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Wicked Wallflowers #4
The Bluestocking
Two damaged hearts learn there’s a fine line between love and hate in a Wicked Wallflowers novel from USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell.
Gertrude, the eldest Killoran sister, has spent a lifetime being underestimated—especially by her own family. She may seem as vulnerable as a kitten, but given the chance, she can be as fierce as a tiger. Her adopted brother, Stephen, has just been snatched back by his true father, and she’ll be damned if she relinquishes the boy to the man reviled throughout London as the Mad Marquess.
Still haunted by a deadly tragedy that left him publicly despised, Lord Edwin holds only hatred for the Killorans—the people he believes kidnapped his son. And not one of them will ever see the boy again. But when Gertrude forces her way into the household and stubbornly insists that she remain as Stephen’s governess, Edwin believes he may have found someone madder than himself.
With every moment he shares with the tenderhearted Gertrude, Edwin’s anger softens into admiration…and more. Is it possible that the woman he loathed may be the only person who can heal his broken soul?
Gertrude, the eldest Killoran sister, has spent a lifetime being underestimated—especially by her own family. She may seem as vulnerable as a kitten, but given the chance, she can be as fierce as a tiger. Her adopted brother, Stephen, has just been snatched back by his true father, and she’ll be damned if she relinquishes the boy to the man reviled throughout London as the Mad Marquess.
Still haunted by a deadly tragedy that left him publicly despised, Lord Edwin holds only hatred for the Killorans—the people he believes kidnapped his son. And not one of them will ever see the boy again. But when Gertrude forces her way into the household and stubbornly insists that she remain as Stephen’s governess, Edwin believes he may have found someone madder than himself.
With every moment he shares with the tenderhearted Gertrude, Edwin’s anger softens into admiration…and more. Is it possible that the woman he loathed may be the only person who can heal his broken soul?
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2019
1457 people are currently reading
2099 people want to read
About the author
Christi Caldwell
136 books2,559 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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May 20, 2021
Re-read : Starting of 2020 with a book I've loved in the past, not sure why I picked this but I was feeling it for some reason. Still love it!
4.5/5 stars. Probably one of my favorite books by CC.
The Bluestocking is the third book in the Wicked Wallflowers series by Christi Caldwell. I had been looking forward to this book - particularly Gertrude's book. In previous book's she'd come across as a heroine I'd love. Thankfully, the author does not dissapoint. We start the book not long after the last one ends; with Stephen on his way to the "Mad Marquess" house, to take his place as the Earl and rightful heir.
Gertrude, feeling restless at the loss of a sibling she'd taken care of her whole life wants nothing more than to protect him, and also, to make a place for herself in the world. She's always been the one sidelined because of her partial blindness, the supposed weak one in the family everyone tip-toed around Gertrude, thinking her too emotional to be able to handle the cruelty of their life. Ironically, and wonderfully so, her ability to love, forgive and nurture is what sets her apart and let's her make her mark. I appreciated that she didn't decide to suddenly be tough and calculative like her sisters to be like them, but took her strenghts and made the most of them. Deciding that Stephen could not go to an unknown place and live with the Marquess without someone to help him out. So she decides to storm the said noble's house and demand that she remain; for Stephen's sake.
The Mad Marquess - Edwin, isn't really that mad. Sure he's ferocious, growls and has a burly strength about him. But in trying to describe him as mad the author didn't really delve in too deep. But I also don't care. Edwin's madness is his despair, and the guilt that he's been living with for 7 years. His wife and unborn babe were killed in a fire, and stephen was stolen from him by street thugs and sold to a Undergound Boss named Diggory.
Edwin reluctantly allows Gertrude to stay on as a temporary governess to Stephen until an appropriate one is found. And he does so because he realizes his son would be happier with her here. This is one of the points where we see what a great father he is, and I have to applaud the author for making me fall in love with Edwin, the super father!
From here begins the romance between Edwin and Gertrude.
The reaons I loved this book were plenty; the writing by CC has truly improved, the MC's develop a wonderful however cliche emotional bond, there aren't too many misunderstandings and the communicate their emotions and fears often. This open, vulnerable but trusting version of adult romance isn't one I've come to expect from CC. There was no silly insecurities from Gertrude, no feeling she doesn't belong in his world, no wondering if her blindness will limit his love for her or any other angst inducing nonsense. Edwin didn't push away his feelings for her once he realized how strong they were, he didn't pretend to be a cold, hard unfeeling nob. What a change!
The reason for angst in this book is actually so well layed out, and more important, it makes sense . In any situation I see this as an obstacle they'd had to overcome, and loved that the author included it. Well done! All this made for a wonderful read.
Oh and the relationship developing between Father and Son is also a beauty! Super stoked by this book.
Give this series a shot.
4.5/5 stars. Probably one of my favorite books by CC.
He kissed her as though he sought to memorize the feel and taste of her. As if she were the only woman in the world. And she, Gertrude Killoran, long invisible to all, felt what it was to be wanted and hungered for . . . and so very much alive because of it.
The Bluestocking is the third book in the Wicked Wallflowers series by Christi Caldwell. I had been looking forward to this book - particularly Gertrude's book. In previous book's she'd come across as a heroine I'd love. Thankfully, the author does not dissapoint. We start the book not long after the last one ends; with Stephen on his way to the "Mad Marquess" house, to take his place as the Earl and rightful heir.
Gertrude, feeling restless at the loss of a sibling she'd taken care of her whole life wants nothing more than to protect him, and also, to make a place for herself in the world. She's always been the one sidelined because of her partial blindness, the supposed weak one in the family everyone tip-toed around Gertrude, thinking her too emotional to be able to handle the cruelty of their life. Ironically, and wonderfully so, her ability to love, forgive and nurture is what sets her apart and let's her make her mark. I appreciated that she didn't decide to suddenly be tough and calculative like her sisters to be like them, but took her strenghts and made the most of them. Deciding that Stephen could not go to an unknown place and live with the Marquess without someone to help him out. So she decides to storm the said noble's house and demand that she remain; for Stephen's sake.
“Everything has a purpose, Edwin.” Every object. Every man, woman, or child. Even if society and the world around them failed to see their value.
The Mad Marquess - Edwin, isn't really that mad. Sure he's ferocious, growls and has a burly strength about him. But in trying to describe him as mad the author didn't really delve in too deep. But I also don't care. Edwin's madness is his despair, and the guilt that he's been living with for 7 years. His wife and unborn babe were killed in a fire, and stephen was stolen from him by street thugs and sold to a Undergound Boss named Diggory.
Edwin reluctantly allows Gertrude to stay on as a temporary governess to Stephen until an appropriate one is found. And he does so because he realizes his son would be happier with her here. This is one of the points where we see what a great father he is, and I have to applaud the author for making me fall in love with Edwin, the super father!
“I loved him long before you knew him,” he said hoarsely. “I loved him when your family ripped him from my life, and I love him even now, angry and hating me as he does.”
From here begins the romance between Edwin and Gertrude.
“You are beautiful, Gertrude. You are magnificent in every way.” And she, who’d accepted and even relished her plainness for the protection it offered a girl on the streets, with this man, and with his husky avowal, felt the beauty he spoke of.
The reaons I loved this book were plenty; the writing by CC has truly improved, the MC's develop a wonderful however cliche emotional bond, there aren't too many misunderstandings and the communicate their emotions and fears often. This open, vulnerable but trusting version of adult romance isn't one I've come to expect from CC. There was no silly insecurities from Gertrude, no feeling she doesn't belong in his world, no wondering if her blindness will limit his love for her or any other angst inducing nonsense. Edwin didn't push away his feelings for her once he realized how strong they were, he didn't pretend to be a cold, hard unfeeling nob. What a change!
And in that instant, he discovered something far greater than the hatred he’d carried all these years—his regard for this woman.
The reason for angst in this book is actually so well layed out, and more important, it makes sense . In any situation I see this as an obstacle they'd had to overcome, and loved that the author included it. Well done! All this made for a wonderful read.
Oh and the relationship developing between Father and Son is also a beauty! Super stoked by this book.
Give this series a shot.
April 28, 2019
Series: Wicked Wallflowers #4
Publication Date: 5/7/19
Number of Pages: 352
Finally, the Mad Marquess gets his HEA and I’m absolutely thrilled with Gertrude and Stephen as well. They all had their own growth to manage and issues with which they had to come to terms. I usually have to read this author’s work in increments because it is so intensely emotional and gripping. I love that this one wasn’t that way – I read it straight through. Yes, it was every bit as emotional as the other books, but it was a beautiful emotional rather than the gut-wrenching kind.
In the last book, The Governess, the Mad Marquess was going after Broderick Killoran full tilt. He blamed Broderick for the kidnapping of his son and the deaths of his wife and unborn child seven years ago. To avoid hanging, Broderick and his street-sisters all had to agree to never again see Stephen again 0nce they returned him to the Mad Marquess – they couldn’t even accompany him on the coach ride to the Marquess’ home.
Gertrude Killoran has always been the outsider among her street-siblings – she belonged and was loved equally, but she was also on the outside. She was the weak one who was overlooked while others made decisions for her. She can’t do that anymore – she cannot allow an apprehensive and upset Stephen to make that long and lonely trek from the Devil’s Den to his father’s home. So, at the last minute, she slips into the coach and they begin the stressful ride. Along the way, she talks seriously with Stephen and realizes that she cannot leave him to adjust to his new circumstances alone. She’ll do the impossible! She’ll convince the man who despises everything about her and her siblings to allow her to live in his home until Stephen is settled with a suitable governess.
Edwin Warwick, Marquess of Maddock, isn’t really mad but he has every reason to be! He has suffered unspeakable horrors in his life – his home was burned, his wife and unborn child died, and his son August died as well. Then, he learned that August hadn’t died, he had been kidnapped and taken into the street gang run by Mac Diggory. In that seven years, Edwin had been accused of murder, shunned by the ton, and called a madman. He embraced being a madman, he stopped going out in public, drank prodigiously, and stayed angry all the time while nurturing his hate for the remaining members of Diggory’s gang – the Killorans. Now, there is one of those vile, despicable creatures standing in his foyer – and she’s refusing to leave.
With his son standing there, ready to bolt and run, what can he say to the woman? He drags her into his library so he can rant at her in private – but – imagine that – she doesn’t cower from him or show any fear. She stands up to him and makes reasonable arguments for why he should change his mind and let her stay until Stephen is settled and a suitable governess is hired.
I absolutely loved their journey – and it was a journey of three. Stephen had to grow to trust Edwin in order to be happy in his new home and circumstances. Edwin had to learn to be a father again and to trust that Gertrude was helping him and Stephen adjust to each other. Gertrude had to learn to trust Edwin with Stephen and to trust that he wouldn’t go back on his word and harm Broderick or her sisters.
I am in deep admiration for how the author handled all of this book, but especially the final chapters. Her writing is excellent, the characters are deep and well developed and the romance is truly swoon-worthy! Now, I can’t wait for the next book in the series, The Spitfire, featuring Clara Waters and the Earl of Waterson, coming out in September.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 5/7/19
Number of Pages: 352
Finally, the Mad Marquess gets his HEA and I’m absolutely thrilled with Gertrude and Stephen as well. They all had their own growth to manage and issues with which they had to come to terms. I usually have to read this author’s work in increments because it is so intensely emotional and gripping. I love that this one wasn’t that way – I read it straight through. Yes, it was every bit as emotional as the other books, but it was a beautiful emotional rather than the gut-wrenching kind.
In the last book, The Governess, the Mad Marquess was going after Broderick Killoran full tilt. He blamed Broderick for the kidnapping of his son and the deaths of his wife and unborn child seven years ago. To avoid hanging, Broderick and his street-sisters all had to agree to never again see Stephen again 0nce they returned him to the Mad Marquess – they couldn’t even accompany him on the coach ride to the Marquess’ home.
Gertrude Killoran has always been the outsider among her street-siblings – she belonged and was loved equally, but she was also on the outside. She was the weak one who was overlooked while others made decisions for her. She can’t do that anymore – she cannot allow an apprehensive and upset Stephen to make that long and lonely trek from the Devil’s Den to his father’s home. So, at the last minute, she slips into the coach and they begin the stressful ride. Along the way, she talks seriously with Stephen and realizes that she cannot leave him to adjust to his new circumstances alone. She’ll do the impossible! She’ll convince the man who despises everything about her and her siblings to allow her to live in his home until Stephen is settled with a suitable governess.
Edwin Warwick, Marquess of Maddock, isn’t really mad but he has every reason to be! He has suffered unspeakable horrors in his life – his home was burned, his wife and unborn child died, and his son August died as well. Then, he learned that August hadn’t died, he had been kidnapped and taken into the street gang run by Mac Diggory. In that seven years, Edwin had been accused of murder, shunned by the ton, and called a madman. He embraced being a madman, he stopped going out in public, drank prodigiously, and stayed angry all the time while nurturing his hate for the remaining members of Diggory’s gang – the Killorans. Now, there is one of those vile, despicable creatures standing in his foyer – and she’s refusing to leave.
With his son standing there, ready to bolt and run, what can he say to the woman? He drags her into his library so he can rant at her in private – but – imagine that – she doesn’t cower from him or show any fear. She stands up to him and makes reasonable arguments for why he should change his mind and let her stay until Stephen is settled and a suitable governess is hired.
I absolutely loved their journey – and it was a journey of three. Stephen had to grow to trust Edwin in order to be happy in his new home and circumstances. Edwin had to learn to be a father again and to trust that Gertrude was helping him and Stephen adjust to each other. Gertrude had to learn to trust Edwin with Stephen and to trust that he wouldn’t go back on his word and harm Broderick or her sisters.
I am in deep admiration for how the author handled all of this book, but especially the final chapters. Her writing is excellent, the characters are deep and well developed and the romance is truly swoon-worthy! Now, I can’t wait for the next book in the series, The Spitfire, featuring Clara Waters and the Earl of Waterson, coming out in September.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 30, 2020
This fourth instalment of Christi Caldwell's Wicked Wallflower series was the best one yet. This is a fun historical romance series that has a perfect blend of drama and romance. It also has an engaging story and characters that are super easy to like and root for and I've not always found that easy to find in my romance reads. This series is not super high on realism but I do feel like that is not a weakness as it means the characters, and the story, get to be both complicated and likeable even if some of the happenings are a little melodramatic at times.
This fourth instalment focused on the eldest Killoran sister Gertrude. Blind in one eye she has always been undervalued even by her own family but when Lord Edwin, the Mad Marquess, demands not only that his son Stephen be returned to him but that the rest of the Killoran clan cut all contact with the boy Gertrude defies all the dire threats and accompanies Stephen to his new home in order to see him settled and safe in his new life. Edwin hates the Killorans with a passion after the gang, ruled by Gertrude's evil father at the time, murdered his wife and stole his son so is not best pleased when one of them arrives on his doorstep and forces her way into his life but he relents as he does want to ease the transition of his sons life from the streets back into the folds of the nobility so puts aside his own feelings for the Killoans and lets Gertrude stay with the boy until a proper Governess can be found. As times passes Edwin realizes that perhaps both his sons life and his own might benefit if Gertrude never left!
It was a fun tale. Both Gertrude and Edwin were super likeable. They had believable and logical reasons for feeling as they did about each other initially and it was enjoyable to follow the story as they warmed to each other the more time they spent in each other company and began to realize they might have misjudged each other initially. They made a great pairing and offered just what the other needed in their life so it was super easy to hope for their romance to work out.
All in all I felt like this was the best book in the series and was a super enjoyable read.
Rating: 4.5 stars. I'm rounding up to 5 stars as this was good!
Audio Note: Tim Campbell did a good job with the audio. I took a bit of time to get used to him when I first started this series but now that I have I do think he is doing a good job.
This fourth instalment focused on the eldest Killoran sister Gertrude. Blind in one eye she has always been undervalued even by her own family but when Lord Edwin, the Mad Marquess, demands not only that his son Stephen be returned to him but that the rest of the Killoran clan cut all contact with the boy Gertrude defies all the dire threats and accompanies Stephen to his new home in order to see him settled and safe in his new life. Edwin hates the Killorans with a passion after the gang, ruled by Gertrude's evil father at the time, murdered his wife and stole his son so is not best pleased when one of them arrives on his doorstep and forces her way into his life but he relents as he does want to ease the transition of his sons life from the streets back into the folds of the nobility so puts aside his own feelings for the Killoans and lets Gertrude stay with the boy until a proper Governess can be found. As times passes Edwin realizes that perhaps both his sons life and his own might benefit if Gertrude never left!
It was a fun tale. Both Gertrude and Edwin were super likeable. They had believable and logical reasons for feeling as they did about each other initially and it was enjoyable to follow the story as they warmed to each other the more time they spent in each other company and began to realize they might have misjudged each other initially. They made a great pairing and offered just what the other needed in their life so it was super easy to hope for their romance to work out.
All in all I felt like this was the best book in the series and was a super enjoyable read.
Rating: 4.5 stars. I'm rounding up to 5 stars as this was good!
Audio Note: Tim Campbell did a good job with the audio. I took a bit of time to get used to him when I first started this series but now that I have I do think he is doing a good job.
May 8, 2019
Gertrude Killoran and Lord Edwin are thrust upon each other when Edwin exercises his right as father and takes back his kidnapped son, Stephan. Unknown until recently, the Killorans thought they were rescuing Stephan from the streets of London, Stephan was kidnapped by Mac Diggory, Gertrude’s villainous father (now dead, thank goodness!). The death of his wife and disappearance of his son has taken their toll on Lord Edwin, now nicknamed The Mad Marquess. Stephan is like a little brother to the Killoran’s most especially to Gertrude as she taught and took care of him, so she’s not willing to let the Mad Marquess take him without her supervision so she pushes her way in and won’t let him bully her out.
Both Gertrude struggle with assumptions and misconceptions, each not trusting the other until they spend time together under the same roof. A mutual respect forms as they begin to understand the trials they’ve each had to bear thanks to Gertrude’s horrible father. There was always an attraction between them, albeit begrudgingly at first, so as they get to know each other they fall a little more in love every day. The slow turn from enemies into friends and then into more was a lovely, and at times sensuous journey!
This is my first experience reading Christi Caldwell’s writing, but it won’t be my last. She made Gertrude and Edwin come alive through her writing. Their feelings of mistrust, hurt, pain, joy, and love came across loud and clear, and I pleased they found each other! They both deserved a HEA after all they went through!
A copy was kindly provided by Montlake Romance via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Both Gertrude struggle with assumptions and misconceptions, each not trusting the other until they spend time together under the same roof. A mutual respect forms as they begin to understand the trials they’ve each had to bear thanks to Gertrude’s horrible father. There was always an attraction between them, albeit begrudgingly at first, so as they get to know each other they fall a little more in love every day. The slow turn from enemies into friends and then into more was a lovely, and at times sensuous journey!
This is my first experience reading Christi Caldwell’s writing, but it won’t be my last. She made Gertrude and Edwin come alive through her writing. Their feelings of mistrust, hurt, pain, joy, and love came across loud and clear, and I pleased they found each other! They both deserved a HEA after all they went through!
A copy was kindly provided by Montlake Romance via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2019
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
4.5 hearts
The best thing about Historical Romance novels is you can usually jump into any book in a series with absolutely no trouble. That is completely true of The Bluestocking, the fourth book in the Wicked Wallflowers series.
This was a fun sort of enemies to lover’s tale. Lord Edwin lot his wife and unborn child to a fire years ago, he assumed his little boy also perished in said fire. But he’s found his son years later living with a crime family gone respectable. Stephen grew up in the streets, he is a rough and tumble boy quick with a knife and slight of hand. He is about to go home to the father he can’t remember and learn how to become an aristocrat; he is not exactly happy about it. Good think Edwin can be a patient man even if it tares him up inside to try to get to know the boy he thought dead.
Gertrude is his sister but has been like a mother to him his entire life and in a swell of determination and nerve has decided that she will stay with Stephen until he is settled into his new life, even if she is despised by the father. She doesn’t blame him really since her father was the source of the fire that killed Edwin’s wife and baby all those years ago.
I loved the struggles that Edwin had coming to terms with his growing feeling for Gertrude and finding that the daughter was nothing like the father and maybe had more reason than even he did to hate the man that sired her.
I completely enjoyed Stephen and all his shenanigans adjusting to his new life back with his father. Gertrude is fantastic, she is a flawed woman and has been underestimated by her family most of her life. This is her chance to show what she can do and the bond between Stephen and Gertrude is kinda adorable.
I had a lot of fun with this book and really liked the ending of it and the growing romance between Gertrude and Edwin. I enjoyed it so much that I put the rest of the series on my to be read list.
Narration:
I believe this is the first book I’ve listened to performed by Tim Campbell, which is a surprise as he has a lot of books under his belt and it shows. You could tell he is a seasoned narrator and the flow of his performance was pretty flawless. I’d definitely listen to something else narrated by him. I listened to this book at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip:
https://soundcloud.com/brilliance-aud...
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
4.5 hearts
The best thing about Historical Romance novels is you can usually jump into any book in a series with absolutely no trouble. That is completely true of The Bluestocking, the fourth book in the Wicked Wallflowers series.
This was a fun sort of enemies to lover’s tale. Lord Edwin lot his wife and unborn child to a fire years ago, he assumed his little boy also perished in said fire. But he’s found his son years later living with a crime family gone respectable. Stephen grew up in the streets, he is a rough and tumble boy quick with a knife and slight of hand. He is about to go home to the father he can’t remember and learn how to become an aristocrat; he is not exactly happy about it. Good think Edwin can be a patient man even if it tares him up inside to try to get to know the boy he thought dead.
“I loved him long before you knew him,” he said hoarsely. “I loved him when your family ripped him from my life, and I love him even now, angry and hating me as he does.”
Gertrude is his sister but has been like a mother to him his entire life and in a swell of determination and nerve has decided that she will stay with Stephen until he is settled into his new life, even if she is despised by the father. She doesn’t blame him really since her father was the source of the fire that killed Edwin’s wife and baby all those years ago.
I loved the struggles that Edwin had coming to terms with his growing feeling for Gertrude and finding that the daughter was nothing like the father and maybe had more reason than even he did to hate the man that sired her.
He kissed her as though he sought to memorize the feel and taste of her. As if she were the only woman in the world. And she, Gertrude Killoran, long invisible to all, felt what it was to be wanted and hungered for . . . and so very much alive because of it.
I completely enjoyed Stephen and all his shenanigans adjusting to his new life back with his father. Gertrude is fantastic, she is a flawed woman and has been underestimated by her family most of her life. This is her chance to show what she can do and the bond between Stephen and Gertrude is kinda adorable.
I had a lot of fun with this book and really liked the ending of it and the growing romance between Gertrude and Edwin. I enjoyed it so much that I put the rest of the series on my to be read list.
Narration:
I believe this is the first book I’ve listened to performed by Tim Campbell, which is a surprise as he has a lot of books under his belt and it shows. You could tell he is a seasoned narrator and the flow of his performance was pretty flawless. I’d definitely listen to something else narrated by him. I listened to this book at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip:
https://soundcloud.com/brilliance-aud...
May 11, 2019
Title: The Bluestocking
Series: Wicked Wallflowers #4
Author: Christi Caldwell
Release date: , 2019
Cliffhanger: No
Genre: historical romance
Gertrude is the last sister in the Killoran family to get her book. Although she has always been the most unobtrusive one, the one everyone always seemed to feel was the weakest link in the family, I was eager to read her story. She is a true wallflower in every sense of the word, and she could easily have been the crowning glory in the series. I can be a picky reader. I don't hand out five star ratings very easily, and yet the first three books in the Wicked Wallflowers were enthusiastic five star reads. I can count on one hand the authors that were able to pull that off.
I give Christi Caldwell such huge respect as an author because her character development and storytelling abilities are rare and exceptional. However, Gert and her relationship with Lord Edwin fell short of what they could have delivered. Their combined histories could have given us a lot of emotional dimension and complexities, but unfortunately we didn't delve as deep as I would have liked to have gone which ended up making their romance fall somewhat flat.
This heroine had a lot of great qualities that I admired. She was the most intelligent of the sisters as you'd probably guess by the title. After losing her sight in one eye due to her father's abuse, she was no longer forced to thieve and risk her life on the streets. Instead she escaped into books, and can now quirkily spout an abundance of information on a variety of topics. She's nurturing, observant, and insightful because of how quietly she watches in the background. Less hardened than everyone else, she's able to see the good in people because she'd been shielded from a lot of the depravity that goes on in her world. Yes, she'd had some damaging experiences, but she never lost her optimism or faith in humanity. And finally, she's gentle with her pet menagerie, but tough when the situation demands it with her family. She's a character that's easy to like, and had me laughing quite a bit at her stubborn face-offs with "The Mad Marquess," Lord Edwin.
Gertrude has the patience of a saint for how she holds her own with Edwin, as well as managing Stephen's out of control behavior. Up until the last book? I wanted to shake that kid until his teeth rattled and kick him where the sun doesn't shine. He still has some maturing to do, but he really did redeem himself and show that he's on the path to improvement. I sympathized with him a little more in this book because the poor kid is having his life turned upside down for a second time and doesn't have the capacity to process it adequately. By the end of this book, I can see the man that he could become now that's he's found a safe and loving home back where he belongs. His anger and resentment had really softened and I'm really hoping I get to see him find his HEA...in The Spitfire perhaps?
Lord Edwin is far from insane as society has labeled him since the destruction of his family. He is wracked with crippling grief and pain. He's reclusive, angry, and bitterly blames himself for not trusting his instincts and failing to protect his pregnant wife and son. It didn't help that his in-laws made him the scapegoat and encouraged public belief that he was at fault and unstable. I did feel for the poor man, but my problem with his character was that his hatred for Gertrude was too quickly overcome, and his attraction and love grew almost instantly. It did not feel entirely realistic that he came to believe he loved her after 10 short days because of their complicated history. Instead of feeling angsty, their interactions felt rushed and even awkward at times.
Another issue that started to bother me was that I was being told excessively through Gertrude's POV how Stephen can't stand his father, her family played a part in stealing his son from him, and how he hated her family and would never get over it. She kept reiterating over and over that father and son were strangers and the repetition was not necessary. I would rather have been shown through their actions/conversations how distant they are and see their relationship grow organically.
I didn't dislike any of the characters, and in general I still enjoyed seeing Gertrude finally owning more assertiveness and finding someone who believed in her. I liked seeing the fragile trust between father and son develop and Edwin shedding the blame that he'd accepted unfairly for so many years. While the romance felt rushed for my taste, many others didn't feel the love leaned on the "insta" side. Like all of Caldwell's books I've read, this was very fast-paced, easy to stay engaged with, and comforting to slip in more page time in the world she's created. I'm crossing my fingers that the next book gives us Stephen's ultimate HEA with a heroine that can properly bring him to his knees.
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May 11, 2019
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THE BLUESTOCKING (Wicked Wallflowers Book 4) by Christi Caldwell is the historical romance I have been waiting for in this series. The Mad Marquess is about to meet his match in more ways than one and it comes from an unlikely source. This romance is a part of the Wallflowers series and the romance plot can standalone, but there is a background storyline in all of the books that I feel makes these books even more enjoyable if they are read in order of publication.
Lord Edwin Warwick is known as the Mad Marquess to all in the ton. He is accused in whispers of having started the fire that killed his wife, son and unborn child. He discovers his son, Stephen was not killed in the fire, but kidnapped.
Stephen is taken in by Broderick Killoran and his band of ‘siblings’ that have survived as a gang in the worst part of London. They were all abused by the man, MacDiggory who ran the family and had Stephen kidnapped. MacDiggory is now dead and Stephen is about to be returned to his true father and returned to his place in refined society. Edwin demands that none of Stephen’s current ‘family’ may come with him to his new home or ever visit him again.
Gertrude Killoran has taken care of Stephen since he joined the family. She refuses to follow the orders of the Marquess and send Stephen to a new, unfamiliar place and life without her supervision. She pushes her way into the Marquess’ home and refuses to let him bully her. She will be Stephen’s governess no matter Edwin’s dislike.
As the days progress, both Gertrude and Edwin learn about the misconceptions both harbor in regards to the other. Can these two find a way to deal with their mistrust and pain and learn to trust the other with their hearts?
Gertrude and Edwin come alive in this book! Ms. Caldwell’s writing once again had me feeling every emotion on each page of this romance. Gertrude came out of the shadows and blossomed in this book as she found her own strength and found the power to help Edwin and Stephen heal as well. I loved Edwin’s love for his son and cried during the scenes from their pasts. This is one of those books and series that immerse you in the past and characters so that when you put the book down, you have to take a minute to reorient yourself.
I can highly recommend this addition to the series. Keep the tissues handy and get ready to go on an emotional roller coaster ride to this HEA!
THE BLUESTOCKING (Wicked Wallflowers Book 4) by Christi Caldwell is the historical romance I have been waiting for in this series. The Mad Marquess is about to meet his match in more ways than one and it comes from an unlikely source. This romance is a part of the Wallflowers series and the romance plot can standalone, but there is a background storyline in all of the books that I feel makes these books even more enjoyable if they are read in order of publication.
Lord Edwin Warwick is known as the Mad Marquess to all in the ton. He is accused in whispers of having started the fire that killed his wife, son and unborn child. He discovers his son, Stephen was not killed in the fire, but kidnapped.
Stephen is taken in by Broderick Killoran and his band of ‘siblings’ that have survived as a gang in the worst part of London. They were all abused by the man, MacDiggory who ran the family and had Stephen kidnapped. MacDiggory is now dead and Stephen is about to be returned to his true father and returned to his place in refined society. Edwin demands that none of Stephen’s current ‘family’ may come with him to his new home or ever visit him again.
Gertrude Killoran has taken care of Stephen since he joined the family. She refuses to follow the orders of the Marquess and send Stephen to a new, unfamiliar place and life without her supervision. She pushes her way into the Marquess’ home and refuses to let him bully her. She will be Stephen’s governess no matter Edwin’s dislike.
As the days progress, both Gertrude and Edwin learn about the misconceptions both harbor in regards to the other. Can these two find a way to deal with their mistrust and pain and learn to trust the other with their hearts?
Gertrude and Edwin come alive in this book! Ms. Caldwell’s writing once again had me feeling every emotion on each page of this romance. Gertrude came out of the shadows and blossomed in this book as she found her own strength and found the power to help Edwin and Stephen heal as well. I loved Edwin’s love for his son and cried during the scenes from their pasts. This is one of those books and series that immerse you in the past and characters so that when you put the book down, you have to take a minute to reorient yourself.
I can highly recommend this addition to the series. Keep the tissues handy and get ready to go on an emotional roller coaster ride to this HEA!
April 18, 2019
Do you ever finish a book and wonder why you allow the author to put you through the emotional turmoil they do? Why you willingly read a story knowing it may rip your heart out and leave you agonizing whether the hero and heroine will have their HEA? For me it’s because it’s Christi Caldwell. I enter every book knowing she’ll quickly get her emotional hooks in me with a story that is impossible to forget, leaving me in heart-wrenching, happy ending tears. That’s why I read her. She rips my heart out every single time, and at the end of each book, I’d gladly do it all again.
If you’ve followed this series, you know that it’s been discovered that Stephen was not a young orphan brought into the Diggory gang, but the son of a marquess, kidnapped from the folds of the peerage. Now he must return to his father who thought he was dead. For seven years, Stephen has been with Broderick Killoran and his “sisters”. The only family he remembers. He’s no longer the innocent, happy toddler he was but an angry and jaded child who wants no part of a life he can’t recall. To ease his transition to his rightful place, Gertrude, the sister who has taught and cared for him, decides to accompany him and convince Edwin Warwick, the Marquess of Maddock to allow her to stay with his son.
Edwin has spent the last seven years tortured by the memories and rumors around the loss of his family. Bitter and broken, he’d become the madman everyone thought him to be. Now, face to face with his son who is now a stranger to him, he’s at a loss. And to have the daughter of the man who stole everything from him requesting to accompany his son is more than he can bear. Knowing to send her away would only further damage this new beginning with his son, Edwin relinquishes and allows Gertrude to stay temporarily.
In the days that follow, Gertrude and Edwin set aside their resentments in the best interest of Stephen. And in so doing, they begin to see each other in a different light. In working together for the sake of Stephen, an unlikely bond is forged. Gertrude saw that Edwin wasn’t mad but a devoted father so riddled with the pain of losing his family that he’d come to believe what was said about him. The fact he even allowed her to stay showed he had compassion in him. She’d never known that kind of devotion and she was captivated by him. With him, she was beginning to feel a level of closeness she’d not even known with her siblings. Edwin was impressed with Gertrude’s bravery and spirit. No one had ever stood up to him before. She was very capable with Stephen. The way she could anticipate his needs and moods spoke to her devotion to his son. In getting to know her, Edwin came to realize he’d never considered that she too had been a victim of Mac Diggory. She was not the monster he’d thought her to be, but a young woman whose family had made a mistake. He’d thought these last seven years that he was a man incapable of feeling anything. But he was beginning to feel for Gertrude, and to imagine a life he’d never thought to know.
This entire series has sucked me in with its intensity and deep emotion. But this story, with its tender relationships between characters, is definitely the best. I empathized so much with Edwin. I couldn’t blame him for his hate and resentment after having his whole life ripped from his hands. He carried so much guilt over that loss. Stephen was no longer the child he’d lost, yet in spite of Stephen’s animosity toward him, Edwin still loved and wanted him. I ached for the thrill he felt just having his son speak to him, even if it was only to sing the praises of the Killorans. Watching that bond between the two starting to rekindle was touching.
The bond between Gertrude and Stephen was just as moving. She’d thought him closer to her sisters, but when she was the one to stay with him, their bond only strengthened. I wept when he was able to let his guard down with Gertrude and express his fears.
The relationship between Edwin and Gertrude was the most thrilling though. Gertrude didn’t judge or blame Edwin. She understood his pain. With her quiet strength of spirit she challenged him to reclaim his life. She made him want to be a father again and to be a better man. She made him feel worthy of that. Gertrude had always hovered on the outside with her family, feeling that she wasn’t as strong or as valuable because of her disability. She felt pitied and like she was treated with kid gloves. And because of that, she never challenged them or expressed her opinions. But with Edwin, she was able to give her opinion. He listened and often agreed. He looked to her to be his partner in making the best choices for Stephen. Through Edwin’s eyes, Gertrude saw her own worth.
If you’ve not read other books in this series, I recommend you read them first. While this could be read as a stand- alone, I can’t imagine reading it without knowing the history of all that these characters have endured and overcome. In reading this beautiful and deeply emotional series, you’ll not just believe love exists, you’ll believe in the power of love and its ability to survive and to heal. A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team selection.
If you’ve followed this series, you know that it’s been discovered that Stephen was not a young orphan brought into the Diggory gang, but the son of a marquess, kidnapped from the folds of the peerage. Now he must return to his father who thought he was dead. For seven years, Stephen has been with Broderick Killoran and his “sisters”. The only family he remembers. He’s no longer the innocent, happy toddler he was but an angry and jaded child who wants no part of a life he can’t recall. To ease his transition to his rightful place, Gertrude, the sister who has taught and cared for him, decides to accompany him and convince Edwin Warwick, the Marquess of Maddock to allow her to stay with his son.
Edwin has spent the last seven years tortured by the memories and rumors around the loss of his family. Bitter and broken, he’d become the madman everyone thought him to be. Now, face to face with his son who is now a stranger to him, he’s at a loss. And to have the daughter of the man who stole everything from him requesting to accompany his son is more than he can bear. Knowing to send her away would only further damage this new beginning with his son, Edwin relinquishes and allows Gertrude to stay temporarily.
In the days that follow, Gertrude and Edwin set aside their resentments in the best interest of Stephen. And in so doing, they begin to see each other in a different light. In working together for the sake of Stephen, an unlikely bond is forged. Gertrude saw that Edwin wasn’t mad but a devoted father so riddled with the pain of losing his family that he’d come to believe what was said about him. The fact he even allowed her to stay showed he had compassion in him. She’d never known that kind of devotion and she was captivated by him. With him, she was beginning to feel a level of closeness she’d not even known with her siblings. Edwin was impressed with Gertrude’s bravery and spirit. No one had ever stood up to him before. She was very capable with Stephen. The way she could anticipate his needs and moods spoke to her devotion to his son. In getting to know her, Edwin came to realize he’d never considered that she too had been a victim of Mac Diggory. She was not the monster he’d thought her to be, but a young woman whose family had made a mistake. He’d thought these last seven years that he was a man incapable of feeling anything. But he was beginning to feel for Gertrude, and to imagine a life he’d never thought to know.
This entire series has sucked me in with its intensity and deep emotion. But this story, with its tender relationships between characters, is definitely the best. I empathized so much with Edwin. I couldn’t blame him for his hate and resentment after having his whole life ripped from his hands. He carried so much guilt over that loss. Stephen was no longer the child he’d lost, yet in spite of Stephen’s animosity toward him, Edwin still loved and wanted him. I ached for the thrill he felt just having his son speak to him, even if it was only to sing the praises of the Killorans. Watching that bond between the two starting to rekindle was touching.
The bond between Gertrude and Stephen was just as moving. She’d thought him closer to her sisters, but when she was the one to stay with him, their bond only strengthened. I wept when he was able to let his guard down with Gertrude and express his fears.
The relationship between Edwin and Gertrude was the most thrilling though. Gertrude didn’t judge or blame Edwin. She understood his pain. With her quiet strength of spirit she challenged him to reclaim his life. She made him want to be a father again and to be a better man. She made him feel worthy of that. Gertrude had always hovered on the outside with her family, feeling that she wasn’t as strong or as valuable because of her disability. She felt pitied and like she was treated with kid gloves. And because of that, she never challenged them or expressed her opinions. But with Edwin, she was able to give her opinion. He listened and often agreed. He looked to her to be his partner in making the best choices for Stephen. Through Edwin’s eyes, Gertrude saw her own worth.
If you’ve not read other books in this series, I recommend you read them first. While this could be read as a stand- alone, I can’t imagine reading it without knowing the history of all that these characters have endured and overcome. In reading this beautiful and deeply emotional series, you’ll not just believe love exists, you’ll believe in the power of love and its ability to survive and to heal. A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team selection.
August 2, 2019
I confess I had the previous book in this series but it was lost on its release day because too many books popped up in my kindle at the same time.
But as I was lucky to have been able to receive an ARC for this one book even if I preordered it, i can’t pass it now.
So here it is my first meeting with the Killorans and the Mad Marquess. So everything was new to me.
It was a slow burning story, and while it could have been an angsty and filled with bitterness tale, it was in fact a recital of redemption, forgiveness and faith in the other.
This awesome love story between three persons life has wounded is a fable narrating how they come to care and love another.
It is no love triangle, just how a father robbed of his family gets a second chance and wins his son’s affection with the help of the woman accounted of being part of his kidnapping and on the way finds more than he bargained for.
Gertrude is the kind of heroine as I love them, along the plot she finds her voice and stands for her. Sure I thought her weak at the beginning but as the time unfolds and her past is revealed, I came to see past the facade she has built around her, she fights and faces her fears. And despite the life she has lived, the things she has done, suffered or seen, she keeps her eyes wide open and sees the good where others would pass without a glance, even if it is jaded, she still has an innocence nothing could shatter.
Edwin could have become mad as he is called after everything was stolen from him, as it was more than his family, it was also his place among the ton and his sanity when meddling in society. He has moved as a recluse, so much he is unable to talk or chatter with others, he can just state the obvious or blurts what’s on his mind.
Then there is Stephen the lost son, a too fast grown up kid who twice was robbed of his life and family, he won’t face this third battle without a struggle, in the meantime he hurts Edwin and Gertrude but it is also to protect himself.
I loved how slowly Gertrude became essential to Edwin, how the more he gets to know her, the more she becomes magnificent in his eyes. Gertrude with her gentleness and her skilled sense of observation get Edwin to follow her and leave his cave where he stayed hidden for years and confront his fears of the crowd, the crowd of his peers.
I found no fault in this tale, even their mistakes and stubbornness as they made them will result in the cementing of their love for another, all three.
A lovely story of people who will go from enemies to friends then lovers.
I will now have to read the previous one in this series now!
But as I was lucky to have been able to receive an ARC for this one book even if I preordered it, i can’t pass it now.
So here it is my first meeting with the Killorans and the Mad Marquess. So everything was new to me.
It was a slow burning story, and while it could have been an angsty and filled with bitterness tale, it was in fact a recital of redemption, forgiveness and faith in the other.
This awesome love story between three persons life has wounded is a fable narrating how they come to care and love another.
It is no love triangle, just how a father robbed of his family gets a second chance and wins his son’s affection with the help of the woman accounted of being part of his kidnapping and on the way finds more than he bargained for.
Gertrude is the kind of heroine as I love them, along the plot she finds her voice and stands for her. Sure I thought her weak at the beginning but as the time unfolds and her past is revealed, I came to see past the facade she has built around her, she fights and faces her fears. And despite the life she has lived, the things she has done, suffered or seen, she keeps her eyes wide open and sees the good where others would pass without a glance, even if it is jaded, she still has an innocence nothing could shatter.
Edwin could have become mad as he is called after everything was stolen from him, as it was more than his family, it was also his place among the ton and his sanity when meddling in society. He has moved as a recluse, so much he is unable to talk or chatter with others, he can just state the obvious or blurts what’s on his mind.
Then there is Stephen the lost son, a too fast grown up kid who twice was robbed of his life and family, he won’t face this third battle without a struggle, in the meantime he hurts Edwin and Gertrude but it is also to protect himself.
I loved how slowly Gertrude became essential to Edwin, how the more he gets to know her, the more she becomes magnificent in his eyes. Gertrude with her gentleness and her skilled sense of observation get Edwin to follow her and leave his cave where he stayed hidden for years and confront his fears of the crowd, the crowd of his peers.
I found no fault in this tale, even their mistakes and stubbornness as they made them will result in the cementing of their love for another, all three.
A lovely story of people who will go from enemies to friends then lovers.
I will now have to read the previous one in this series now!
May 9, 2019
4 stars - Historical Romance
July 23, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! In fact, there was nothing I didn’t love: the hero and heroine were appealing and understandable. The way the relationship began was plausible and painted Gertrude as fundamentally courageous and Edwin as capable of setting aside his hated and rage for the good of his child. The relationship built slowly, piece by piece, and without the strained plot devices found in other reads, as the characters came to discover things about each other that opened their eyes and their hearts. I could go on, but the bottom line is that book is engrossing, entertaining, and satisfying. My favorite Christi Caldwell book so far.
July 30, 2019
When the daughter of your worse enemy loves your son...
It is hard to hate someone that loves your son and faces all kinds of offenses to protect him. It gets even harder when this someone is also so full of lightness and good sense. Edwin has all the reasons in the world to want Gertrude out of his house and away from his eleven years old son, or at least he thought he did, but she got under his skin and into his soul and he doesn’t know how he will ever let her go. Great read!
It is hard to hate someone that loves your son and faces all kinds of offenses to protect him. It gets even harder when this someone is also so full of lightness and good sense. Edwin has all the reasons in the world to want Gertrude out of his house and away from his eleven years old son, or at least he thought he did, but she got under his skin and into his soul and he doesn’t know how he will ever let her go. Great read!
May 7, 2019
While just as beautifully written as all the previous books in this series, "The Bluestocking" has a bit slower and a much more sad feeling to it. The heartbreak that Edwin has felt for so long, all the guilt and blame and horrific prejudices that society lays on Gertrude and her family combine in this installment. It is not a light and happy story to read.
Still, Ms. Caldwell works her magic and through all the sad, a beautiful relationship grows - two, actually. Because, as Edwin's heart is slowly being softened (and that is NOT an easy task!) so too is his relationship with his son taking root. Kudos to Ms. Caldwell for penning a story that can break a heart and give one hope all at the same time!
Still, Ms. Caldwell works her magic and through all the sad, a beautiful relationship grows - two, actually. Because, as Edwin's heart is slowly being softened (and that is NOT an easy task!) so too is his relationship with his son taking root. Kudos to Ms. Caldwell for penning a story that can break a heart and give one hope all at the same time!
May 11, 2019
Gertrude really comes into her own in this book. In previous books she has always given way to her siblings. The trials that Edwin has suffered are further explained. I loved the way Gertrude was not afraid to stand up to Edwin, something he wasn’t used to. I enjoyed the way they got to know each other. Stephen had to adjust to the changes in his young life and his journey was excellently portrayed by the author. There are still dangers for them and much reconciliation to achieve. This was a most engrossing story and at times emotional. I loved it and couldn’t put it down.
May 12, 2019
I am just in awe of Ms. Caldwell's storytelling. She has a beautiful way of bringing the characters alive and pulls you in. There is so much brokenness in this story, it broke my heart to read at times. I knew Edwin and Gertrude would get a HEA and loved every bit of the journey.
September 1, 2023
Grumpy but soft Edwin.
Headstrong but dorky Gertrude.
Amen🥹
Umm his cravat as a blindfold while playing a taste testing game in a public setting??? Incredible. The hero is also an excellent parent to his son!!
Headstrong but dorky Gertrude.
Amen🥹
Umm his cravat as a blindfold while playing a taste testing game in a public setting??? Incredible. The hero is also an excellent parent to his son!!
May 5, 2019
The Bluestocking by Christi Caldwell is book 4 in the Wicked Wallflowers Series. This is the story of Gertrude Killoran and Edwin Warwick, Marquess of Maddock. I have read the previous books (and Loved them!!) which I think helped with my enjoyment of this book and series since there is a underlining story going on but with that said I do feel you can easily make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Edwin's wife, son and unborn child died in a fire that left him mad and of course very upset. The town whispered that he was to blame and started calling him the 'Mad Marquess' which he added to that by drinking and letting his anger take over. Broderick Killoran and his 'siblings' have survived the harsh streets along with being taken into street gang run by Mac Diggory where they most all were abused or touched by Diggory's harshness.
Gertrude is the eldest 'Killoran' Sister who has always been thought to be weaker and kept protected. Stephen was the youngest of the 'adopted' siblings. When it is learned that Edwind's son actually was kidnapped and didn't die in the fire by Diggory but is now living with Broderick Edwin wants his son. Edwin blames Broderick and all the Killoran siblings for his son being taken and kept from him. Edwin deals with Broderick saying he is taking his son and no one from Killoran is to contact them or he will seek his revenge.
Gertrude of course can't let Stephen just go on his very own with the 'Mad Marquess' who Stephen doesn't really remember him, so she sneaks into the carriage to go with them.
Of course this sets off their story line that for me took me on an emotional roller coaster ride. Which is the reason Ms. Caldwell is one of my Top Ten Favorite Authors. Ms. Caldwell brings you into their story building up your emotions so that when the characters hurt you hurt, when they are happy you are happy and so on. In addition to that her books are one you will not be able to put down because you can stop mind story and you need to see what is going to happen next in their story. I would recommend this book along with any books written by this author!
Loved it!
Edwin's wife, son and unborn child died in a fire that left him mad and of course very upset. The town whispered that he was to blame and started calling him the 'Mad Marquess' which he added to that by drinking and letting his anger take over. Broderick Killoran and his 'siblings' have survived the harsh streets along with being taken into street gang run by Mac Diggory where they most all were abused or touched by Diggory's harshness.
Gertrude is the eldest 'Killoran' Sister who has always been thought to be weaker and kept protected. Stephen was the youngest of the 'adopted' siblings. When it is learned that Edwind's son actually was kidnapped and didn't die in the fire by Diggory but is now living with Broderick Edwin wants his son. Edwin blames Broderick and all the Killoran siblings for his son being taken and kept from him. Edwin deals with Broderick saying he is taking his son and no one from Killoran is to contact them or he will seek his revenge.
Gertrude of course can't let Stephen just go on his very own with the 'Mad Marquess' who Stephen doesn't really remember him, so she sneaks into the carriage to go with them.
Of course this sets off their story line that for me took me on an emotional roller coaster ride. Which is the reason Ms. Caldwell is one of my Top Ten Favorite Authors. Ms. Caldwell brings you into their story building up your emotions so that when the characters hurt you hurt, when they are happy you are happy and so on. In addition to that her books are one you will not be able to put down because you can stop mind story and you need to see what is going to happen next in their story. I would recommend this book along with any books written by this author!
Loved it!
Read
May 22, 2022DNF @ 45%. I really wanted to like this but I couldn't seem to focus on or get immersed in the story. I felt the pacing was off; it would have felt more natural to me if the main characters' interactions were taking place over a longer period of time and they were getting to know each other more authentically. I was also getting exhausted by the MMC's internal monologuing. Ultimately this one just didn't work for me.
June 12, 2019
3.5 STARS
Gertrude Killoran (the daughter of a notorious villain – Mac Diggory and Lord Edwin (aka the Mad Marquess) are forced together when Edwin exercises his right as a father and takes back his kidnapped son no known as Stephan (a son he thought dead for years).Edwin despises the Killoran’s blaming them for the sins of their father and the childhood Stephan endured, he also distrusts them due to their criminal/shady lives. Thus, he wants his son, and forbids any of the Killoran’s from staying in contact with Stephan, if they dare try, well, he has a threat he is more than willing to go through with, and so with painful hearts they send Stephan on his way.
However, one of Stephan’s siblings, Gertrude refuses to let Stephan go alone, underestimated by her siblings, and judged by many to be the weakest of the Killoran siblings decides to stay with Stephan as he goes to live with his father, in an attempt to help ease Stephan into the life he should have always lived.
The death of his wife and disappearance of his son, as well as the subsequent scorn of his dearest friend have left Edwin (now knowns as the Mad Marquess), isolated, angry and severely gruff. Yet when Gertrude pushes her way into his home, and refuses to leave, he finds himself baffled and unable to force her to leave. Slowly but surely, she begins to show him that perhaps his life can once again be filled with more than darkness and desolation.
The fact that both Edwin and Gertrude have such turbulent and complex histories should have led to a lot of emotional depth and intensity, but whilst both were engaging characters the author didn’t go as deep as I would have loved. There was the potential for something provocative and potent when it came to these two characters (within the context of a HR book), but that didn’t occur.
After reading the first chapter or so, I was really unsure about this book, slightly regretting picking it up, but boy oh boy I was wrong, the rest of the book was a very enjoyable read. The characters, specifically Gertrude, Edwin and Stephan, drew me in and kept me engaged. This may be the third book in the series, but as my first read within this series it’s certainly wetted my appetite for more.
Acquired via KU.
Gertrude Killoran (the daughter of a notorious villain – Mac Diggory and Lord Edwin (aka the Mad Marquess) are forced together when Edwin exercises his right as a father and takes back his kidnapped son no known as Stephan (a son he thought dead for years).Edwin despises the Killoran’s blaming them for the sins of their father and the childhood Stephan endured, he also distrusts them due to their criminal/shady lives. Thus, he wants his son, and forbids any of the Killoran’s from staying in contact with Stephan, if they dare try, well, he has a threat he is more than willing to go through with, and so with painful hearts they send Stephan on his way.
However, one of Stephan’s siblings, Gertrude refuses to let Stephan go alone, underestimated by her siblings, and judged by many to be the weakest of the Killoran siblings decides to stay with Stephan as he goes to live with his father, in an attempt to help ease Stephan into the life he should have always lived.
The death of his wife and disappearance of his son, as well as the subsequent scorn of his dearest friend have left Edwin (now knowns as the Mad Marquess), isolated, angry and severely gruff. Yet when Gertrude pushes her way into his home, and refuses to leave, he finds himself baffled and unable to force her to leave. Slowly but surely, she begins to show him that perhaps his life can once again be filled with more than darkness and desolation.
The fact that both Edwin and Gertrude have such turbulent and complex histories should have led to a lot of emotional depth and intensity, but whilst both were engaging characters the author didn’t go as deep as I would have loved. There was the potential for something provocative and potent when it came to these two characters (within the context of a HR book), but that didn’t occur.
After reading the first chapter or so, I was really unsure about this book, slightly regretting picking it up, but boy oh boy I was wrong, the rest of the book was a very enjoyable read. The characters, specifically Gertrude, Edwin and Stephan, drew me in and kept me engaged. This may be the third book in the series, but as my first read within this series it’s certainly wetted my appetite for more.
Acquired via KU.
May 7, 2019
Perfect! I loved this book! Having read the rest of the series I was highly anticipating this one. This was my favorite in the series. Gertrude was an excellent heroine and I loved watching her come into her own. I liked seeing Stephen become a little boy and connect with his father. Edwin was an excellent hero. He loved Stephen so absolutely. He was also celibate which is my favorite kind of hero. I really enjoyed this book.
September 13, 2019
Finally, a winner in this series! If you've read my review of The Vixen, then you know that I anticipated this very set up for Gertrude's story. So it should come as no surprise that I LOVE this premise so much. I should point out that this book cannot be read as a standalone at all. The Bluestocking's premise relies heavily on the previous two books. If you begin reading The Bluestocking without having read the last two books, you'll only get confused by the plethora of characters and the complicated family history.
Caldwell takes time to set up this intriguing premise. It takes time for Stephen to make his way to his father's house and it also takes time for Gertrude to decide that she's coming with him. It takes even more time for Gertrude to meet Stephen's father and negotiate with him. But all of that time dedicated to the set up works out wonderfully for the beautiful character and relationship development. The timeline here is tight — the story pretty much takes place within 2-3 weeks. It's incredible how Caldwell took her time showing the reader how the romance between Edwin and Gertrude, as well as the relationship between Edwin and his son, blossom alongside each other. There's even significant development between Gertrude and Stephen, whose relationship had always been defined differently because of Gertrude's perceived weakness. But Stephen's perspective changes as he begins to see Gertrude in a new light.
One of my favourite things about this book is Stephen's characterization. I personally don't like kids (please don't hate me lol), but wow, to think that I was able to understand Stephen and his deeply rooted insecurities...not what I expected at all. I honestly thought he would be annoying throughout the book, but that little boy has layers I never saw coming.
While I absolutely adored the relationship and character development, the internal monologues did get repetitive at a certain point. Look, I get it. This is a very delicate situation and the characters have a lot of things to process, so the internal monologues make sense. But it was just a little too much for me. Personally, I much preferred the showing through actions and dialogues as opposed to the telling through internal monologues. I think this book's main strength derives from Caldwell's excellent ability to show us how these characters navigate their new lives and relationships.
Anyway, I'm really happy with how Caldwell wrote this book and now I'm even more excited to read The Spitfire.
Caldwell takes time to set up this intriguing premise. It takes time for Stephen to make his way to his father's house and it also takes time for Gertrude to decide that she's coming with him. It takes even more time for Gertrude to meet Stephen's father and negotiate with him. But all of that time dedicated to the set up works out wonderfully for the beautiful character and relationship development. The timeline here is tight — the story pretty much takes place within 2-3 weeks. It's incredible how Caldwell took her time showing the reader how the romance between Edwin and Gertrude, as well as the relationship between Edwin and his son, blossom alongside each other. There's even significant development between Gertrude and Stephen, whose relationship had always been defined differently because of Gertrude's perceived weakness. But Stephen's perspective changes as he begins to see Gertrude in a new light.
One of my favourite things about this book is Stephen's characterization. I personally don't like kids (please don't hate me lol), but wow, to think that I was able to understand Stephen and his deeply rooted insecurities...not what I expected at all. I honestly thought he would be annoying throughout the book, but that little boy has layers I never saw coming.
While I absolutely adored the relationship and character development, the internal monologues did get repetitive at a certain point. Look, I get it. This is a very delicate situation and the characters have a lot of things to process, so the internal monologues make sense. But it was just a little too much for me. Personally, I much preferred the showing through actions and dialogues as opposed to the telling through internal monologues. I think this book's main strength derives from Caldwell's excellent ability to show us how these characters navigate their new lives and relationships.
Anyway, I'm really happy with how Caldwell wrote this book and now I'm even more excited to read The Spitfire.
May 20, 2019
5*
This is one of the best historical romances that I’ve read in a long while. It has everything that I look for in a book, suspense, laughter, tears and of course a beautiful romance.
Gertrude Killoran was born into a life of crime. Her father Diggory was the king of street crimes in London. He was a mean spirited evil man who could careless that Gertrude was his daughter, her only use was as a thief. When she lost her sight in one eye she was of no use to him any longer. When she formed a small family with some of the others Doggory left her alone to do her own thing in the family. Gertrude always felt she was the weakest and over looked by her family. Her sisters were so brave even her little brother Stephen was braver then she was.
Edwin Ludlow Phineas Shadrack Warwick, the Marquess of Maddock lost everything the night his family died in a fire. His guilt drove him to no longer care if he lived and he did wild and dangerous things to hopefully end his life. The ton nicknamed him Mad Maddock and accused him of being responsible for his family’s death. When he’s told that his son may not of died in the fire but was kidnapped by a street gang. When his son is found still alive and living with the Killoran’s who was responsible for the kidnapping he demands his son returned and the Killoran’s never to see him again or he’d see them hanged.
Gertrude could not bare for Stephen to go alone and on the way she decided she would help pave the way for Stephen and his father to become family agin. Edwin tried to put Gertrude out but she was not swayed by his anger and she was not afraid of him as others are. She poked and prodded Edwin back to life and showed him how to love his son for who he is now.
Edwin starts to see that Gertrude is not the women he believed her to be, she has brought light back to his soul and push’s him to live for his son and himself. Their relationship blossoms and grows but it must come to an end. Gertrude’s father was the one responsible for taking everything Edwin loved from him. Gertrude understands that he may never trust her or forgive her and her siblings.
This book had the perfect ending. It’s one of those books that you sigh and hung it at the end!
This is one of the best historical romances that I’ve read in a long while. It has everything that I look for in a book, suspense, laughter, tears and of course a beautiful romance.
Gertrude Killoran was born into a life of crime. Her father Diggory was the king of street crimes in London. He was a mean spirited evil man who could careless that Gertrude was his daughter, her only use was as a thief. When she lost her sight in one eye she was of no use to him any longer. When she formed a small family with some of the others Doggory left her alone to do her own thing in the family. Gertrude always felt she was the weakest and over looked by her family. Her sisters were so brave even her little brother Stephen was braver then she was.
Edwin Ludlow Phineas Shadrack Warwick, the Marquess of Maddock lost everything the night his family died in a fire. His guilt drove him to no longer care if he lived and he did wild and dangerous things to hopefully end his life. The ton nicknamed him Mad Maddock and accused him of being responsible for his family’s death. When he’s told that his son may not of died in the fire but was kidnapped by a street gang. When his son is found still alive and living with the Killoran’s who was responsible for the kidnapping he demands his son returned and the Killoran’s never to see him again or he’d see them hanged.
Gertrude could not bare for Stephen to go alone and on the way she decided she would help pave the way for Stephen and his father to become family agin. Edwin tried to put Gertrude out but she was not swayed by his anger and she was not afraid of him as others are. She poked and prodded Edwin back to life and showed him how to love his son for who he is now.
Edwin starts to see that Gertrude is not the women he believed her to be, she has brought light back to his soul and push’s him to live for his son and himself. Their relationship blossoms and grows but it must come to an end. Gertrude’s father was the one responsible for taking everything Edwin loved from him. Gertrude understands that he may never trust her or forgive her and her siblings.
This book had the perfect ending. It’s one of those books that you sigh and hung it at the end!
May 5, 2019
Gertrude, the eldest Killoran sister, has spent a lifetime being underestimated, especially by her own family. She may seem as vulnerable as a kitten, but given the chance, she can be as fierce as a tiger. Her adopted brother, Stephen, is due to return to live with his true father Edwin Warwick, the Marquis of Maddock, and she’ll be damned if she relinquishes the boy to the man reviled throughout London as the Mad Marquis. Still haunted by a deadly tragedy that left him publicly despised, Edwin holds only hatred for the Killorans, the people he believes kidnapped his son. When Gertrude forces her way into the household and stubbornly insists that she remain as Stephen’s governess, Edwin believes he may have found someone madder than himself.
Each time I read a book by the author I don’t believe it will be as good as the last one & each time it's either as good if not better. I've loved every book in the series & this book could well be my favourite so far. Extremely well written, wonderful characters & a truly lovely story. It wasn’t the gut wrenching story like some of the other stories but whilst it did take me on a gamut of emotions my overall feeling was of the joy of the relationships between Edwin & Gertrude & Edwin & Stephen. The way those relationships developed & moved from dark to light was masterful & made for a captivating, engrossing & enthralling read. This is one of the loveliest books I’ve read in quite a while & I’ve no hesitation in highly recommending it.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Each time I read a book by the author I don’t believe it will be as good as the last one & each time it's either as good if not better. I've loved every book in the series & this book could well be my favourite so far. Extremely well written, wonderful characters & a truly lovely story. It wasn’t the gut wrenching story like some of the other stories but whilst it did take me on a gamut of emotions my overall feeling was of the joy of the relationships between Edwin & Gertrude & Edwin & Stephen. The way those relationships developed & moved from dark to light was masterful & made for a captivating, engrossing & enthralling read. This is one of the loveliest books I’ve read in quite a while & I’ve no hesitation in highly recommending it.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
May 14, 2019
Christi Caldwell never fails to amaze me and she really upped the ante in this story. An extraordinary story that not only involves two damaged souls but includes a third – a child. As always, Ms. Caldwell’s characters have flaws and an unexceptional strength to their characters. From the heart wrenching first sentence to the happily ever after last sentence this book will keep you engaged. Just be sure and have the hankies handy!
December 17, 2019
Christi Caldwell at her best.
At last we have Gertrude, the eldest Killoran sister and Stephen, the youngest “brother” complete their character arcs. Laughter and tears for a wonderful redemption story. Plus who doesn’t love a few cat characters in the mix
At last we have Gertrude, the eldest Killoran sister and Stephen, the youngest “brother” complete their character arcs. Laughter and tears for a wonderful redemption story. Plus who doesn’t love a few cat characters in the mix
May 5, 2019
Gertrude 💖Edwin
Another brilliantly written story by this author. She has been tempting readers with the mad Marquess and the mystery surrounding his bitterness, anger and drive for revenge. A captivating tale that raises many unanswered questions about the Killoran family, especially Stephen, the son they are accused of stealing from Lord Edwin Maddock. Loved Edwin, but the real star is an intelligent, smart, and caring bluestocking, a member of the Killoran family, who is so underestimated and unrecognized by all. She will become the unseen force and true hope for the answers and solutions needed to right wrongs and begin a healing for so many of the individuals involved.
Gertrude Killoran is an amazing heroine, and the way Christi Caldwell reveals the many qualities and levels of her character is beautiful. When this strong, fierce Lord and quiet yet stubborn lady meet, a whirlwind of emotions and long hidden secrets emerge and make for a very excellent love story, tense and veiled at times and uplifting and gentle at other times. That’s one of the many draws of this very talented writer as the journey of her flawed characters is never easy and more than a little rocky before the outcome is known.
Filled with highly charged personalities and tearfully tender emotions, I strongly recommend “The Bluestocking”. I received an arc for my honest opinion which is given here, but I also purchase for my own collection.
Another brilliantly written story by this author. She has been tempting readers with the mad Marquess and the mystery surrounding his bitterness, anger and drive for revenge. A captivating tale that raises many unanswered questions about the Killoran family, especially Stephen, the son they are accused of stealing from Lord Edwin Maddock. Loved Edwin, but the real star is an intelligent, smart, and caring bluestocking, a member of the Killoran family, who is so underestimated and unrecognized by all. She will become the unseen force and true hope for the answers and solutions needed to right wrongs and begin a healing for so many of the individuals involved.
Gertrude Killoran is an amazing heroine, and the way Christi Caldwell reveals the many qualities and levels of her character is beautiful. When this strong, fierce Lord and quiet yet stubborn lady meet, a whirlwind of emotions and long hidden secrets emerge and make for a very excellent love story, tense and veiled at times and uplifting and gentle at other times. That’s one of the many draws of this very talented writer as the journey of her flawed characters is never easy and more than a little rocky before the outcome is known.
Filled with highly charged personalities and tearfully tender emotions, I strongly recommend “The Bluestocking”. I received an arc for my honest opinion which is given here, but I also purchase for my own collection.
July 28, 2019
The Bluestocking ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️by Christi Caldwell
This is story is a love triangle, but not the usual kind we hear. It is a love between sister and brother and father and son.
Gertrude was the eldest Killoran sister, she had been blinded in one eye by her father. Her family often under estimated her abilities and she was charged with taking care of her siblings. When Stephen was brought to their so called home, he was only five and cried for his family. Gertrude became his mother and he grew to accept his life.
It was five years back when his real mother died in a fire and he was thought kidnapped. His father Lord Edwin Warwick, the Marquess of Maddock searched tirelessly for his son. He was ostracized by friends and family because he did not protect his pregnant wife and child.
When negotiations are made and Stephen is located, Gertrude takes him to his father’s.
Gertrude refuses to leave Stephen with this stranger. So here is the love triangle I spoke of.
With the power of the pen Christi Caldwell tears your heart out for them. Edwin deserves happiness and so does Gertrude but how? How can there be happiness for the three.
I have been a fan of Ms Caldwell for years and she always manages to bring her characters to life and the read to their knees. I loved this book. A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection.
This is story is a love triangle, but not the usual kind we hear. It is a love between sister and brother and father and son.
Gertrude was the eldest Killoran sister, she had been blinded in one eye by her father. Her family often under estimated her abilities and she was charged with taking care of her siblings. When Stephen was brought to their so called home, he was only five and cried for his family. Gertrude became his mother and he grew to accept his life.
It was five years back when his real mother died in a fire and he was thought kidnapped. His father Lord Edwin Warwick, the Marquess of Maddock searched tirelessly for his son. He was ostracized by friends and family because he did not protect his pregnant wife and child.
When negotiations are made and Stephen is located, Gertrude takes him to his father’s.
Gertrude refuses to leave Stephen with this stranger. So here is the love triangle I spoke of.
With the power of the pen Christi Caldwell tears your heart out for them. Edwin deserves happiness and so does Gertrude but how? How can there be happiness for the three.
I have been a fan of Ms Caldwell for years and she always manages to bring her characters to life and the read to their knees. I loved this book. A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection.
May 12, 2019
Unfortunately this was a DNF for me at 29%. I really wanted to like it but I could tell it was a part of a series and I had missed out on a lot to put the storyline of this book into context.
.
The hero thought his son dead for 7 years but now finally has him back. However, his son comes with a lot of baggage including the crime family he was raised with. Upon returning to his father’s care his adopted sister decides to come with him to smooth his transition against all warnings from everyone.
.
I couldn’t really connect to either of the main characters by this point and really I should have been able to. The hero is continually described as mad yet I saw no signs of it. The writing felt heavy and I avoided picking up the book to read it.
.
The hero thought his son dead for 7 years but now finally has him back. However, his son comes with a lot of baggage including the crime family he was raised with. Upon returning to his father’s care his adopted sister decides to come with him to smooth his transition against all warnings from everyone.
.
I couldn’t really connect to either of the main characters by this point and really I should have been able to. The hero is continually described as mad yet I saw no signs of it. The writing felt heavy and I avoided picking up the book to read it.
June 23, 2025
KU. Mad About Series HRBC Challenge 2025. Tropes: Regency Romance, Family/Friends, Disabled MC's, Grumpy/Sunshine, Kidnapping Abduction ( in the past, seven years ago), Enemies to Lovers, Widower, Singe-Parent-Child, Ugly Duckling, Class Difference, Bluestocking-Governess-Companion.
MC's h. Gertrude Killoran (Diggory), oldest sister of Killoran's: Broderick (Regina), Gertrude, Ophelia (Conner) & Cleo (Adrian) and little brother Stephen.
H. Edwin Maddock, Marquess of Maddock, lost his family in a housefire. Didn't give up looking for his son. Opehelia and Conner discovered their little brother Stephen was actually the Marquess's son.
This is a rather sad story of a father and son reuiniting after the son was abducted. Stephen doesn't remember anything from his past and doesn't want to leave his family. The Marquess knows about his son but doesn't rush into retrieve him home. He waits. Eventually Getrude decides to accompany Stephen to the Marquess's home. The Marquess at first is livid that someone dared to come with Stephen but Geraldine is not afraid of the Marquess and makes logical sense of why she needs to stay to help Stephen with his transition period. The Marquess (Edwin ) is terrified. He has been living in isolation for seven years and is known as the Mad Marquess. People believed he killed his own family. Now that Stephen had returned he has just stayed holed up in his study. He doesn't know how to relate or reach his son.
Luckily Gertrude knows how to help both Edwin and Stephan learn to accept each other. She encouraged Edwin to accompany them to design furniture for Stephan with hidden compartments designed by Draven in St. Giles instead of Bond Street and to go to Gunters for ices, Hyde Park to skip stones in the Serpentine. Gertrude is empathetic and listens to Edwin. Edwin shows Gertrude the same regard. He starts to see her as a loving human who truly took care of Stephan while he lived with the Killoran's. She can see Edwin truly loves his son. Stephan starts to enjoy his time spent with both Gertrude and Edwin.
Edwin sees Gertrude as a desirable woman and one night after they shared their stories he kissed her, but they were interupted by Stephen. The next time he almost kissed Gertrude was in Hyde Park and they were interupted by Edwin's brother in law who wanted to be introduced to his nephew. But Stephen put him off. One night in front of the fire Edwin and Gertrude were enjoying each other's company and he kissed her again and told her he desired her. They make love, this time without any interuptions. Gertrude was happy to have the chance at making love, as she felt she would be a spinster.
Will Edwin and Gertrude find love? Can they overcome all the obstacles thrown their way? Will Edwin find peace and forgiveness for all the wrongs done to him and his family?
This is a story of love and forgiveness but also one of a HEA for all the Killoran's. Peace at last.
I gave this 4 stars. The love story was secondary to all the hard work of healing relationships and forgiveness.
MC's h. Gertrude Killoran (Diggory), oldest sister of Killoran's: Broderick (Regina), Gertrude, Ophelia (Conner) & Cleo (Adrian) and little brother Stephen.
H. Edwin Maddock, Marquess of Maddock, lost his family in a housefire. Didn't give up looking for his son. Opehelia and Conner discovered their little brother Stephen was actually the Marquess's son.
This is a rather sad story of a father and son reuiniting after the son was abducted. Stephen doesn't remember anything from his past and doesn't want to leave his family. The Marquess knows about his son but doesn't rush into retrieve him home. He waits. Eventually Getrude decides to accompany Stephen to the Marquess's home. The Marquess at first is livid that someone dared to come with Stephen but Geraldine is not afraid of the Marquess and makes logical sense of why she needs to stay to help Stephen with his transition period. The Marquess (Edwin ) is terrified. He has been living in isolation for seven years and is known as the Mad Marquess. People believed he killed his own family. Now that Stephen had returned he has just stayed holed up in his study. He doesn't know how to relate or reach his son.
Luckily Gertrude knows how to help both Edwin and Stephan learn to accept each other. She encouraged Edwin to accompany them to design furniture for Stephan with hidden compartments designed by Draven in St. Giles instead of Bond Street and to go to Gunters for ices, Hyde Park to skip stones in the Serpentine. Gertrude is empathetic and listens to Edwin. Edwin shows Gertrude the same regard. He starts to see her as a loving human who truly took care of Stephan while he lived with the Killoran's. She can see Edwin truly loves his son. Stephan starts to enjoy his time spent with both Gertrude and Edwin.
Edwin sees Gertrude as a desirable woman and one night after they shared their stories he kissed her, but they were interupted by Stephen. The next time he almost kissed Gertrude was in Hyde Park and they were interupted by Edwin's brother in law who wanted to be introduced to his nephew. But Stephen put him off. One night in front of the fire Edwin and Gertrude were enjoying each other's company and he kissed her again and told her he desired her. They make love, this time without any interuptions. Gertrude was happy to have the chance at making love, as she felt she would be a spinster.
Will Edwin and Gertrude find love? Can they overcome all the obstacles thrown their way? Will Edwin find peace and forgiveness for all the wrongs done to him and his family?
This is a story of love and forgiveness but also one of a HEA for all the Killoran's. Peace at last.
I gave this 4 stars. The love story was secondary to all the hard work of healing relationships and forgiveness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2019
4.5 stars
ALL of the books are connected—I think even beyond just these two series, but these are the ones I know—so even though within the series they should be read in order, her works should probably be read in order of publication overall, because even when a new series starts, it's not really the "true" beginning.
SUMMARY. Gertrude is the last of the Killoran siblings—well, of the adult Killoran siblings—left unwed, and this story centers around her and the youngest Killoran sibling, who isn't really a Killoran at all. Their connections are not based on blood as it is, but when it comes to Stephen, the youngest of them, the story is even more complicated, as it has been uncovered in earlier books in the series that he was actually born the son of a marquess.
When Stephen was 4 years old, his parents' home was burned down, his pregnant mother murdered, and he was stolen away—all because of Mac Diggory, a man who played the villain in an earlier series, and whose legacy has lived on and driven multiple plotlines (and love stories) long past his death. Diggory is also the real father—in bloodline only—of Gertrude, our heroine.
This creates quite a setup, since our hero is Stephen's father, Edwin. So yeah, QUITE the star-crossed pair we have here (that remains a steady theme throughout this series—like I said, Diggory casts a long shadow). This book starts heavy with emotion, and all of it understandable: Stephen, an already angry and somewhat troubled boy, is being torn away from the only family and life he has known; Edwin, who has lived steeped in grief for 7 years and in isolation, with everyone thinking he murdered his wife and child, has finally recovered his son, only to be hated and mistrusted by him; and Gertrude, who feels like she has always been the weak one of the family, is having to watch the boy she almost considers a son be ripped away from her and she feels powerless to do anything about it, and so takes everyone by surprise, including herself, by insisting she be allowed to accompany Stephen and then stay with him.
Caldwell does it all superbly though, and all three of these characters, who each play a central role, are very well developed and engender so much sympathy from the reader. I found Stephen a bit annoying at times, as I have in the previous books—especially in how he seems to look down on Gertrude—but he started to win me over.
MAIN CHARACTERS. I absolutely adored Gertrude. Her self-doubt is palpable and every time we would get just a few flashes of it in stark detail, it broke my heart. How she saw herself as the weak one and as if she was a burden, how she doubted her self-worth ... I was rooting for her so much right from the beginning. Because Caldwell does such a good job of this though, I actually think she should have faltered a bit more, or we should have seen it, when she has her first stand-off with Edwin. This may be a seemingly small thing—it probably is—but from previous books, from the intro, and from the rest of the book, we know how her doubts plague her, so their first encounter almost seemed a bit of a stretch, in terms of how well she holds her own. Now, it is believable, because she's doing it all for Stephen, but still.
Now on to Edwin, who was also superb! He is a broken man at the beginning of this book, and how could he not be?! His life has been a hell and now, while this miracle has occurred, he's also still at a complete loss and in some ways more terrified than ever—his shame, and guilt, and grief are now embodied in one little boy whom he thinks he failed and whose hate for him is clear as day every time their eyes meet. Not only is there no rulebook or guidebook on how to deal with this insane situation he finds himself in, but he is also struggling through it all alone, having long been abandoned by most everyone else in the world.
I loved the two of them together and for each other. They were a perfect match in so many ways and I enjoyed so much watching their relationship develop, while also seeing Edwin and Stephen start to form a bond.
BOTTOM LINE. Overall, SUCH a great read! I would recommend it to EVERYONE, though as I mentioned at the beginning, I do think it's helpful if the books are read in order.
(If you see my reading updates, you'll note I had a bit (ha! a bit) of a freakout at ~70%, and that was completely deserved; you'll understand when you read it).
Caldwell's Sinful Brides Series
Book 1 — The Rogue's Wager (4.5 stars)
Book 2 — The Scoundrel's Honor (4.5 stars)
Book 3 — The Lady's Guard (4-4.5 stars)
Book 4 — The Heiress's Deception (4 stars)
Caldwell's Wicked Wallflowers Series
Book 1 — The Hellion (4 stars)
Book 2 — The Vixen (4.5 stars)
Book 3 — The Governess (TBR)
Book 4 — The Bluestocking (4.5 stars)
Book 5 — The Spitfire (TBR)
Other Caldwell Books I've Loved (and Enjoyed Out of Order)
The Lady Who Loved Him (The Brethren, #2) — 4.5 stars
Tempted by a Lady's Smile (Lords of Honor, #4) — 4 stars
To Tempt a Scoundrel (The Heart of a Duke, #15) — 4 stars
And then there are a bunch of 2-star reads ... it's the weirdest thing, but there you are! I either adore her books or hate them. 🤷
He kissed her as though he sought to memorize the feel and taste of her. As if she were the only woman in the world. And she, Gertrude Killoran, long invisible to all, felt what it was to be wanted and hungered for . . . and so very much alive because of it.Christ Caldwell continues to delight me with her historical romances! She's an extremely prolific author, even for the genre, and yet it took me a longtime to finally read some of her books. For some reason, her earlier works, even when I've gone back and tried them, haven't done it for me, but her recent ones have always been hits, this being the second series of hers now that I absolutely loved ("Sinful Brides" and now "Wicked Wallflowers"). Note I did skip the book right before this in the series, though not for any particular reason.
ALL of the books are connected—I think even beyond just these two series, but these are the ones I know—so even though within the series they should be read in order, her works should probably be read in order of publication overall, because even when a new series starts, it's not really the "true" beginning.
SUMMARY. Gertrude is the last of the Killoran siblings—well, of the adult Killoran siblings—left unwed, and this story centers around her and the youngest Killoran sibling, who isn't really a Killoran at all. Their connections are not based on blood as it is, but when it comes to Stephen, the youngest of them, the story is even more complicated, as it has been uncovered in earlier books in the series that he was actually born the son of a marquess.
When Stephen was 4 years old, his parents' home was burned down, his pregnant mother murdered, and he was stolen away—all because of Mac Diggory, a man who played the villain in an earlier series, and whose legacy has lived on and driven multiple plotlines (and love stories) long past his death. Diggory is also the real father—in bloodline only—of Gertrude, our heroine.
This creates quite a setup, since our hero is Stephen's father, Edwin. So yeah, QUITE the star-crossed pair we have here (that remains a steady theme throughout this series—like I said, Diggory casts a long shadow). This book starts heavy with emotion, and all of it understandable: Stephen, an already angry and somewhat troubled boy, is being torn away from the only family and life he has known; Edwin, who has lived steeped in grief for 7 years and in isolation, with everyone thinking he murdered his wife and child, has finally recovered his son, only to be hated and mistrusted by him; and Gertrude, who feels like she has always been the weak one of the family, is having to watch the boy she almost considers a son be ripped away from her and she feels powerless to do anything about it, and so takes everyone by surprise, including herself, by insisting she be allowed to accompany Stephen and then stay with him.
Caldwell does it all superbly though, and all three of these characters, who each play a central role, are very well developed and engender so much sympathy from the reader. I found Stephen a bit annoying at times, as I have in the previous books—especially in how he seems to look down on Gertrude—but he started to win me over.
MAIN CHARACTERS. I absolutely adored Gertrude. Her self-doubt is palpable and every time we would get just a few flashes of it in stark detail, it broke my heart. How she saw herself as the weak one and as if she was a burden, how she doubted her self-worth ... I was rooting for her so much right from the beginning. Because Caldwell does such a good job of this though, I actually think she should have faltered a bit more, or we should have seen it, when she has her first stand-off with Edwin. This may be a seemingly small thing—it probably is—but from previous books, from the intro, and from the rest of the book, we know how her doubts plague her, so their first encounter almost seemed a bit of a stretch, in terms of how well she holds her own. Now, it is believable, because she's doing it all for Stephen, but still.
Now on to Edwin, who was also superb! He is a broken man at the beginning of this book, and how could he not be?! His life has been a hell and now, while this miracle has occurred, he's also still at a complete loss and in some ways more terrified than ever—his shame, and guilt, and grief are now embodied in one little boy whom he thinks he failed and whose hate for him is clear as day every time their eyes meet. Not only is there no rulebook or guidebook on how to deal with this insane situation he finds himself in, but he is also struggling through it all alone, having long been abandoned by most everyone else in the world.
I loved the two of them together and for each other. They were a perfect match in so many ways and I enjoyed so much watching their relationship develop, while also seeing Edwin and Stephen start to form a bond.
BOTTOM LINE. Overall, SUCH a great read! I would recommend it to EVERYONE, though as I mentioned at the beginning, I do think it's helpful if the books are read in order.
(If you see my reading updates, you'll note I had a bit (ha! a bit) of a freakout at ~70%, and that was completely deserved; you'll understand when you read it).
Caldwell's Sinful Brides Series
Book 1 — The Rogue's Wager (4.5 stars)
Book 2 — The Scoundrel's Honor (4.5 stars)
Book 3 — The Lady's Guard (4-4.5 stars)
Book 4 — The Heiress's Deception (4 stars)
Caldwell's Wicked Wallflowers Series
Book 1 — The Hellion (4 stars)
Book 2 — The Vixen (4.5 stars)
Book 3 — The Governess (TBR)
Book 4 — The Bluestocking (4.5 stars)
Book 5 — The Spitfire (TBR)
Other Caldwell Books I've Loved (and Enjoyed Out of Order)
The Lady Who Loved Him (The Brethren, #2) — 4.5 stars
Tempted by a Lady's Smile (Lords of Honor, #4) — 4 stars
To Tempt a Scoundrel (The Heart of a Duke, #15) — 4 stars
And then there are a bunch of 2-star reads ... it's the weirdest thing, but there you are! I either adore her books or hate them. 🤷
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