Devil | By Daylight By Christi Caldwell

: Tormund Stone, the Earl of Rockford and a recently disgraced Home Office spy, has unexpectedly become the guardian of his late brother's daughter, Sara. Lacking childcare skills, he manipulates Honoria into acting as a temporary governess while they are snowed in. Character Dynamics

: A "grumpy ex-spy" who feels lost after being ousted from his career-focused life. His transition from a cynical loner to a protector is a central arc, often referred to as "the taming of the grump".

Set in 1826 London and a snowy country estate, the story reunites two individuals who shared a brief, passionate encounter at a forbidden masquerade years prior. Devil By Daylight by Christi Caldwell

: Wary of marriage due to her parents' disastrous relationship, she values her independence but finds her maternal instincts stirred by young Sara.

: The narrative emphasizes that "fate brought them together twice," allowing the protagonists to choose love over their previous safety and solitude. : Tormund Stone, the Earl of Rockford and

: Tormund’s 8-year-old niece serves as the catalyst for the couple's domestic bonding, helping turn the three individuals into a cohesive family unit. Key Themes

Readers often praise the book for its emotional depth and the "sparring" chemistry between the leads. It is noted for being a "cheering read" with a balance of sweet holiday moments—like singing carols and playing in the snow—and the "raw" emotions typical of Caldwell’s writing. Reviewers on platforms like The StoryGraph and Amazon highlight its success as a standalone story that still offers satisfying continuity for long-time series fans. Devil by Daylight | Christi Caldwell His transition from a cynical loner to a

: The holiday setting, including solstice themes, mirrors the internal changes in Tormund and Honoria as they shed their guarded pasts.