And she does it again! I've read several of Christi's books and I have the say, the latest is always the better.
In this one, she treats us with the story of Broderick Killoran - a long rival of the house and so called villain from other books - and his assistant and confidant, Regina Sparks.
For year. Broderick Killoran has built his gaming hell empire in order to lift himself from his family shame and now. he's facing the consequences of everything he did to survive. Regina Sparks carries secrets of her own and she's finally to let go of the family that gave her shelter and pursue her own dreams. But Broderick is not ready to let her go, even if he cannot admit to himself the true reason why. Secrets are revealed and old enemies come back to haunt them but through it all, love prevails.
There is so much I love about the Wicked Wallflowers: I love how the author shies away from the ton and continues to explore the life and love of the people of the Seven Dials, of those haunted souls with tragic pasts that have built themselves from nothing and continue to survive and dare to want more and be more. It's raw, it's real and it's incredibly awesome.
While this book can be read as a standalone... there are bits and pieces that come from the other books that might be good for the reader to know. Also, why would you? Go read the other ones!!!
I was curious to see how she'd present Killoran now that we finally got his book. And I wasn't disappointed: much like his former enemy and rival turned into extended family, Ryker Black, there are lawyers and nooks to Broderick that made you understand his point of view and even root for him. But the author is not forgiving of him, or of all the wrongs that he might have committed... we simply learn the hows and whys of everything that went through.
I don't want to give the plot or much of the book, so I would say that this is a great written, fast.paced book with great characterizations, an interesting conflict, a beautiful happy ending and the thrilling of knowing that there's more to come in the next book!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

3.5 stars.

Thanks to netgalley and Montlake Romance for the arc of this book!

Christi Caldwell isn't a new author to me, I have read a few of her books and they are some of my favorite historical romances. So when I was approved for the arc of The Governess, I was really happy.

I fell in love with Regina throughout the whole book and I came to admire her so much. I think she's definitely one of my favorite heroines from all the HR books I've read. Not many people would be able to handle the hand she was dealt. I wish we had gotten more of her building up her dream aka the music hall and actually seen her basking in her success.

I must say my rating has a lot to do with the way the storyline went. I think that the conflict between Regina and Broderick was way too drawn out. It was almost at the end when Broderick finally came to his senses and found out the whole truth about why Regina wanted to leave and what she wanted to do. If that happened at least at the 60% mark we would have seen more of them growing as a couple and building music hall and turning Regina's dream into reality. I would have gladly given 5 stars if that happened. I still enjoyed the book and it was such a page turner but I just wish we got to see more of this than Broderick being an ass most of the book.

I'm so intrigued by the next book because apparently Gertrude is going to end up with Stephen's dad and when I think about that my brain is like 'can't compute'.

Another in this series by Christi Caldwell. An enjoyable story of relationships fraught with difficulties set in the regency period. A tale with a difference which was very well received.

I have been struggling to find my next read after so many fantastic mysteries/thrillers, so I was incredibly excited to find I had been approved for an e-arc of The Governess. I immediately downloaded and stayed up late into the night to finish. Independent women, family loyalty, and simmering, tension filled romance made for a divine read. As usual Christi Caldwell has written a smart historical romance with multidimensional characters. If you haven’t read any of her books, and enjoy romances that feature intelligent women, men who come to appreciate them for that, and relationships that develop overtime then you should definitely check them out.


Thank you Netgalley and Montlake Romance for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review.

WELL THIS WAS DELIGHTFUL. The heroine was A++, there was delightful pining to go around, and now all I want is Gertrude & Nobility Dad’s book (misnomer credit goes to Rachel). As always there was SO MUCH PLOT packed in here and I wish a few subplots had gotten more development (I would have loved the twist with Broderick and the Duchess yo have gone on a bit longer!), and I do wish there has been more action (vs buildup) re: the marquess’ revenge. Stephen was also a LITTLE SHIT THE WHOLE BOOK lord so let’s hope his attitude improves next book after having been shot.

NONETHELESS this sparked joy within me and that is what is important so yay.

I truly enjoyed this next novel in The Wicked Wallflowers series. It was a great read. I could not put it down! The past always comes back to haunt us, but the ones who accept you for who are are the best of people. Regina Spark has her own secrets, just like Broderick Killoran. Broderick saved Reggie years ago and she keeps her love for him a secret. Reggie has plans to open a music hall to help women survive on their own. She does not want to be the girl she was before. Broderick helped to her to see the strength she could have. Due to misinformation, Broderick assumes Reggie is betraying him and blackmails her. Broderick is a powerful, intimidating, ruthless, and protective man. He begins to see Reggie is a new light when she stands up to him and tries to fight his feelings towards her. While they keep their secrets, both their pasts begin to have an impact on their future and those they both love.

Yet another great book in this series! I enjoyed the growth off Broderick & Reggie. I wish to have seen more punishment to the evil person in Reggie’s past. Guess that makes me bloodthirsty!! Also, an interaction between Broderick’s Duke of his early years, and if he was ever forgiven, or still held responsible for the sins of others.

Look forward to Gertrude’s book and challenges she might may face!!

I am quite familiar with this author and have read several of her novels. Some have been hit or miss. This one was pleasantly good. I admired Regina's strength and determination to forge her own destiny outside of the hero's club. She has good reasons to leave and I was hoping the hero would understand sooner than he did. His determination to force Regina to comply with his demands forced a rift in their sweet friendship but I also think it forced him to truly see Regina for who she truly was. And that fire that burned between them grew and spread to real love. Both are good people at heart in spite of their circumstances. Too often these novels are written where the heroine is of lower class and anxious to make a match with a Duke. But here we have a couple of lower class making a difference within their communities.
Very well done and moving scenes. I'm glad the hero finally opened his eyes.
Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.