The Diamond and the Duke

By: Christi Caldwell

Narrated by: Mary Jane Wells

When a wounded soldier and self-proclaimed "beast" finds unlikely friendship with a headstrong and unconventional beauty, they quickly find themselves weaving a tale as old as time…

Despite a hero’s return to England from the Napoleonic Wars, Wesley Audley isolates from the ton. Deep wounds from the horrors of combat—and the despair of a broken heart—left him scarred. As he struggles to cope and resume his place in Polite Society, Wesley is quick to cut himself off from everyone…except for Ellie Balfour.

Independent and strong-willed, Ellie has dreams of captaining her own husband-free life and a penchant for meddling in other’s business. She knows befriending Wesley is a risk but Ellie can’t bear to see his heartache. Nor can she seem to silence all the temptingly intimate thoughts his nearness provokes.

But Ellie is yet to face a battle she can’t win—and Wesley’s heart is worth the fight. If only her campaigns ever went to plan…

Critic reviews

Praise for Christi Caldwell

“Ribboned with subtleties about gender roles and class expectations that make this novel both thoughtful and delightful all at once.”—Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author on Along Came a Lady

"Christi Caldwell's crisp, sparkling writing is infused with emotion, passion, and a belief in the healing power of love. This is terrific Regency romance!"—Amanda Quick, New York Times bestselling author

"Emotional, funny, and filled with passion—everything I want in a romance.”—Lorraine Heath, New York Times bestselling author of The Duchess Hunt on Along Came a Lady

“What historical romance is meant to be. I devoured every word. Christi Caldwell has become one of my favorite authors.”—Laura Lee Guhrke, New York Times bestselling author

"A charming, romantic love story that shows Regency romance isn't just about dukes and duchesses and love isn't just for the upper classes."—Maya Rodale, USA Today bestselling author on Along Came a Lady

"A must-read for both fans and newcomers to Caldwell’s work.”—Library Journal

“Packed with familial warmth and peppered with humor…An endearing romance.”—Kirkus on Desperately Seeking a Duchess

Great characters

My favorite historical romance narrator and great characters made this book a win for me. Highly recommend.

Listened in a day

MJW is one of my absolute favorite narrators, her voices give life to every character. I enjoyed this series and I am intrigued for Hettie’s story.

Sweet story line

The best of the series! Stand alone but best read with series for background information. Mary Jane Wells makes the characters come alive. Best narration ever!

Tear-Jerker Full of Real Love

Wow. I fell in love alongside both Hero & Heroine as they healed & loved & yearned & hurt each other. Both had scars to deal with & a journey where secrets & being a loner in suffering becomes a journey where both learn to open up to other people (& each other). This was so realistic, believable, & heartfelt. Both of them were so brave in their own ways as she survived patental beatings/injuries/trauma & he overcame PTSD/injuries/war. The heroine's character was so especially lovable & her optimistic bravery was deeply heartfelt. This book is in the top 15 romance books I would highly recommend - and my Audible library carries over 700 romance novels & novellas. Bad ones are obvious. Most are enjoyable but dont stand out. A few stand out as excellent & fewer than that are must-buys. This stands out as excellent. It is worth a credit.

Sweet fun story

So entertaining! Sweet story that was fun and very enjoyable!!
MARY JANE WELLS. She captivates me. Beautifully narrated.