena sees in his ward all the spirit that has been pushed aside in herself. She refuses to kill that spark to conform to society. Will time expose the truth to each of them and is there still a Judas in their midst? A very touching love story of hurt and adversity that can squash the spirit and deny your heart if you allow it – or you remain true to yourself and fight for life greatest and lasting gift – Love!
When former soldier, Graham Linfor, now a Duke becomes the guardian of a young woman, the natural daughter of the man who once saved his life. He has to do his best to see she is educated and readied for polite society. In searching for a companion and instructor, he is reunited with the woman who betrayed him.
Mrs. Rowena Bryant is a dragon. The best instructor in the finishing school, despised by her students and fearful that anyone might learn of her dreadful secrets. Forced by the deception of the man she loved to leave home and fend for herself, Rowena has learned to trust no one but herself.
When faced with the man she once loved and forced by her headmistress to accept his offer as companion to his ward, Rowena must fight her unruly heart and the desire he still inspires in her.
They each have demons to battle but when the truth of their separation is revealed the past threatens to boil over and they risk being burned by their own passions.
You cannot go home again, they say, but you can start anew, if you are willing to take a chance.
Christi Caldwell makes us fall in love and suffer heartache right along with her characters. I was laughing and crying through out this story. She gives us strong characters who capture our hearts. A great historical romance.
So much angst, and too much repetition of the same angst without any progression into new territory – loved the ending though. And loved Ainsley – there better be a story about her!
Christi Caldwell always creates and develops characters that you fall in love with and root for their happiness in the end. Rowena Endicott aka Mrs. Bryant and Graham Linford, Duke of Hamstead pulled you in to their story from the beginning and the Duke’s ward, Ainsley was an absolute hoot! It took a lot of working, talking and convincing to find out what had really pulled them apart years ago and there were things that happened that were beyond their control. Now after several years, they finally see each other and the truths are finally exposed.
I loved the story, the main characters, hated the villains and would have given it a 5 star rating but I felt there was too much time spent by Rowena and Graham reflecting on the past. I highly recommend this read and can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
Another great book by Christi!
Wonderful story and characters. Original and romantic. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
Loved this love story. I am a sucker for Regency reads.
Good read.
How a young woman trapped into making changes in her life after falling in love with the “wrong” man can still find herself and love is expressed well in this story of enduring love. Characters feel real and the women are quite strong. Romantic ending was great touch. Sometimes felt repetitive in the negative thoughts.
Christi Caldwell is a must buy for me.