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Wicked Wallflowers #2
The Vixen
Set apart by her ethereal beauty and fearless demeanor, Ophelia Killoran has always been a mystery to those around her—and a woman they underestimated. No one would guess that she spends her nights protecting the street urchins of St. Giles. Ophelia knows what horrors these children face. As a young girl, she faced those horrors herself, and she would have died…if not for the orphan boy who saved her life.
A notorious investigator, Connor Steele never expected to encounter Ophelia Killoran on his latest case. It has been years since he sacrificed himself for her. Now, she hires orphans from the street to work in her brother’s gaming hell. But where does she find the children…and what are her intentions?
Ophelia and Connor are at odds. After all, Connor now serves the nobility, and that is a class of people Ophelia knows firsthand not to trust. But if they can set aside their misgivings and work together, they may discover that their purposes—and their hearts—are perfectly aligned.
A notorious investigator, Connor Steele never expected to encounter Ophelia Killoran on his latest case. It has been years since he sacrificed himself for her. Now, she hires orphans from the street to work in her brother’s gaming hell. But where does she find the children…and what are her intentions?
Ophelia and Connor are at odds. After all, Connor now serves the nobility, and that is a class of people Ophelia knows firsthand not to trust. But if they can set aside their misgivings and work together, they may discover that their purposes—and their hearts—are perfectly aligned.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2018
1342 people are currently reading
1775 people want to read
About the author
Christi Caldwell
136 books2,557 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling author CHRISTI CALDWELL blames Judith McNaught's "Whitney, My Love!" for luring her into the world of historical romance. While sitting in her graduate school apartment at the University of Connecticut, Christi decided to set aside her notes and pick up her laptop to try her hand at romance. She believes the most perfect heroes and heroines have imperfections, and she rather enjoys torturing them before crafting them a well deserved happily ever after!
Christi makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.
Christi makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 290 reviews
October 11, 2018
I read some of Christi Caldwell's books, she's not a go-to historical romance writer for me, but once in a while I pick up her book. This is one of those times. A combination of the book being $4.99 vs. the more expensive regular priced ones, the fact that I'm in the mood for a "deep love story" and the reviews I read promised that it was (so many of them talked about needing Kleenex close by), and I was also hankering for a historical.
So here's what I thought:
One of the reasons this author is not a go-to for me is because I'm just not as drawn into her writing style. The words on my Kindle seemed widely spaced and there weren't that many words on a page as some of my other ones, so I kinda felt cheated right off the bat. But then I ended up skipping a lot of pages and words anyway because of the writing style. This is a personal preference so I'm not taking a star off because of that. For historical I like wit and dryness and banter. This book was more plot driven.
Speaking of plot, it was interesting and fast paced but it was too complex and contrived. This is probably where the 1 star comes off. Everything works out so neatly. I felt like all the stars were just too perfectly aligned. I can suspend belief in any romance book for many things, but the stuff that goes on in this one - boy and girl save each other back and forth as children,
The chemistry between the H/h was OK. It wasn't like off the charts connection that made my heart feel pangs - and no I did not need any Kleenex whatsoever, so that was actually a disappointment. I like to be moved when I read books. I like to feel strong emotions. I honestly didn't feel it here. It was overall OK.
So why do I still give it 4 stars? Because I'm generally a high grader. Because it was good enough that I kept reading (skipping a lot too) but I kept reading until I finished it in one sitting way past my bedtime.
Would it stick in my mind later? Prob not. I do recall the H is Connor and the h is Ophelia. I kind of know their backgrounds because it's not a typical story of dandy meets wallflower. But I won't really recall the author or the title and it certainly won't be one of my top historical romances that I'd automatically recommend to others.
So there you have it. I may or may not read more of Caldwell's books. I'm kind of ambivalent. But it is highly rated by many readers, so maybe it's more a stylistic preference on my side.
Hate the cover tho. Very artificial looking and the girl doesn't even look real. Like a plastic doll. Would never have picked up this book for the cover.
So here's what I thought:
One of the reasons this author is not a go-to for me is because I'm just not as drawn into her writing style. The words on my Kindle seemed widely spaced and there weren't that many words on a page as some of my other ones, so I kinda felt cheated right off the bat. But then I ended up skipping a lot of pages and words anyway because of the writing style. This is a personal preference so I'm not taking a star off because of that. For historical I like wit and dryness and banter. This book was more plot driven.
Speaking of plot, it was interesting and fast paced but it was too complex and contrived. This is probably where the 1 star comes off. Everything works out so neatly. I felt like all the stars were just too perfectly aligned. I can suspend belief in any romance book for many things, but the stuff that goes on in this one - boy and girl save each other back and forth as children,
The chemistry between the H/h was OK. It wasn't like off the charts connection that made my heart feel pangs - and no I did not need any Kleenex whatsoever, so that was actually a disappointment. I like to be moved when I read books. I like to feel strong emotions. I honestly didn't feel it here. It was overall OK.
So why do I still give it 4 stars? Because I'm generally a high grader. Because it was good enough that I kept reading (skipping a lot too) but I kept reading until I finished it in one sitting way past my bedtime.
Would it stick in my mind later? Prob not. I do recall the H is Connor and the h is Ophelia. I kind of know their backgrounds because it's not a typical story of dandy meets wallflower. But I won't really recall the author or the title and it certainly won't be one of my top historical romances that I'd automatically recommend to others.
So there you have it. I may or may not read more of Caldwell's books. I'm kind of ambivalent. But it is highly rated by many readers, so maybe it's more a stylistic preference on my side.
Hate the cover tho. Very artificial looking and the girl doesn't even look real. Like a plastic doll. Would never have picked up this book for the cover.
August 15, 2018
I'm going to put this book firmly in the 3.75 - 4/ 5 stars range for me.
I received this book from Netgalley and Montlake Publishers for an honest review. This does not in any way affect my opinion of the book and it's characters.
In short, I truly enjoyed this book and will remember it for several things; the gritty, dark yet realistic work Caldwell has created, the angst oh the angst, the last 30% of the book that I read with complete concenration and of course, the raw emotions this book brings forth. I will definitely be revisiting certain parts of the book in the future.
Ophelia Killoran and Connor Steele/O'Roarke first meet when they're only children, both victims of fate and figthing to survive on the streets of St.Giles. They meet at odds throughout their tumulous childhood, with her always saving him when she was meant to the opposite until that one fateful day that separates them and changes their lives completely.
Years later, they meet again. Connor, now an investigator looking into missing children and Ophelia, building a fortress around her with the help of her brother Broderick and her siblings. Ophelia rescues and protects helpless children on the street, lest they fall to the same fate as she had. The author does a wonderful job of making us feel for both characters, their past, their journey to where they are now, and makes us understand why they are the way they are.
As we accompany Connor and Ophelia on their journey through accepting their past and overcoming their fears, we fall in love with their love for each other. However, when all goes to hell we are left wondering if they'll survive the obstacles the world throws at them. The last 30% of the book had me completely engrossed, and I even might have teared up at one scene.
I've read Christi Caldwell before, and I'd never known her to get as dark as she has in this book. It was definitely refreshing to read, and I admire her for the move to a more grittier tone than her Heart of the Duke series. There are moments when Ophelia became slightly unbearable in her internal monologues, but nothing that deterred me from liking her. Connor, I loved throughout - however did wish there was more of them and less of the mystery, even though the mystery was just as intersting.
I've had issues with Caldwell repeating several phrases in the past, which was almost unnoticable in this book. My other problem is with the rushed endings, which unfortunately, is evident in this book as well. I wished for a more fleshed out ending, and even more so an epilogue. The lack of an epilogue was quite bothersome.
However, my greatest take-aways from this book are that Caldwell has definitely grown as an author, and I look forward to reading more from her. Second, that I am desparately and I really do mean desparately hoping that the 3rd or 4th book in this series will be of Gertrude, Ophelia's half blind elder sister. Gertrude, was a standout character for me in this book, and I will plead for her to have a book. Pretty please!
If you're a fan of heartfelt, emotional, character driven romances this book is for you!
I received this book from Netgalley and Montlake Publishers for an honest review. This does not in any way affect my opinion of the book and it's characters.
In short, I truly enjoyed this book and will remember it for several things; the gritty, dark yet realistic work Caldwell has created, the angst oh the angst, the last 30% of the book that I read with complete concenration and of course, the raw emotions this book brings forth. I will definitely be revisiting certain parts of the book in the future.
Ophelia Killoran and Connor Steele/O'Roarke first meet when they're only children, both victims of fate and figthing to survive on the streets of St.Giles. They meet at odds throughout their tumulous childhood, with her always saving him when she was meant to the opposite until that one fateful day that separates them and changes their lives completely.
Years later, they meet again. Connor, now an investigator looking into missing children and Ophelia, building a fortress around her with the help of her brother Broderick and her siblings. Ophelia rescues and protects helpless children on the street, lest they fall to the same fate as she had. The author does a wonderful job of making us feel for both characters, their past, their journey to where they are now, and makes us understand why they are the way they are.
As we accompany Connor and Ophelia on their journey through accepting their past and overcoming their fears, we fall in love with their love for each other. However, when all goes to hell we are left wondering if they'll survive the obstacles the world throws at them. The last 30% of the book had me completely engrossed, and I even might have teared up at one scene.
I've read Christi Caldwell before, and I'd never known her to get as dark as she has in this book. It was definitely refreshing to read, and I admire her for the move to a more grittier tone than her Heart of the Duke series. There are moments when Ophelia became slightly unbearable in her internal monologues, but nothing that deterred me from liking her. Connor, I loved throughout - however did wish there was more of them and less of the mystery, even though the mystery was just as intersting.
I've had issues with Caldwell repeating several phrases in the past, which was almost unnoticable in this book. My other problem is with the rushed endings, which unfortunately, is evident in this book as well. I wished for a more fleshed out ending, and even more so an epilogue. The lack of an epilogue was quite bothersome.
However, my greatest take-aways from this book are that Caldwell has definitely grown as an author, and I look forward to reading more from her. Second, that I am desparately and I really do mean desparately hoping that the 3rd or 4th book in this series will be of Gertrude, Ophelia's half blind elder sister. Gertrude, was a standout character for me in this book, and I will plead for her to have a book. Pretty please!
If you're a fan of heartfelt, emotional, character driven romances this book is for you!
December 6, 2018
4 stars - Historical Romance
Loved this one! This series is great so far! I just wish the endings weren't so rushed and that they had more detailed HEAs and epilogues.
Loved this one! This series is great so far! I just wish the endings weren't so rushed and that they had more detailed HEAs and epilogues.
July 24, 2018
4.5 Stars
Series: Wicked Wallflowers #2
Publication Date: 8/7/18
Normally, I zip right through the books that I love – quite often finishing them in one sitting. I couldn’t do that with this one. The story is so intensely emotional that I had to keep taking breaks from reading and toward the end – I had to be sure the tissues were near. The book is excellently written, well plotted and the characters will just rip your heart out and then reassemble it for you – but it won’t be quite the same when they are through with you.
Ophelia Killoran didn’t even have a name for many of her years. She was just – Girl. She was the Devil’s daughter. Her father was Diggory, who raped, murdered, pillaged, stole children from parents – if it was nasty and vile, he was responsible for it. Now, Diggory is dead and she and her siblings are trying to make a life for themselves as owners of the Devil’s Den gaming hell. Ophelia is obsessed with saving children who are in the same desperate situation she and her siblings were in, so she trolls St. Giles – often dressed as a man – and rescues the children she finds. She sends them to the Devil’s Den where she then provides them with work and an education.
Ophelia’s brother, Broderick, was determined to marry one of his sisters into the aristocracy. He sees it as a way to cement their safety. They have money, but it can all disappear, so a tie to the aristocracy would help protect them. In the last book, Broderick sent his sister Cleo out to have a season and marry into the aristocracy and that didn’t work out too well. She ended up married to his biggest rival. So, now he is trying it with Ophelia. Ophelia is not a happy camper!
Connor O’Rourke was a young boy who had been forced into Diggory’s gang but had no intention of staying. So, he escaped and Diggory had everyone in the gang looking for him. He was saved – more than once – by a young girl from the gang. Then, he sacrificed himself to save her. Except, that sacrifice actually saved him much more than her.
Connor is now an investigator and his name is Connor Steele. He doesn’t have to work – as a matter of fact, his aristocratic foster father doesn’t want him to work. But Connor just has to and he has made his own fortune.
When Connor accepts a case from a Marquess who is generally accepted as mad, it brings Connor back into St. Giles and into the world of Ophelia Killoran. It turns out, Ophelia is the girl who saved him. He wants her help with his case, locating the ‘lost’ son of the mad Marquess. Ophelia doesn’t trust him and refuses to help him or to give him access to those children she has working at the club.
Connor and Ophelia are thrown together during her season and they get to know and trust each other more and more. Still – she can’t marry him because he doesn’t have a title – and he can’t marry her because he is expected to marry his foster father’s goddaughter.
When you see the betrayal and heartache in his book you’ll understand why I had to keep taking breaks from reading. Some tolerant and open-minded people are not nearly as tolerant and open-minded as they think they are.
I highly recommend the read – but – be sure to read something lighthearted and funny before this and probably afterward as well.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Series: Wicked Wallflowers #2
Publication Date: 8/7/18
Normally, I zip right through the books that I love – quite often finishing them in one sitting. I couldn’t do that with this one. The story is so intensely emotional that I had to keep taking breaks from reading and toward the end – I had to be sure the tissues were near. The book is excellently written, well plotted and the characters will just rip your heart out and then reassemble it for you – but it won’t be quite the same when they are through with you.
Ophelia Killoran didn’t even have a name for many of her years. She was just – Girl. She was the Devil’s daughter. Her father was Diggory, who raped, murdered, pillaged, stole children from parents – if it was nasty and vile, he was responsible for it. Now, Diggory is dead and she and her siblings are trying to make a life for themselves as owners of the Devil’s Den gaming hell. Ophelia is obsessed with saving children who are in the same desperate situation she and her siblings were in, so she trolls St. Giles – often dressed as a man – and rescues the children she finds. She sends them to the Devil’s Den where she then provides them with work and an education.
Ophelia’s brother, Broderick, was determined to marry one of his sisters into the aristocracy. He sees it as a way to cement their safety. They have money, but it can all disappear, so a tie to the aristocracy would help protect them. In the last book, Broderick sent his sister Cleo out to have a season and marry into the aristocracy and that didn’t work out too well. She ended up married to his biggest rival. So, now he is trying it with Ophelia. Ophelia is not a happy camper!
Connor O’Rourke was a young boy who had been forced into Diggory’s gang but had no intention of staying. So, he escaped and Diggory had everyone in the gang looking for him. He was saved – more than once – by a young girl from the gang. Then, he sacrificed himself to save her. Except, that sacrifice actually saved him much more than her.
Connor is now an investigator and his name is Connor Steele. He doesn’t have to work – as a matter of fact, his aristocratic foster father doesn’t want him to work. But Connor just has to and he has made his own fortune.
When Connor accepts a case from a Marquess who is generally accepted as mad, it brings Connor back into St. Giles and into the world of Ophelia Killoran. It turns out, Ophelia is the girl who saved him. He wants her help with his case, locating the ‘lost’ son of the mad Marquess. Ophelia doesn’t trust him and refuses to help him or to give him access to those children she has working at the club.
Connor and Ophelia are thrown together during her season and they get to know and trust each other more and more. Still – she can’t marry him because he doesn’t have a title – and he can’t marry her because he is expected to marry his foster father’s goddaughter.
When you see the betrayal and heartache in his book you’ll understand why I had to keep taking breaks from reading. Some tolerant and open-minded people are not nearly as tolerant and open-minded as they think they are.
I highly recommend the read – but – be sure to read something lighthearted and funny before this and probably afterward as well.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
June 17, 2019
3 Overall Pleased Stars
Ophelia Killoran was once a child who for years had no name. She was simply known as Girl, the daughter of the villainous, Diggory, who raped, murdered, and kidnapped children – stealing them often from their families and the peaceful lives they would have had. To Ophelia and her siblings, he was the Devil, but one they felt they couldn’t escape, for these children it was better the devil you know...
With Diggory’s death, Ophelia and her siblings are trying to make a life for themselves as owners of the Devil’s Den gaming hell. What no knows is that Ophelia, due to , spends her nights trying to protect the street urchins of St. Giles, from the nobs who aren’t so noble.
As a notorious investigator and adopted son of a nobleman, Connor Steele never expected to encounter Ophelia Killoran on his latest case. It’s been years since he sacrificed himself for her. Now, she hires orphans from the street to work in her brother's gaming hell, and initially Connor is highly suspicious of her motives.
I enjoyed the gritty and angsty components of this tale. I also liked how Connor saw Ophelia, as they get to one another he begins to respect and admire her for having survived all she has, unlike members of the Ton who look down their petty noses at her, even as some of them work to save children like her. Whilst I didn't find myself intently absorbed in this book - I liked the read and can see myself re-reading at some point in the future.
Triggers:
Ophelia Killoran was once a child who for years had no name. She was simply known as Girl, the daughter of the villainous, Diggory, who raped, murdered, and kidnapped children – stealing them often from their families and the peaceful lives they would have had. To Ophelia and her siblings, he was the Devil, but one they felt they couldn’t escape, for these children it was better the devil you know...
With Diggory’s death, Ophelia and her siblings are trying to make a life for themselves as owners of the Devil’s Den gaming hell. What no knows is that Ophelia, due to , spends her nights trying to protect the street urchins of St. Giles, from the nobs who aren’t so noble.
As a notorious investigator and adopted son of a nobleman, Connor Steele never expected to encounter Ophelia Killoran on his latest case. It’s been years since he sacrificed himself for her. Now, she hires orphans from the street to work in her brother's gaming hell, and initially Connor is highly suspicious of her motives.
I enjoyed the gritty and angsty components of this tale. I also liked how Connor saw Ophelia, as they get to one another he begins to respect and admire her for having survived all she has, unlike members of the Ton who look down their petty noses at her, even as some of them work to save children like her. Whilst I didn't find myself intently absorbed in this book - I liked the read and can see myself re-reading at some point in the future.
Triggers:
August 24, 2018
"5 - I didn't want the imagined; I wanted all of you Stars!"
This was such a great story to read.
I loved Connor and Ophelia's story.
I loved the past they shared, and how each one of them in their own way were able to survive and eventually get off the streets and thrive.
I recommend that the first book in this series, "The Hellion" be read before this one, just so that the reader has a better grasp of "The Killoran" history and the secondary characters.
Great read.
I thoroughly enjoyed it!
"I voluntarily read an ARC of the book."
This was such a great story to read.
I loved Connor and Ophelia's story.
I loved the past they shared, and how each one of them in their own way were able to survive and eventually get off the streets and thrive.
I recommend that the first book in this series, "The Hellion" be read before this one, just so that the reader has a better grasp of "The Killoran" history and the secondary characters.
Great read.
I thoroughly enjoyed it!
"I voluntarily read an ARC of the book."
June 4, 2018
A longer review to follow, but this book had me sobbing. One of the best books I’ve ever read and I’m so blessed and honored to have been able to. Christi Caldwell slays me with her riveting and emotional tales
June 12, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
A stunningly emotional and heartbreakingly realistic book, the characters are so real they jump off the page .
I can’t say I’ve ever felt a story more , the scenes played out like a play in my head .
I’ve felt and reacted to every situation in this one, and I’m exhausted and exhilarated at the same time .
It’s a wonderful , long awaited story with Connor and Ophelia, also many favourites from this series and others .
I’ll be tapping my fingers patiently till the next instalment.
Five stars doesn’t seem enough .
I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley, and chose to submit a review
💋💋
A stunningly emotional and heartbreakingly realistic book, the characters are so real they jump off the page .
I can’t say I’ve ever felt a story more , the scenes played out like a play in my head .
I’ve felt and reacted to every situation in this one, and I’m exhausted and exhilarated at the same time .
It’s a wonderful , long awaited story with Connor and Ophelia, also many favourites from this series and others .
I’ll be tapping my fingers patiently till the next instalment.
Five stars doesn’t seem enough .
I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley, and chose to submit a review
Read
April 27, 2020Just like the first book in Christi Caldwell's Wicked Wallflower series this sequel was an enjoyable historical romance. It had a fun blend of romance, drama, and interesting characters. It was also a little different from the regular HR books since neither the hero or the heroine of the story were members of the nobility. I thought that was a fun change of pace and it was good that the story never lost any of the other elements which make the typical HR stories so fun to read.
This second book in the series tells the story of the middle Killoran sister Ophelia. With Cleo married to Adair it is Ophelia that needs to make the aristocratic pairing that her nobility obsessed brother wants. It should be an easier task as Ophelia is the most beautiful of the Killoran sisters and it does go well initially as she is an instant hit with the Ton despite her dark past. Only one thing complicates the situation. The presence of notorious investigator Connor Steel who has his eye set on her family. To complicate the situation even further Ophelia and Connor have a history!
It ended up being a fairly enjoyable tale. Both Connor and Ophelia were likeable. It was easy to root for them as they sought to overcome their own misgivings about the others motives and the complicated situation they found themselves involved in. They made a good pairing!
This series actually reminds me a bit of J.R.Ward's BDB series in terms of tone and content. It is a little less weird than BDB but has that same fun over the top melodramatic feel that makes BDB such a fun read when it is at its best!
All in all this was a fun sequel and I'll definitely read the third book to see what is in store for Broderick, the leader of the Killoran clan.
Rating: 3.5 stars. I'm rounding up to 4 stars as despite a few flaws this was an engaging read.
Audio Note: Tim Campbell did a decent job with the audio.
This second book in the series tells the story of the middle Killoran sister Ophelia. With Cleo married to Adair it is Ophelia that needs to make the aristocratic pairing that her nobility obsessed brother wants. It should be an easier task as Ophelia is the most beautiful of the Killoran sisters and it does go well initially as she is an instant hit with the Ton despite her dark past. Only one thing complicates the situation. The presence of notorious investigator Connor Steel who has his eye set on her family. To complicate the situation even further Ophelia and Connor have a history!
It ended up being a fairly enjoyable tale. Both Connor and Ophelia were likeable. It was easy to root for them as they sought to overcome their own misgivings about the others motives and the complicated situation they found themselves involved in. They made a good pairing!
This series actually reminds me a bit of J.R.Ward's BDB series in terms of tone and content. It is a little less weird than BDB but has that same fun over the top melodramatic feel that makes BDB such a fun read when it is at its best!
All in all this was a fun sequel and I'll definitely read the third book to see what is in store for Broderick, the leader of the Killoran clan.
Rating: 3.5 stars. I'm rounding up to 4 stars as despite a few flaws this was an engaging read.
Audio Note: Tim Campbell did a decent job with the audio.
May 12, 2019
4.5 stars
Special Note to Christi Caldwell: Please start giving us Epilogues!!! —Your Beloved Readers [Added May 2019: CALDWELL HAS STARTED TO ADD EPILOGUES!!!]
Setting. London, England, Spring 1826
Characters.
Heroine: Miss Ophelia Killoran, sister of Mr. Broderick Killoran, owner of Devil's Den (previously Girl Diggory)
Hero: Mr. Connor Steele, adopted son of the Earl of Mar (previously Connor O'Roarke)
Summary. Ophelia Killoran grew up on the streets of St. Giles, but now lives safely with her sisters and brothers in the Devil's Den, one of the most well-known gambling clubs out there. Although she no longer has to involve herself in the horrible things that go on in St. Giles, she makes it her responsibility to hire the children who work at the club and tries to find those who are in the most unfortunate of circumstances and save them. She also views herself as a bit of an avenging angel when it comes to young girls who are waylaid and abused by noblemen, knowing personally how horrible that can be and what long lasting effects such trauma can have.
Connor Steele has been hired by a supposedly "Mad Marquess" to find the son whom he thinks was abducted, but whom all of society thinks he burned alive, along with his wife (seven years ago). When Connor's path crosses with Ophelia, he has come to Devil's Den to find out how they find the children they employ and interview the person responsible for that. Little does he expect to run into the girl who saved his life more than once when they were children and both living on the street. He and Ophelia, who at that time had no name and was just called "Girl" by her asshole of a father Mac Diggory, recognize one another almost immediately and are surprised to see what has become of the other and how they've both been relatively lucky and ended up surviving and to some extent, thriving.
Ophelia has been forced into Society by her brother, Broderick, who is determined to have one of his sisters marry into the aristocracy in order to protect the family and bring them more power and prestige. Due to her hatred for the upper echelon, Ophelia has absolutely on interest in a nobleman husband, but she also doesn't want to pass the duty on to her more tender-hearted and gentle sister, Gertrude. It turns out the only thing she ends up enjoying in Society are the run-ins she has with Connor, and from there, the connection that first formed between them as children blossoms into something more.
Review. Part of me wants to rate this as one of my favorite reads of 2018, even though I only ("only") gave it 4 stars—there are others that I rated more highly and that qualified, but one thing that really struck me about this book is that it is only one of the three romance books this year that made me cry. That is really rare for me (though seems to be happening with more frequency, so either I'm getting more easily affected or authors are really pulling out all the stops).
I really, really, really felt for Ophelia. When we meet her, it is so clear how little control she has—or has ever had—over her life, or anything in her world. And she really is kind of stuck, wanting to be important, wanting to make a difference, feeling like she has to prove her worth to her family, but not knowing how and not feeling like she's being successful. She is also haunted by an attempted rape that happened when she was younger and that has made her dislike all men, especially noblemen, and be suspicious of romantic relationships. She never envisions such a thing for herself, and the only reason she is willing to enter Society is to put off Broderick from enlisting Gertrude in her stead, and because she wants to prove that can help out her family. Her loneliness is palpable and the combination of supreme strength and ultimate vulnerability is super fascinating and very well done.
When it comes to Connor, I mean, wow, what is there to say? Such a dreamboat! He's a kind, caring, loving person who feels a great sense of responsibility towards those less fortunate than himself and is extremely grateful for the lucky breaks he had in life (after first surviving a horrible, horrible experience and then being forced to live on the streets). He feels a connection to Ophelia from the first and wants to reach out to her, for her to confide in him. The whole last section just completely tore at my heart—how he fights for her, his desolation—all of it.
I really appreciated the straightforwardness between Ophelia and Connor. Granted, there are a lot of secrets and hold-backs that they only eventually reveal to the other, but it's not a case of Misunderstandings or Things Left Unsaid. Part of this is the way they grew up—there's a bluntness and lack of beating around the bush, an honesty, that I really enjoyed between them.
The reason I didn't give it a higher rating is because despite all of this fabulousness, there was something missing. The middle section could have used more development and I wanted more exchanges and more time to pass between the main characters. I don't really know how to explain it. One thing was that there were multiple threads in the book and some of them were definitely underdeveloped, including when we're first introduced to Ophelia as someone who hunts down children abusers; she supposedly knows the streets better than anyone else, and this is an activity she engages in frequently, yet we only see it this one time and it's never really again revisited. We don't see her sneak out to do this anymore once the story starts.
Given how strong the main and supporting characters were, and how attached I was to Ophelia and invested I felt in her relationship with Connor, I really am surprised that I can't in the end rate this book higher. Thus far, while I have definitely enjoyed this series, featuring the Killoran family, the books have ranked lower than her Sinful Brides series, which I almost unanimously adored.
Series. This is the second book in the Wicked Wallflowers series, but know that this isn't the second book in this world, and we see many repeat characters who have featured in previous books/series. To fully enjoy this series, you should really start with the Sinful Brides series, which won't be a hardship—I promise you!!
1) The Rogue's Wager — 4.5 stars (my review)
2) The Scoundrel's Honor — 4.5 stars
3) The Lady's Guard — 4-4.5 stars (my review)
4) The Heiress's Deception — 4 stars (my review)
*This review is of an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Some changes and/or edits may be made to the final published version.
Special Note to Christi Caldwell: Please start giving us Epilogues!!! —Your Beloved Readers [Added May 2019: CALDWELL HAS STARTED TO ADD EPILOGUES!!!]
Setting. London, England, Spring 1826
Characters.
Heroine: Miss Ophelia Killoran, sister of Mr. Broderick Killoran, owner of Devil's Den (previously Girl Diggory)
Hero: Mr. Connor Steele, adopted son of the Earl of Mar (previously Connor O'Roarke)
Summary. Ophelia Killoran grew up on the streets of St. Giles, but now lives safely with her sisters and brothers in the Devil's Den, one of the most well-known gambling clubs out there. Although she no longer has to involve herself in the horrible things that go on in St. Giles, she makes it her responsibility to hire the children who work at the club and tries to find those who are in the most unfortunate of circumstances and save them. She also views herself as a bit of an avenging angel when it comes to young girls who are waylaid and abused by noblemen, knowing personally how horrible that can be and what long lasting effects such trauma can have.
Connor Steele has been hired by a supposedly "Mad Marquess" to find the son whom he thinks was abducted, but whom all of society thinks he burned alive, along with his wife (seven years ago). When Connor's path crosses with Ophelia, he has come to Devil's Den to find out how they find the children they employ and interview the person responsible for that. Little does he expect to run into the girl who saved his life more than once when they were children and both living on the street. He and Ophelia, who at that time had no name and was just called "Girl" by her asshole of a father Mac Diggory, recognize one another almost immediately and are surprised to see what has become of the other and how they've both been relatively lucky and ended up surviving and to some extent, thriving.
Ophelia has been forced into Society by her brother, Broderick, who is determined to have one of his sisters marry into the aristocracy in order to protect the family and bring them more power and prestige. Due to her hatred for the upper echelon, Ophelia has absolutely on interest in a nobleman husband, but she also doesn't want to pass the duty on to her more tender-hearted and gentle sister, Gertrude. It turns out the only thing she ends up enjoying in Society are the run-ins she has with Connor, and from there, the connection that first formed between them as children blossoms into something more.
Review. Part of me wants to rate this as one of my favorite reads of 2018, even though I only ("only") gave it 4 stars—there are others that I rated more highly and that qualified, but one thing that really struck me about this book is that it is only one of the three romance books this year that made me cry. That is really rare for me (though seems to be happening with more frequency, so either I'm getting more easily affected or authors are really pulling out all the stops).
I really, really, really felt for Ophelia. When we meet her, it is so clear how little control she has—or has ever had—over her life, or anything in her world. And she really is kind of stuck, wanting to be important, wanting to make a difference, feeling like she has to prove her worth to her family, but not knowing how and not feeling like she's being successful. She is also haunted by an attempted rape that happened when she was younger and that has made her dislike all men, especially noblemen, and be suspicious of romantic relationships. She never envisions such a thing for herself, and the only reason she is willing to enter Society is to put off Broderick from enlisting Gertrude in her stead, and because she wants to prove that can help out her family. Her loneliness is palpable and the combination of supreme strength and ultimate vulnerability is super fascinating and very well done.
When it comes to Connor, I mean, wow, what is there to say? Such a dreamboat! He's a kind, caring, loving person who feels a great sense of responsibility towards those less fortunate than himself and is extremely grateful for the lucky breaks he had in life (after first surviving a horrible, horrible experience and then being forced to live on the streets). He feels a connection to Ophelia from the first and wants to reach out to her, for her to confide in him. The whole last section just completely tore at my heart—how he fights for her, his desolation—all of it.
I really appreciated the straightforwardness between Ophelia and Connor. Granted, there are a lot of secrets and hold-backs that they only eventually reveal to the other, but it's not a case of Misunderstandings or Things Left Unsaid. Part of this is the way they grew up—there's a bluntness and lack of beating around the bush, an honesty, that I really enjoyed between them.
The reason I didn't give it a higher rating is because despite all of this fabulousness, there was something missing. The middle section could have used more development and I wanted more exchanges and more time to pass between the main characters. I don't really know how to explain it. One thing was that there were multiple threads in the book and some of them were definitely underdeveloped, including when we're first introduced to Ophelia as someone who hunts down children abusers; she supposedly knows the streets better than anyone else, and this is an activity she engages in frequently, yet we only see it this one time and it's never really again revisited. We don't see her sneak out to do this anymore once the story starts.
Given how strong the main and supporting characters were, and how attached I was to Ophelia and invested I felt in her relationship with Connor, I really am surprised that I can't in the end rate this book higher. Thus far, while I have definitely enjoyed this series, featuring the Killoran family, the books have ranked lower than her Sinful Brides series, which I almost unanimously adored.
Series. This is the second book in the Wicked Wallflowers series, but know that this isn't the second book in this world, and we see many repeat characters who have featured in previous books/series. To fully enjoy this series, you should really start with the Sinful Brides series, which won't be a hardship—I promise you!!
1) The Rogue's Wager — 4.5 stars (my review)
2) The Scoundrel's Honor — 4.5 stars
3) The Lady's Guard — 4-4.5 stars (my review)
4) The Heiress's Deception — 4 stars (my review)
*This review is of an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Some changes and/or edits may be made to the final published version.
August 7, 2018
Ophelia Killoran is the vixen of the title, a woman unlike any other in all of London. Daughter of Mac Diggory, once the feared crime king of London’s seedy underworld, she and her siblings have built a new life for themselves as proprietors of a prosperous gaming hell. Now her brother wants her to marry a lord to cement their place in polite society.
Once upon a time, Connor Steele was one of Diggory’s street kids, and a girl with white hair saved his life. He repaid the debt by letting himself be taken up in her place when she was caught picking a lord’s pocket, and ended up adopted by that kindly lord. Now, he’s an investigator searching for the kidnapped son of a marquis, which brings him to the Killoran siblings and the street children they take in and provide with a better life. Encountering Ophelia, he’s stunned to recognise her as the girl he called Lagertha, the only one who showed even a hint of compassion to him in those days. Extraordinarily beautiful, the Jewel of St. Giles is destined for better things than a mere investigator, however, and he has his adoptive father’s expectations to contend with as well.
To be honest, I found it very hard to suspend disbelief that Mac Diggory hadn’t sold a girl as beautiful as Ophelia into prostitution long before she reached adulthood. He could have received far more as a one-off payment for her use from some depraved type with a taste for children than he could get out of her as a pickpocket or palm reader. It didn’t make sense that someone as horrific as Diggory was purported to be wouldn’t have made use of the asset to maximum monetary potential.
I also had issues with Connor not going back for Ophelia. Did it not occur to him to admit to his adoptive father, once he felt reasonably secure, what he’d done? Not occur to him to go back and try to save the one who saved him, from the hell he escaped? I thought much less of him for not making that effort. I’m afraid I also didn’t buy the daughter of a crime lord being invited to rub shoulders with the Ton. Beauty and wealth alone didn’t buy you acceptance, and she’d have been given the cut direct by society hostesses, certainly not considered as a bride by any but the most desperate of titled gentleman.
Although I liked Ophelia and Connor’s romance, all these impossible things I was being asked to believe got to be too much. This is well written and gives a good glimpse into the seedier underside of 1820s London not usually touched on in historical romances, but anyone familiar with the social customs of the day is just not going to be able to suspend their disbelief enough to enjoy it. I can’t give it any more than three stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this title for review through NetGalley.
Once upon a time, Connor Steele was one of Diggory’s street kids, and a girl with white hair saved his life. He repaid the debt by letting himself be taken up in her place when she was caught picking a lord’s pocket, and ended up adopted by that kindly lord. Now, he’s an investigator searching for the kidnapped son of a marquis, which brings him to the Killoran siblings and the street children they take in and provide with a better life. Encountering Ophelia, he’s stunned to recognise her as the girl he called Lagertha, the only one who showed even a hint of compassion to him in those days. Extraordinarily beautiful, the Jewel of St. Giles is destined for better things than a mere investigator, however, and he has his adoptive father’s expectations to contend with as well.
To be honest, I found it very hard to suspend disbelief that Mac Diggory hadn’t sold a girl as beautiful as Ophelia into prostitution long before she reached adulthood. He could have received far more as a one-off payment for her use from some depraved type with a taste for children than he could get out of her as a pickpocket or palm reader. It didn’t make sense that someone as horrific as Diggory was purported to be wouldn’t have made use of the asset to maximum monetary potential.
I also had issues with Connor not going back for Ophelia. Did it not occur to him to admit to his adoptive father, once he felt reasonably secure, what he’d done? Not occur to him to go back and try to save the one who saved him, from the hell he escaped? I thought much less of him for not making that effort. I’m afraid I also didn’t buy the daughter of a crime lord being invited to rub shoulders with the Ton. Beauty and wealth alone didn’t buy you acceptance, and she’d have been given the cut direct by society hostesses, certainly not considered as a bride by any but the most desperate of titled gentleman.
Although I liked Ophelia and Connor’s romance, all these impossible things I was being asked to believe got to be too much. This is well written and gives a good glimpse into the seedier underside of 1820s London not usually touched on in historical romances, but anyone familiar with the social customs of the day is just not going to be able to suspend their disbelief enough to enjoy it. I can’t give it any more than three stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this title for review through NetGalley.
October 19, 2018
Contrary to the first in this series this book was slow and very disinteresting for me. I tried to get to at least 30% but had to DNF this one. I usually enjoy Tim Campbell as a narrator however this one fell real short for me.
2-Stars disappointed🙁
2-Stars disappointed🙁
July 17, 2018
Goodness! My facial muscles got a real workout with this book! I think I pulled a muscle in my jaw from gasping in surprise so many times. And the back and forth motion of smiling, sobbing, and clenching my teeth in anger surely tightened something up. The Vixen, #2 in Christi Caldwell’s Wicked Wallflowers series will definitely shake up your emotions. If you’ve read Ms. Caldwell before, you know she has the uncanny ability to make the reader feel everything the characters are feeling. And this one has all the feels. What a beautiful story of dark secrets, betrayal, pain, perseverance, survival, and the healing power of love. This story is absolutely bewitching!
Connor and Ophelia’s story shook me to my core. I think seeing them first as children and knowing what they’d experienced made me even more absorbed in their story. Connor hadn’t been born on the streets, but that’s where he’d ended up after the murder of his parents. He’d lived on his own, dodging Mac Diggory. Ophelia had saved him from Diggory on more than one occasion. In return, he’d risked his life for hers. Thanks to the Earl of Mar, he’d been saved himself that day and escaped a life of misery on the streets. But he’d never forgotten where he came from and was determined to make the streets safer. Ophelia had only known the streets of St. Giles. She knew the dangers that lurked there. That’s why she put herself at risk to save children there. She’d hated Connor for escaping and at the same time cheered for the freedom he’d found. Though they’d not been enemies, neither had they been friends. When they meet years later, that hadn’t changed. There was still distrust there. But their desire to aid the children of St. Giles was one thing they had in common. And that need to keep the children safe was how they came to learn so much about each other and themselves. They both learned that their own view of the world wasn’t an accurate view. Everything isn’t black and white. There are shades of gray. Regardless of your station in life, there are good and bad people. And even people who fall somewhere in between. That was an especially hard lesson for Ophelia. She’d only known darkness. She trusted no one, especially not the nobility and especially not men. She knew first- hand the treachery lords were capable of.
Connor had lived in both worlds. As Ophelia made her much unwanted entrance into society, he knew what it was to be new, to have to ignore the looks and insults. They had a kindred connection there, both moving among society yet haunted by the past. I think I fell in love with them during their first waltz. The way they mouthed messages across the room charmed me. They both hated ton events but each other’s presence lessened the tension of enduring them. A friendship formed and it didn’t take long before that friendship became more. But there were so many obstacles between them. The closer they grew, the greater the distance between them and their families seemed to grow. And there were still secrets between them. I have to admit, I was so blown away by the twists, turns, and revelations toward the end that I truly didn’t think they’d make it.
This story left me reeling. Like Connor and Ophelia, I misjudged a lot of characters. There were characters I admired at the beginning of the story and despised at the end. Likewise, characters I thought were not to be trusted at first, I respected by the end. And I wasn’t prepared at all for the depth of emotion in this story. Be prepared to cry. A lot. It may be a cry of joy, a cry of empathy, or a cry of terror at the impossible cruelty of people, but you will cry.
One of my favorite things about this book, other than Ophelia and Connor’s love story, was the Killoran family. I learned so much more about them in this book. I can’t wait for Gertrude’s story. She’s made of sterner stuff than people give her credit for. I worry for Stephen. There’s so much distrust and anger in him. And Broderick. No matter how angry he made me, I guarantee you’ll forgive him for all at the end of this story. I am in awe of how much he cares for his “family” and, though they may not realize it, the choices he makes are to secure a better future for them all. I don’t care whose story is next, I just want it now. These characters have captivated me and I can’t get enough of this heartbreaking, emotional, inspiring series. A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection
Connor and Ophelia’s story shook me to my core. I think seeing them first as children and knowing what they’d experienced made me even more absorbed in their story. Connor hadn’t been born on the streets, but that’s where he’d ended up after the murder of his parents. He’d lived on his own, dodging Mac Diggory. Ophelia had saved him from Diggory on more than one occasion. In return, he’d risked his life for hers. Thanks to the Earl of Mar, he’d been saved himself that day and escaped a life of misery on the streets. But he’d never forgotten where he came from and was determined to make the streets safer. Ophelia had only known the streets of St. Giles. She knew the dangers that lurked there. That’s why she put herself at risk to save children there. She’d hated Connor for escaping and at the same time cheered for the freedom he’d found. Though they’d not been enemies, neither had they been friends. When they meet years later, that hadn’t changed. There was still distrust there. But their desire to aid the children of St. Giles was one thing they had in common. And that need to keep the children safe was how they came to learn so much about each other and themselves. They both learned that their own view of the world wasn’t an accurate view. Everything isn’t black and white. There are shades of gray. Regardless of your station in life, there are good and bad people. And even people who fall somewhere in between. That was an especially hard lesson for Ophelia. She’d only known darkness. She trusted no one, especially not the nobility and especially not men. She knew first- hand the treachery lords were capable of.
Connor had lived in both worlds. As Ophelia made her much unwanted entrance into society, he knew what it was to be new, to have to ignore the looks and insults. They had a kindred connection there, both moving among society yet haunted by the past. I think I fell in love with them during their first waltz. The way they mouthed messages across the room charmed me. They both hated ton events but each other’s presence lessened the tension of enduring them. A friendship formed and it didn’t take long before that friendship became more. But there were so many obstacles between them. The closer they grew, the greater the distance between them and their families seemed to grow. And there were still secrets between them. I have to admit, I was so blown away by the twists, turns, and revelations toward the end that I truly didn’t think they’d make it.
This story left me reeling. Like Connor and Ophelia, I misjudged a lot of characters. There were characters I admired at the beginning of the story and despised at the end. Likewise, characters I thought were not to be trusted at first, I respected by the end. And I wasn’t prepared at all for the depth of emotion in this story. Be prepared to cry. A lot. It may be a cry of joy, a cry of empathy, or a cry of terror at the impossible cruelty of people, but you will cry.
One of my favorite things about this book, other than Ophelia and Connor’s love story, was the Killoran family. I learned so much more about them in this book. I can’t wait for Gertrude’s story. She’s made of sterner stuff than people give her credit for. I worry for Stephen. There’s so much distrust and anger in him. And Broderick. No matter how angry he made me, I guarantee you’ll forgive him for all at the end of this story. I am in awe of how much he cares for his “family” and, though they may not realize it, the choices he makes are to secure a better future for them all. I don’t care whose story is next, I just want it now. These characters have captivated me and I can’t get enough of this heartbreaking, emotional, inspiring series. A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection
April 13, 2025
KU. April Reads. Mad About Series Challenge HRBC 2025. Tropes: Regency Romance, Romance Mystery,Law Enforcement (Investigator), Knight in Shining Armor, Class Difference, Family/Friends
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MC's h. Ophelia Killoran, brother Broderick, Stephen, sisters Cleo & Gertrude . She and her 4 siblings were part of Diggory's gang. Her father really was Diggory along with Cleo and Gertrude.
H. Connor O'Rourke (Connor Steele), Private Investigator,(PI), street urchin on the run from Diggory, saved 3 times by Ophelia and adopted by Earl of Mar. Street friend Niall.
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Comment: This was more of a mystery/dark romance with so much pain and suffering of the people living in St. Giles. The love story itself was short and sweet intermixed with the mystery that Connor was trying to solve. Broderick Killoran wanted Ophelia to marry nobility to increase the familes wealth and to keep his sisters safe. However the adoptive father wanted Connor to marry his bestfriend's daughter who was a destitute widow of a Duke. They set Ophelia up for a fall which landed her in Newgate. Connor and Broderick visited her and tried their best to get her out. In the end there is a HEA.
This story was heartwrenching and very emotional as both Connor and Ophelia had very hard lives living under the Kingpin of the Underworld of East London. I rated it 4 stars.
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MC's h. Ophelia Killoran, brother Broderick, Stephen, sisters Cleo & Gertrude . She and her 4 siblings were part of Diggory's gang. Her father really was Diggory along with Cleo and Gertrude.
H. Connor O'Rourke (Connor Steele), Private Investigator,(PI), street urchin on the run from Diggory, saved 3 times by Ophelia and adopted by Earl of Mar. Street friend Niall.
******************************************
Comment: This was more of a mystery/dark romance with so much pain and suffering of the people living in St. Giles. The love story itself was short and sweet intermixed with the mystery that Connor was trying to solve. Broderick Killoran wanted Ophelia to marry nobility to increase the familes wealth and to keep his sisters safe. However the adoptive father wanted Connor to marry his bestfriend's daughter who was a destitute widow of a Duke. They set Ophelia up for a fall which landed her in Newgate. Connor and Broderick visited her and tried their best to get her out. In the end there is a HEA.
This story was heartwrenching and very emotional as both Connor and Ophelia had very hard lives living under the Kingpin of the Underworld of East London. I rated it 4 stars.
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2018
What an intense, emotional read. Christi’s writing of Ophelia and Connor’s heartbreaking journey into love is incredibly affecting and had me in tears at various parts of the book, especially at the end. This story of their back and forth in saving each other is well-written and delves deeply into class differences in Regency England. Cameos by characters from previous and future books enrich the story, while not taking away the spotlight from Ophelia and Connor.
The Vixen is book 2 of the Wicked Wallflowers series, but can be read as a standalone. I say this having read book 1 before this.
Thanks to Montlake Romance for providing me an advance copy to review c/o NetGalley.
The Vixen is book 2 of the Wicked Wallflowers series, but can be read as a standalone. I say this having read book 1 before this.
Thanks to Montlake Romance for providing me an advance copy to review c/o NetGalley.
August 9, 2018
ssshwearereading.wordpress.com/2018/0...
Christi stuns again with a fantastic story of love and triumph.
The best part of Christi Caldwell’s stories is that they are written about characters who feel real. They struggle, they love, they hate, they emote right off the pages. Never have I ever read one of Christi’s books and thought “That’s ridiculous. No real person would act that way.” And I have to say, I have thought that a lot about many excellent books. This couple, more than others, deserve their hard won happily ever after.
This book, just like all of Christi’s, forces characters (who have been through every miserable thing that a child could possibly suffer through) into even more awful situations. I enjoyed this one more than the entire Sinful Brides series. I’m here to say, these Wicked Wallflowers are worth the anticipation.
TRIGGER WARNING: RAPE
Christi stuns again with a fantastic story of love and triumph.
The best part of Christi Caldwell’s stories is that they are written about characters who feel real. They struggle, they love, they hate, they emote right off the pages. Never have I ever read one of Christi’s books and thought “That’s ridiculous. No real person would act that way.” And I have to say, I have thought that a lot about many excellent books. This couple, more than others, deserve their hard won happily ever after.
This book, just like all of Christi’s, forces characters (who have been through every miserable thing that a child could possibly suffer through) into even more awful situations. I enjoyed this one more than the entire Sinful Brides series. I’m here to say, these Wicked Wallflowers are worth the anticipation.
TRIGGER WARNING: RAPE
July 29, 2018
This is another great original story by Christi. Ophelia Killoran was born a bastard of the evil sadistic crime lord Mac Diggory and has lived most of her life as a pickpocket on the streets of St Giles. You do what Mac tells you or you die. Now that Mac is dead her brother is running the gaming hell and any children who work for the Killorans are fed and taken care of. There are no more criminal activities and Ophelia dedicates herself to helping as many children off the streets and into the families enterprises. Her sister Gertrude teaches them to read and write so they can eventually support themselves.
The book opens when Ophelia as a child is caught picking a Gentleman's pocket. Connor O'Roarke is living on the streets after his mother and father were killed, but he refuses to do Mac Diggory's bidding and escapes into the black heart of St. Giles. Ophelia and Connor have run into each other before and if Mac finds out that she saw him and didn't tell her punishment would be painful and savage. Ophelia still carries the guilt of when she let Connor slip away and Mac beat and blinded her sister Gertrude. Now as the constable is ready to take her to Newgate, Connor steps in and picks her pocket and gives himself up as the one who stole the gentleman's pocket.
Years later Ophelia has no idea that Connor has survived until she is summoned by her brother Broderick to his office to talk to an Investigator who is looking for a child. She is shocked and speechless. She still doesn't trust him and refuses to help him. She is afraid that he is looking to turn the children she has saved into the law. She adamantly refuses to help him find the child of a Lord who murdered his wife. She has no love for the nobility. She was attacked and almost raped by one.
Connor was saved by a Lord. Instead of sending him to Newgate the gentleman took him home and made Connor his adopted son. He never had to steal again. He had food, comfort and an education fit for a gentleman. He never forgot Ophelia Killoran. There was a connection that they both felt for each other that will test everything that they have achieved and who they are.
Christi's writing talent is undisputed in the Historical Romance Community and her prolific library of books speaks for itself. Her characters are wonderfully flawed, which gives them the ability to change and grow in their stories. There is always mystery, danger, humor, passion and most of all love in her stories. This is one of my favorites. Ophelia deserves her happiness after what she has been through in her young life and Connor is the perfect match for her.
I recommend her books highly and they are certainly keepers to be read again.
The book opens when Ophelia as a child is caught picking a Gentleman's pocket. Connor O'Roarke is living on the streets after his mother and father were killed, but he refuses to do Mac Diggory's bidding and escapes into the black heart of St. Giles. Ophelia and Connor have run into each other before and if Mac finds out that she saw him and didn't tell her punishment would be painful and savage. Ophelia still carries the guilt of when she let Connor slip away and Mac beat and blinded her sister Gertrude. Now as the constable is ready to take her to Newgate, Connor steps in and picks her pocket and gives himself up as the one who stole the gentleman's pocket.
Years later Ophelia has no idea that Connor has survived until she is summoned by her brother Broderick to his office to talk to an Investigator who is looking for a child. She is shocked and speechless. She still doesn't trust him and refuses to help him. She is afraid that he is looking to turn the children she has saved into the law. She adamantly refuses to help him find the child of a Lord who murdered his wife. She has no love for the nobility. She was attacked and almost raped by one.
Connor was saved by a Lord. Instead of sending him to Newgate the gentleman took him home and made Connor his adopted son. He never had to steal again. He had food, comfort and an education fit for a gentleman. He never forgot Ophelia Killoran. There was a connection that they both felt for each other that will test everything that they have achieved and who they are.
Christi's writing talent is undisputed in the Historical Romance Community and her prolific library of books speaks for itself. Her characters are wonderfully flawed, which gives them the ability to change and grow in their stories. There is always mystery, danger, humor, passion and most of all love in her stories. This is one of my favorites. Ophelia deserves her happiness after what she has been through in her young life and Connor is the perfect match for her.
I recommend her books highly and they are certainly keepers to be read again.
November 9, 2018
I am a big fan of angst in my romance. I actively seek it out and the blurb on this story promised me a healthy dose. It did not disappoint.
Ophelia grew up on the streets of Saint Giles, the daughter of its worst criminal. She did what she had to in order to survive, from picking pockets to using her knife, to putting herself at risk among those who would take advantage of a beautiful young girl. She was hard and tough, but for some reason she could not follow one particular order. She could not force her self to kill the boy who her father called “the one who got away.”
Connor refused to join the gang of the man who killed his parents. He knew he risked his own life with that refusal, but on three different occasions, Ophelia found him and each time she let him escape. So when she was almost arrested for picking the wrong pocket, he sacrificed himself and claimed the crime as his own. It changed his life forever.
Fast forward more than a decade and Connor is now an investigator. He grew up the adopted son of the very man whose pocket he claimed to have picked. He has taken a case involving a missing boy which leads him back to Saint Giles and into Ophelia’s life. She has made it her mission to protect orphans from those awful people who would take advantage of them. She has put them to work in her brother’s club and Connor thinks she could be the key to help solve his mystery.
In most books I read, it’s the hero who’s on the streets and the heroine navigating a society, trying to pair her with a peer. It was a refreshing change of pace to have the shoe on the other foot. It’s apparent right away that Ophelia has suffered awful things in her life and her brother’s push for her to enter society is the last thing she wants. But one of the things I liked about this book is that the author doesn’t paint haves and have-nots with single shade of black or white. Discovering the shades of gray is the journey Ophelia must travel… that and learning to let herself love and trust a man who straddles the line between both worlds.
I liked Connor a lot. He is smart and has been given a place in society, but he never turns his back on the ideal of protecting those who need it. He is strong and smart and sexy. I love how he sees Ophelia… how he calls her Largetha and what that means to him. I was a big fan of Ophelia’s, as well, not only who she is in the beginning and her dedication to the children (even in the face of her own fears) but how she learns to see past her expectations, to allow her worldview to change.
I believed in this romance. And though the book felt a tiny bit long, I thought overall the plot and pacing were good. The story gave me the angst and emotion I wanted and an ending that satisfied.
Would recommend this one.
Rating: B/B+
*ARC provided by publisher
Ophelia grew up on the streets of Saint Giles, the daughter of its worst criminal. She did what she had to in order to survive, from picking pockets to using her knife, to putting herself at risk among those who would take advantage of a beautiful young girl. She was hard and tough, but for some reason she could not follow one particular order. She could not force her self to kill the boy who her father called “the one who got away.”
Connor refused to join the gang of the man who killed his parents. He knew he risked his own life with that refusal, but on three different occasions, Ophelia found him and each time she let him escape. So when she was almost arrested for picking the wrong pocket, he sacrificed himself and claimed the crime as his own. It changed his life forever.
Fast forward more than a decade and Connor is now an investigator. He grew up the adopted son of the very man whose pocket he claimed to have picked. He has taken a case involving a missing boy which leads him back to Saint Giles and into Ophelia’s life. She has made it her mission to protect orphans from those awful people who would take advantage of them. She has put them to work in her brother’s club and Connor thinks she could be the key to help solve his mystery.
In most books I read, it’s the hero who’s on the streets and the heroine navigating a society, trying to pair her with a peer. It was a refreshing change of pace to have the shoe on the other foot. It’s apparent right away that Ophelia has suffered awful things in her life and her brother’s push for her to enter society is the last thing she wants. But one of the things I liked about this book is that the author doesn’t paint haves and have-nots with single shade of black or white. Discovering the shades of gray is the journey Ophelia must travel… that and learning to let herself love and trust a man who straddles the line between both worlds.
I liked Connor a lot. He is smart and has been given a place in society, but he never turns his back on the ideal of protecting those who need it. He is strong and smart and sexy. I love how he sees Ophelia… how he calls her Largetha and what that means to him. I was a big fan of Ophelia’s, as well, not only who she is in the beginning and her dedication to the children (even in the face of her own fears) but how she learns to see past her expectations, to allow her worldview to change.
I believed in this romance. And though the book felt a tiny bit long, I thought overall the plot and pacing were good. The story gave me the angst and emotion I wanted and an ending that satisfied.
Would recommend this one.
Rating: B/B+
*ARC provided by publisher
February 7, 2021
This is the second book in the Killoran sisters' stories; I think it could still be enjoyed as a standalone, but is better read as part of the series. After her sister Cleo fails to marry a nobleman, Ophelia is sent to live with her and make her come out into society. Before she leaves her family's gaming club, however, she barges into a meeting between her brother and a ruthless investigator, who turns out to be Connor, the boy she saved on the streets and who saved her in return, giving his to save hers, or so she thought. It turns out that Connor was adopted by a nobleman and given an education and security, developing a favorable opinion of the nobility that is very much at odds with Ophelia's stark distrust of the upper classes. Unbeknownst to anyone, Ophelia has good reason to distrust nobles. She has seen first hand the levels of depravity to which they are capable of sinking and spends her nights rescuing children from the lascivious men. As she begins her season and he pursues his investigation, Ophelia and Connor often find themselves in one another's company and their old bond begins to rekindle, despite the fact that literally everyone seems to be against any hope of a union between them. These two face the most adversity of any of the couples so far in this series and in the Sinful Brides series. They both suffered so much to get to their happy ending that was so deserved.
Y'all this book shook me up. It's definitely the darkest and most emotional that I've read from this author so far. I listened to the audiobook version and at one point I had to take a break from it for a couple of days and it was difficult to turn it back on again. Nonetheless, this was a great story, with main characters who have depth and who grow and develop throughout the story, and who fight for each other and aren't ashamed to admit their feelings for one another. This one will toy with your emotions, but I would highly recommend it.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Y'all this book shook me up. It's definitely the darkest and most emotional that I've read from this author so far. I listened to the audiobook version and at one point I had to take a break from it for a couple of days and it was difficult to turn it back on again. Nonetheless, this was a great story, with main characters who have depth and who grow and develop throughout the story, and who fight for each other and aren't ashamed to admit their feelings for one another. This one will toy with your emotions, but I would highly recommend it.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
February 5, 2022
I loved The Hellion. But I loved Ophelia's story even more.
Ophelia is sharp and fierce and willing to sacrifice herself to save her sister from an untenable situation. When she agrees to take part in the Season for the sole purpose of landing a titled husband, she has no idea she'll come face to face with her childhood nemesis.
Ophelia and Chase never expressed their enmity. She still resents him for escaping the clutches of Diggory. She has forgiven him because he rescued her from a hanging. She was certain he looked death in the face and honorably sacrificed himself- paying his debts to her.
But Chase was not sentenced to the gallows or ignominy when he sacrificed himself. Instead, he grew up in the lap of luxury, protected from all of the gloom and cruelty of St. Giles. And now he feels guilty for leaving her to survive.
They are bound by ties that are unbreakable and unexplainable. Denying those ties is shattering them, but giving in means disappointing everyone who depends on them. Giving in means saying yes for themselves- and they both need to learn to grasp their happiness with no regrets.
Ophelia is sharp and fierce and willing to sacrifice herself to save her sister from an untenable situation. When she agrees to take part in the Season for the sole purpose of landing a titled husband, she has no idea she'll come face to face with her childhood nemesis.
Ophelia and Chase never expressed their enmity. She still resents him for escaping the clutches of Diggory. She has forgiven him because he rescued her from a hanging. She was certain he looked death in the face and honorably sacrificed himself- paying his debts to her.
But Chase was not sentenced to the gallows or ignominy when he sacrificed himself. Instead, he grew up in the lap of luxury, protected from all of the gloom and cruelty of St. Giles. And now he feels guilty for leaving her to survive.
They are bound by ties that are unbreakable and unexplainable. Denying those ties is shattering them, but giving in means disappointing everyone who depends on them. Giving in means saying yes for themselves- and they both need to learn to grasp their happiness with no regrets.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2018
Connor and Ophelia have a checkered past and are now forced to work together several years later. They both came from a similar background but things are way different for the both of them. They don’t trust each other but they have no choice to work together. Those are the kind of stories I love to read! I enjoyed the push and pull with the characters. Once they let their walls downs and got to know each other, I was so happy! The characters were well developed and I loved seeing their relationship unfold as I read.
So this was my first time reading an historical romance in a long time. Whenever I try to read I usually end up bored to tears. I’m happy to report that was NOT the case with this story! This was my first time reading this author and she now has a new fan! The story was engaging, held my attention and talk about an emotional rollercoaster. The last few chapters had me at the edge of my seat and I couldn’t read fast enough. The plot was very refreshing and I read this book in one day. I will be checking out the first book “The Hellion” as well.
Side note: I highly recommend listening to the audio as well. The narrator did an amazing job!!
*Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited*
So this was my first time reading an historical romance in a long time. Whenever I try to read I usually end up bored to tears. I’m happy to report that was NOT the case with this story! This was my first time reading this author and she now has a new fan! The story was engaging, held my attention and talk about an emotional rollercoaster. The last few chapters had me at the edge of my seat and I couldn’t read fast enough. The plot was very refreshing and I read this book in one day. I will be checking out the first book “The Hellion” as well.
Side note: I highly recommend listening to the audio as well. The narrator did an amazing job!!
*Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited*
August 7, 2018
Only one other book has affected me so strongly, and that too was written by this author (My Lady of Deception). Christi Caldwell puts her heart and soul into the world and characters she creates. The emotion is real, the characters believable, and her stories fresh and unique. As you read her words, it’s so easy to visualize the scenes playing out before you, and you are drawn into their world, hearing their voices, and feeling each and every emotion. And in “The Vixen”, so much emotion!
Connor Steele and Ophelia Killoran are like no other couple. As children they struggled through their fears on the streets of St. Giles, their paths crossing briefly, and each time one reaching out in a single gesture rescuing the other. The final time, his sacrifice, saving her. And then... “he was there, always, buried in her mind”.
They meet again as adults, each carrying with them hidden memories of the monsters and secrets of their past. Connor, rescued by the Earl of Mar and now one of London’s top investigators, is determined to rid London of the evil and brutality he has known and seen. Ophelia, a child of the evil Mac Diggory, has survived the fear and pain of living under his power, and now a strong, beautiful woman, she strives to save other children from the streets. They’re alike in many ways due to what they experienced in their young lives. Upon meeting again and as the bond grows, they will need to overcome guilt they carry, doubts of who they’ve become, and learn to trust each other.
Ophelia and Connor’s story was heart wrenching and beautiful. A story of love between a man and a woman, as well as a strong powerful love of family, I can’t put into words how exceptional this book is, and I highly recommend it. Brilliant!
Connor Steele and Ophelia Killoran are like no other couple. As children they struggled through their fears on the streets of St. Giles, their paths crossing briefly, and each time one reaching out in a single gesture rescuing the other. The final time, his sacrifice, saving her. And then... “he was there, always, buried in her mind”.
They meet again as adults, each carrying with them hidden memories of the monsters and secrets of their past. Connor, rescued by the Earl of Mar and now one of London’s top investigators, is determined to rid London of the evil and brutality he has known and seen. Ophelia, a child of the evil Mac Diggory, has survived the fear and pain of living under his power, and now a strong, beautiful woman, she strives to save other children from the streets. They’re alike in many ways due to what they experienced in their young lives. Upon meeting again and as the bond grows, they will need to overcome guilt they carry, doubts of who they’ve become, and learn to trust each other.
Ophelia and Connor’s story was heart wrenching and beautiful. A story of love between a man and a woman, as well as a strong powerful love of family, I can’t put into words how exceptional this book is, and I highly recommend it. Brilliant!
August 18, 2022
im not sure if anyone sees this but the blurb is in italian/unknown European language and i have no idea why lmao
Overall the book was aight , others in the series were better
Overall the book was aight , others in the series were better
July 25, 2018
Christi Caldwell continues to amaze!
Ophelia Killoran – the tough street rat with a will to survive and no love for the peerage.
Connor Steele – the orphan who got away from the streets and given a better life.
Their lives took different paths, but fate has thrown them together again.
Ms. Caldwell puts a depth to her characters that is unparalleled. The Vixen is no exception. As she peeled away the layers of Ophelia and opened Connor’s eyes to reality, my heart ached. And the prison palm reading….I BAWLED! I don’t think a scene has ever affected me as much as this one. Throw in a few surprises, extraordinary secondary characters and you have a 5+ read.
I can’t wait to see how Ms. Caldwell tops this one.
Ophelia Killoran – the tough street rat with a will to survive and no love for the peerage.
Connor Steele – the orphan who got away from the streets and given a better life.
Their lives took different paths, but fate has thrown them together again.
Ms. Caldwell puts a depth to her characters that is unparalleled. The Vixen is no exception. As she peeled away the layers of Ophelia and opened Connor’s eyes to reality, my heart ached. And the prison palm reading….I BAWLED! I don’t think a scene has ever affected me as much as this one. Throw in a few surprises, extraordinary secondary characters and you have a 5+ read.
I can’t wait to see how Ms. Caldwell tops this one.
July 19, 2018
Book one of Christi Caldwell ‘s Wicked Wallflowers series , the Hellion, brought us to the Killoran sisters. Raised on the London streets by an evil man, not even named until their”brother” Broderick gave them names. Cleopatra was first to find her HEA. In Book 2, We learn more about the sister’s past in Ophelia’s story, The Vixen. Conner and Ophelia’s road to HEA tore me up. From the beginning their intwined lives gripped me and the story never let go. The horror of their youth and the strong people they became is pure writing excellence in my opinion. One will never regret reading a Christi Caldwell novel.
August 20, 2018
I have won this book in GoodReads giveaway.
As you can see, I did not like it very much. I disliked every single character in this book, and could not care less about any of them.
However, your experience may be different. Here are some items about this book that might influence your desire to read it:
1. Neither of the characters are actually nobility. The man is kind of adjucent, and the woman is a former street urchin.
2. The Cockney accent is rendered phonetically. It is there more as a part of the plot and less of an affectation, but I cannot help but hate it, and it threw me out of the story every single time.
3. "Gypsy". I do not care if it is period appropriate. No.
4. Sexual assault.
5. The sex scene reminded me weirdly of the ones in 80's romance novels. I did not approve.
6. These genre of books is always heavy on melodrama, but this actually made me uncomfortable.
In short, you already know if you want to read this. As always, Your Milage May Vary.
As you can see, I did not like it very much. I disliked every single character in this book, and could not care less about any of them.
However, your experience may be different. Here are some items about this book that might influence your desire to read it:
1. Neither of the characters are actually nobility. The man is kind of adjucent, and the woman is a former street urchin.
2. The Cockney accent is rendered phonetically. It is there more as a part of the plot and less of an affectation, but I cannot help but hate it, and it threw me out of the story every single time.
3. "Gypsy". I do not care if it is period appropriate. No.
4. Sexual assault.
5. The sex scene reminded me weirdly of the ones in 80's romance novels. I did not approve.
6. These genre of books is always heavy on melodrama, but this actually made me uncomfortable.
In short, you already know if you want to read this. As always, Your Milage May Vary.
August 10, 2018
Laborious reading
Convoluted and confusing. I had to force myself to read this book thinking it would get better, but it is just a mess! Unlikeable characters who changed personality and convictions every other page. Wow! This story needs some major editing.
Convoluted and confusing. I had to force myself to read this book thinking it would get better, but it is just a mess! Unlikeable characters who changed personality and convictions every other page. Wow! This story needs some major editing.
August 22, 2018
I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
The Vixen started off really well, but then the pacing started becoming erratic halfway through. The emotional depth, character and relationship development were really well-written. But the pacing was off and there was quite a bit of repetition (this seems to be a trend with historical romances this year). I also didn't get a strong grasp of the club's setting. Do the Killorans live there or are their lodgings separate from the club? Another complaint, this one minor, has to do with the Cockney. It was a little hard to read at times. I kept thinking of "moi" in French instead of an accented "my."
One key thing that is still bothering me: why didn't Connor try to look for Ophelia after he was adopted by his father? Why not try to look for her and save her? He didn't know her name, but he knew she was one of Diggory's children. Plus he knew what she looked like. I feel that the backstory with Connor and his dad was kind of just brushed over. His dad didn't want him to remember anything from his past and as we know, Connor could never erase his past - it will always be a part of him. But...I don't know. I still feel like a huge chunk of Connor's backstory after his adoption is missing.
Finally, an epilogue is definitely missing here. Like I mentioned earlier, the pacing in the second half was erratic and this ultimately led to a very swift ending. Things were wrapped up way too quickly and I think an epilogue should have been included.
One character that surprised me was Bethany. She surprisingly grew on me. I wonder if she'll make an appearance in the rest of the series.
***SPOILERS***
Next book:
Given the title, I think Gertrude is next. I really like her so I'll be giving her story a shot. Here's what I'm predicting: the Marquess will eventually realize that Stephen is indeed his child. He will take Stephen away and Gertrude will follow him as his governess. Stephen would definitely need someone from his Killoran family with him. That would be an interesting story given the complexity of the Marquess. The fact that he's rumoured to be mad fits with Gertrude's penchant for Gothic novels. I really hope that's where Ms. Caldwell is going with this storyline!! There's a lot of potential here!
Edit:
So it looks like The Governess is Broderick & Reggie's story. I don't really like Broderick and I barely remember Reggie from The Hellion. I might pass on this one. Since when was Reggie a governess??? Maybe I missed something in The Hellion. I wonder who Gertrude will end up with now...
The Vixen started off really well, but then the pacing started becoming erratic halfway through. The emotional depth, character and relationship development were really well-written. But the pacing was off and there was quite a bit of repetition (this seems to be a trend with historical romances this year). I also didn't get a strong grasp of the club's setting. Do the Killorans live there or are their lodgings separate from the club? Another complaint, this one minor, has to do with the Cockney. It was a little hard to read at times. I kept thinking of "moi" in French instead of an accented "my."
One key thing that is still bothering me: why didn't Connor try to look for Ophelia after he was adopted by his father? Why not try to look for her and save her? He didn't know her name, but he knew she was one of Diggory's children. Plus he knew what she looked like. I feel that the backstory with Connor and his dad was kind of just brushed over. His dad didn't want him to remember anything from his past and as we know, Connor could never erase his past - it will always be a part of him. But...I don't know. I still feel like a huge chunk of Connor's backstory after his adoption is missing.
Finally, an epilogue is definitely missing here. Like I mentioned earlier, the pacing in the second half was erratic and this ultimately led to a very swift ending. Things were wrapped up way too quickly and I think an epilogue should have been included.
One character that surprised me was Bethany. She surprisingly grew on me. I wonder if she'll make an appearance in the rest of the series.
***SPOILERS***
Next book:
Given the title, I think Gertrude is next. I really like her so I'll be giving her story a shot. Here's what I'm predicting: the Marquess will eventually realize that Stephen is indeed his child. He will take Stephen away and Gertrude will follow him as his governess. Stephen would definitely need someone from his Killoran family with him. That would be an interesting story given the complexity of the Marquess. The fact that he's rumoured to be mad fits with Gertrude's penchant for Gothic novels. I really hope that's where Ms. Caldwell is going with this storyline!! There's a lot of potential here!
Edit:
So it looks like The Governess is Broderick & Reggie's story. I don't really like Broderick and I barely remember Reggie from The Hellion. I might pass on this one. Since when was Reggie a governess??? Maybe I missed something in The Hellion. I wonder who Gertrude will end up with now...
August 8, 2018
Publisher's Description:
USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell pits a fiercely independent beauty against a devilish investigator.
Set apart by her ethereal beauty and fearless demeanor, Ophelia Killoran has always been a mystery to those around her—and a woman they underestimated. No one would guess that she spends her nights protecting the street urchins of St. Giles. Ophelia knows what horrors these children face. As a young girl, she faced those horrors herself, and she would have died…if not for the orphan boy who saved her life.
A notorious investigator, Connor Steele never expected to encounter Ophelia Killoran on his latest case. It has been years since he sacrificed himself for her. Now, she hires orphans from the street to work in her brother’s gaming hell. But where does she find the children…and what are her intentions?
Ophelia and Connor are at odds. After all, Connor now serves the nobility, and that is a class of people Ophelia knows firsthand not to trust. But if they can set aside their misgivings and work together, they may discover that their purposes—and their hearts—are perfectly aligned.
My Thoughts:
This book has an Oliver Twist feel to the plot and was an enjoyable read. Our Oliver Twist character in this case is a woman bent on rescuing orphans even if it is to put them to work in her brother's gaming hell. Where are all of these orphans coming from and what are Ophelia's true intentions?
Conner was at one point Ophelia's rescuer but now does he trust her or not?
As usual this Christi Caldwell story is laced with mystery, intrigue and love. Christi stuns her readers with a fascinating story of love and triumph over evil.
I gave this latest book 4.45 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3 of 5 flames. Rape is not sensual but it is a part of this well written tale.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell pits a fiercely independent beauty against a devilish investigator.
Set apart by her ethereal beauty and fearless demeanor, Ophelia Killoran has always been a mystery to those around her—and a woman they underestimated. No one would guess that she spends her nights protecting the street urchins of St. Giles. Ophelia knows what horrors these children face. As a young girl, she faced those horrors herself, and she would have died…if not for the orphan boy who saved her life.
A notorious investigator, Connor Steele never expected to encounter Ophelia Killoran on his latest case. It has been years since he sacrificed himself for her. Now, she hires orphans from the street to work in her brother’s gaming hell. But where does she find the children…and what are her intentions?
Ophelia and Connor are at odds. After all, Connor now serves the nobility, and that is a class of people Ophelia knows firsthand not to trust. But if they can set aside their misgivings and work together, they may discover that their purposes—and their hearts—are perfectly aligned.
My Thoughts:
This book has an Oliver Twist feel to the plot and was an enjoyable read. Our Oliver Twist character in this case is a woman bent on rescuing orphans even if it is to put them to work in her brother's gaming hell. Where are all of these orphans coming from and what are Ophelia's true intentions?
Conner was at one point Ophelia's rescuer but now does he trust her or not?
As usual this Christi Caldwell story is laced with mystery, intrigue and love. Christi stuns her readers with a fascinating story of love and triumph over evil.
I gave this latest book 4.45 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3 of 5 flames. Rape is not sensual but it is a part of this well written tale.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
July 12, 2018
*Spoiler alert*
Another much awaited title by Christi Caldwell ... having met the ‘now reformed’ Blacks and one Killoran in a previous Wicked Wallflower book, the intrigue for this one was almost palpable. And the best part is we still have at least two siblings that are to get their stories. *gleeful smile*
This one is a tear jerker, if there ever was one. Connor’s and Ophelia’s childhood is described vividly and ‘darkly’ that I could actually feel the sights and smells of St. Giles and the Rookeries while reading.
Sexual violence has always been an absolute no no for me. I just cannot read about it and have known to put away books at the barest hint of it. It is disturbing for me, always leaving a terrible terrible feeling in its wake.
But Christi managed to get me to read about it without shutting the book as I always do. Disturbing as the opening sequence in the sewers was, and had me on edge, never once did I want to put away the book. I just kept wanting to know ‘what happens now’ .. where does this go? That in itself is commendable for the author, that she managed to describe the violence in men and their disgusting habits without actually taking away from the story.
Ophelia Killoran’s fears are very real. Not just growing up and fighting her way to survive on the streets, her fears at always being second best to an older sibling, her guilt of being the cause of hurt to another, of wanting to do what is right and biases against all men were all so real. She was a heroine, who could have been pathetic, but was strong and brave and just incredible. I loved the way she would just barge into Borderick’s office without a single worry or though.
Connor Steele on the other hand, was a much awaited character for all Christi fans who have been following her books. The day she informed us that he was to resurface and get a story, was a day that I think all our wishes were granted :). Connor was strong and quietly standing up for what he believed. And I just loved that whole hard ‘detective’ attitude along with the softie who questioned children with sensitivity and who worked at saving them in his own way.
This ‘childhood- ‘acquaintances’-meet-years-later-and-fall-in-love’ theme always works and the back and forth of the past and present and of both the characters made this another bestseller from Christi Caldwell.
Glimpses of past characters is always a given in Christi’s books and a feature that most of her readers relish, as that way we get to know of so much more than just their HEA’s. And in this one too she does not disappoint. The ‘reformed’ Blacks make their presence quite easily throughout.
I only wish the ‘reunion’ between Nial and Connor could have been more … after all we did wait so patiently for it. Maybe a ‘bonus’ scene later, huh? Christie?
Another much awaited title by Christi Caldwell ... having met the ‘now reformed’ Blacks and one Killoran in a previous Wicked Wallflower book, the intrigue for this one was almost palpable. And the best part is we still have at least two siblings that are to get their stories. *gleeful smile*
This one is a tear jerker, if there ever was one. Connor’s and Ophelia’s childhood is described vividly and ‘darkly’ that I could actually feel the sights and smells of St. Giles and the Rookeries while reading.
Sexual violence has always been an absolute no no for me. I just cannot read about it and have known to put away books at the barest hint of it. It is disturbing for me, always leaving a terrible terrible feeling in its wake.
But Christi managed to get me to read about it without shutting the book as I always do. Disturbing as the opening sequence in the sewers was, and had me on edge, never once did I want to put away the book. I just kept wanting to know ‘what happens now’ .. where does this go? That in itself is commendable for the author, that she managed to describe the violence in men and their disgusting habits without actually taking away from the story.
Ophelia Killoran’s fears are very real. Not just growing up and fighting her way to survive on the streets, her fears at always being second best to an older sibling, her guilt of being the cause of hurt to another, of wanting to do what is right and biases against all men were all so real. She was a heroine, who could have been pathetic, but was strong and brave and just incredible. I loved the way she would just barge into Borderick’s office without a single worry or though.
Connor Steele on the other hand, was a much awaited character for all Christi fans who have been following her books. The day she informed us that he was to resurface and get a story, was a day that I think all our wishes were granted :). Connor was strong and quietly standing up for what he believed. And I just loved that whole hard ‘detective’ attitude along with the softie who questioned children with sensitivity and who worked at saving them in his own way.
This ‘childhood- ‘acquaintances’-meet-years-later-and-fall-in-love’ theme always works and the back and forth of the past and present and of both the characters made this another bestseller from Christi Caldwell.
Glimpses of past characters is always a given in Christi’s books and a feature that most of her readers relish, as that way we get to know of so much more than just their HEA’s. And in this one too she does not disappoint. The ‘reformed’ Blacks make their presence quite easily throughout.
I only wish the ‘reunion’ between Nial and Connor could have been more … after all we did wait so patiently for it. Maybe a ‘bonus’ scene later, huh? Christie?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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