Book Review with Featured Author: Along Came a Lady by Christi Caldwell

Along Came a Lady by Christi Caldwell

 

Publisher & Release: Berkley, August 24, 2021

Setting:  Regency England

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 316 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

The brooding, illegitimate son of a duke meets his match in the determined woman hired to transform him into a gentleman from USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell—perfect for fans of Bridgerton.

Rafe Audley lives to thwart his father, the Duke of Bentley. The ne’er do well who abandoned his children claims he wants to make up for his failures, but Rafe only cares about protecting the people of his mining community and providing for his three siblings, who've been his sole responsibility since childhood. So far, Rafe has turned away the duke's man of affairs, solicitor, and other interlopers, until the clever duke sends the unlikeliest of people to convince Rafe to join English High Society—a bold and intriguing woman.

Edwina Dalrymple has never failed a charge. She's quite adept at successfully transforming young women of the gentry and daughters of newly minted lords to take their place in society. Taming a bastard son of a duke will be child's play, plus this job promises to enhance her reputation within the ton. All she has to do is fetch the wayward Rafe and groom him to be presentable to Polite Society. 

As the tenacious teacher and her domineering, stubborn, refuses-to-be-taught pupil engage in a fiery battle of wills, their chemistry ignites and the true lesson becomes clear: opposites attract and hearts must be heard.

 

Buy Links:

 

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Along-Came-Lady-Dukes-Sins-ebook/dp/B08TTWF6VB

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/along-came-a-lady-christi-caldwell/1138668537

KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/along-came-a-lady

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Christi_Caldwell_Along_Came_a_Lady?id=8bMWEAAAQBAJ

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Along-Came-a-Lady-Audiobook/0593458273?qid=1629401241&sr=1-1&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=850HKKPBFDJ5847DFJFA

 

Add to Goodreads & BookBub:

 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56982982-along-came-a-lady

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/along-came-a-lady-by-christi-caldwell

 

Vikki’s Musings

 

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary digital copy of Along Came a Lady by Christi Caldwell. I voluntarily agreed to read and review this emotional novel prior to publication. My opinions are my own, and nothing has influenced my rating.

 

Along Came a Lady is another well-written Regency romance with delightful characters and a heartfelt plot. The pacing pulled me in from the first page and held my attention to the last, and there’s no slow-down in the middle!

 

Edwina Dalrymple is the lovely heroine. She’d had to find a path professionally that will give her access to the ton as a woman who can train young debutantes to face the rigors of high society. Because of her illegitimacy, she carries a lot of shame and doesn’t believe she can fit in anywhere. I could feel her emotions and sympathized with her. I loved her grit and her never take no for an answer!

 

Rafe Audley is the hero, and his loyalty to his family won me over right away. He’s had to carve out a place of importance as a foreman in the coal mine. When his powerful father finds a way to circumvent his determination to never give in to the man who sired him and abandoned him and his sibling, my heart went out to him.

 

The romance between Edwina and Rafe is sweet and grows into what I believe is an abiding love. Another aspect of this romantic tale is the sexual tension between the pair. I love this in Regency romance. I truly wanted them to find their way to each other. This is difficult since both suffer from feelings of abandonment and find it nearly impossible to trust anyone. At least Rafe has his siblings who support and love him. Edwina has no one.

 

If you enjoy Regency romance with endearing characters and an emotionally charged plot, then you will love Along Came a Lady. Ms. Caldwell is an amazing author. I have yet to read one of her books that didn’t pull on my heartstrings. Happy reading!

 

Author Bio:

 

USA TODAY Bestselling, RITA-nominated author CHRISTI CALDWELL blames Julie Garwood and Judith McNaught 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 southern Connecticut where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances and caring for her three spirited children! 

If you'd like the latest information about Christi's releases, future books, and free bonus material, be sure and subscribe to her newsletter! 

 

Social Media:

Website: http://christicaldwell.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorChristiCaldwell/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/christicaldwell

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5297089.Christi_Caldwell

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christicaldwellauthor/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/caldwell0119/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/christi-caldwell

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author

 

 

Book Review featuring author, Christi Caldwell: In the Dark with the Duke

In the Dark with the Duke by Christi Caldwell

Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, June 9, 2020

Time and setting:  Regency England, London

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 365 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

A lady of reserve and a fierce street fighter find common ground in the second Lost Lords of London novel by USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell.

Eight years ago, Lady Lila March retreated to the safe shadows of her family’s estate after a devastating tragedy. Weary of being a whisper of her former self, she is determined to brave the dangers of the outside world again. No man is better equipped to train her in the art of defense than the Savage Gentleman, East London’s undefeated street fighter.

Hugh Savage reigns as king—of the underworld. Physically invulnerable, emotionally battered, he has his reasons for bare-knuckle brawling. Though Hugh longs to break free of the ring and leave behind the brutal world of violence, he’s intrigued by the challenge Lady Lila poses. A mysterious lady of the peerage willfully descending into the dangerous rookeries? That bespeaks a woman with secrets of her own.

As their unconventional pact progresses, Hugh comes to admire the resolve in Lila’s heart. And beneath his hard surface, she sees a tenderness that touches her to the quick. They’ll soon discover how much they need each other—to face their pasts together, and to fight for a future they deserve.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B081Q85J76/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i3

Barnes & Noble: 

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-the-dark-with-the-duke-christi-caldwell

Add to Goodreads:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48922899-in-the-dark-with-the-duke

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy for the purpose of reading and reviewing In the Dark with the Earl by Christi Caldwell prior to publication. A delightful Regence romance. My opinions are my own and no one has influenced them.

In the Dark with the Duke is book 2 in Ms. Caldwell’s Lost Lords of London series. It’s another well-written novel with engaging characters and a unique plot. The writing is emotional and tugged at my heart. This novel had a slow beginning, but once I reached beyond the halfway point, the pacing picked up and engaged me, keeping enmeshed for the rest of the book.

Lady Lila March’s character is feisty and determined to protect herself, so she asks the hero to teach her fighting moves. I understood her desire to learn the skills needed to protect herself and her loved ones. I identified with her insecurities regarding her injuries received years before. My heart ached for all she’d suffered.

Hugh Savage is an intriguing hero. He’s lived in the underbelly of London from his earliest memories until his time in the Army. His memories of the horrifying battles plague him. He hates what he does and craves a way to leave his wretched career as a fighter, but he owes the two men who gave him succor after his time in the military. I experienced his pain and his bewilderment when he learns he’s inherited his title. I also understood his fears regarding allowing Lila into his life.

The romance between Lila and Hugh is sweet and more of a slow burn than blazing passion. Although there is plenty of desire on both sides. The emotions behind their love story is much more about their emotions than the physical attraction, which is something I enjoy in romance.

If you enjoy Regency romance with characters who will touch your heart and an emotionally charged plot, then you will love In the Dark with the Duke as much as I. This novel is a great addition to Ms. Caldwell’s newest series. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

USA TODAY Bestselling, RITA-nominated author CHRISTI CALDWELL blames Julie Garwood and Judith McNaught 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 southern Connecticut where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances and caring for her three spirited children! 

If you'd like the latest information about Christi's releases, future books, and free bonus material, be sure and subscribe to her newsletter! 

Social Media:

Website: http://christicaldwell.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorChristiCaldwell/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/christicaldwell

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5297089.Christi_Caldwell

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christicaldwellauthor/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/caldwell0119/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/christi-caldwell

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author

Book Review with Featured Author: In Bed with the Earl by Christi Caldwell

In Bed with the Earl by Christi Caldwell

Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, March 17, 2020

Time and setting:  Regency England, London

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 383 PagesHeat Level: 1 Flame

Rating:  4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

To solve a mystery that’s become the talk of the ton, no clues run too deep for willful reporter Verity Lovelace. Not even in the sewers of London. That’s precisely where she finds happily self-sufficient scavenger Malcom North, lost heir to the Earl of Maxwell. Now that Verity’s made him front-page news, what will he make of her?

Kidnapped as a child, with no memories of his well-heeled past, Malcom prefers the grimy spoils of the culverts to the gilded riches of society. Damn the feisty beauty who exposed the contented tosher to a parade of fortune-hunting matchmakers. How to keep them at bay? Verity must pretend to be his wife. She owes him.

The intimacy of this necessary arrangement—Verity and Malcom thrust together in close quarters—soon sparks an irresistible heat. But when the charade ends, the danger begins. Will love be enough to protect them from a treacherous plot devised to ruin them?

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Earl-Lost-Lords-London-Book-ebook/dp/B07SYJ5DVP

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-bed-with-the-earl-christi-caldwell

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49632080-in-bed-with-the-earl

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the chance to read and review In Bed with the Earl by Christi Caldwell. A Regency Romance. My opinions are my own and are not influence by the complimentary copy.

In Bed with the Earl is the first book in Christi Caldwell’s new series, The Lost Lords of London, and a great beginning. I can always count on an emotionally charged story, and this book delivers that expectation. The pacing is good and kept me engaged from the start.

Verity Lovelace is our heroine. She has a gossip column with a London paper and is working on solving the mystery of the Earl of Maxwell. She is also responsible for her young sister, and while she’s the daughter of an earl, she’s illegitimate. She’s been on her own since the earl passed. I enjoyed her feistiness and grit. Regency England is not a place for a young woman with no resources.

Malcolm North is a fantastic hero with all the characteristics I love most. He has very few memories of his life as the heir to the Earldom. Kidnapped as a child and thrown into the seedy life in the underbelly of London, he’s ill prepared to assume the title when he’s found. As a tosher who crawls through the sewers looking for lost treasurers, he has no use for London Society. I could feel his frustrations when he believes Verity will do anything for her story.

In Bed with the Earl has all the sexual tension I love in Regency romance. The Irresistible pull between Verity and Malcolm is combustible. Each have their own reason to believe they aren’t what the other needs. I’m pleased they overcame the obstacles in their path to true love.

If you enjoy historical romance with plenty of deep emotion and characters that you’ll fall in love with, then you will love this novel as much as I. This is a great start to Christi Caldwell’s new series. I can’t wait to read the next one. Happy reading!

Excerpt:

“May I help you, Miss Lovelace?” 

That lethal purr sounded from the front of the room, a silky taunt. 

With a gasp, the page slipped from her fingers and fluttered to a damning place at her feet. 

Mr. Bram yanked the cloths from his eyes, and he took in Verity beside Mr. North’s open desk. And all the color left his face. “Oh, bloody hell.” 

Oh, bloody hell, indeed. And all thoughts of having been rescued by a savior, and even the importance of this story, fled in the face of the danger staring back at her in his ruthless gaze. 

He is going to kill me… 

Verity swallowed hard. “If you’ll excuse us?” Mr. North murmured. 

Verity took a step toward the door. 

“Not you, Miss Lovelace.” 

Mr. Bram climbed awkwardly to his feet. “Oi’m so sorry,” he said hoarsely, an apology that went ignored by Mr. North. 

Her heart lurched. Every muscle in her body lurched. This was bad. Which would have been the understated statement of the century. She curled her toes into the soles of her borrowed slippers and followed the stranger’s—nay, he was no longer a stranger in name—the Earl of Maxwell’s gaze. As dread slowly wound its way through her, Verity curled those digits all the tighter. 

And as it was all the easier to focus on matters within her control, she looked to her older patient as he limped across the room. “Be sure and try out those remedies, Mr. Bram.” She felt Mr. North sharpen his gaze on her person. “And I’ve something that might help with that limp, too,” she promised. 

The older man stopped. “Do ya, now?” 

She may as well have promised him the sun, moon, and stars for the way he looked at her. “Oh, yes. You’ll require—” 

“Bram,” Mr. North snapped, and the older man instantly scuttled off, but not before flashing her an apologetic look. 

“It is really not Mr. Bram’s fault. He’s not done anything wrong. You really shouldn’t take your…” 

Not taking his eyes from her person, he reached behind him with an agonizing slowness and drew the door shut. Click. That soft but decisive snap that served as a seal of her fate. 

Just like that, Verity’s bravado flagged. She clutched at the fabric of her skirts. Wanting to be the composed reporter gathering her research, and undaunted in the face of peril. 

And she came up … pathetically empty. 

That cold smile affixed to hard lips remained in place, a grin that no person would dare mistake for anything but the feral threat it was. He pushed away from the door and started a languid stroll toward her. 

Had she truly been relieved about determining the identity of her savior and captor?

It was now all muddled. 

“Now, Miss Lovelace? If that is your name?” 

“M-my name?” Wasn’t it? Even her name eluded her in that moment. “Of course it is.” Her voice ended on a croak as he drew ever closer; the ice that frosted his gaze sprang her to the reality now facing her, the menace that spilled from his broad frame. Mayhap she’d been wrong. Because she’d experience with earls—was, in fact, the daughter of one. They were nothing like the predatory devil that stalked her now. “I am Miss Verity Lovelace. What grounds would I have to lie?” She hurried to place the chair of his desk between them as another barrier. 

He stopped his pursuit. “And how may I help you?” 

Ironically, the stranger—the gentleman—could have uttered no truer words than those. 

They fortified her, and sent resolve creeping back into her spine as she brought her shoulders back. Verity met his gaze squarely. “Are you the Earl of Maxwell?” 

Except, she already knew as much … she simply sought the confirmation from the gentleman’s mouth. 

His eyes grew shuttered, but not before she caught the flash of horror in their blue-black depths.

He was a man unaccustomed to being challenged. And his unsettledness eased away further frissons of fear. Verity slid out from behind his desk chair and glided slowly across the room. She stopped when only a handful of steps separated her from the very stranger who’d put a knife to her earlier that night. 

“Do I look like an earl?” he countered, belated with that reply—that deliberately evasive one. 

Taking that as an invitation to study him, Verity peered at Mr. North. That slightly hooked nose, which had been broken one or more times, did little to conceal the aquiline appendage that served as a signal of his birthright. The small white nicks and scars merely marred a canvas of otherwise flawless high, chiseled cheeks and a hard, square jawline. 

Glorious. Her pulse throbbed a beat harder. His features, melded with those flaws, only served to mark him beautiful in his masculinity. 

His mouth crept up in a tight, one-sided smile that didn’t meet pitiless eyes. “Did you have a good look, Miss Lovelace?” 

He’d noted her appreciation. Verity’s cheeks burnt, and she curled her toes into the soles of her borrowed slippers. He merely sought to disconcert her. It was a familiar state she’d found herself many times before, with many men before him. Feigning nonchalance, Verity gave her head a little toss. “You have the look and the tones of an earl,” she pointed out. “And more…” She gestured to those private missives she’d availed herself to. “You have letters written regarding the Baron Bolingbroke.” Verity stretched up on her tiptoes so she could at least hold his gaze and not be peered down at. “Therefore, Mr. North, I would say you are, in fact, the Earl of Maxwell, after all.”

***

Author Bio:

USA TODAY Bestselling, RITA-nominated author CHRISTI CALDWELL blames Julie Garwood and Judith McNaught 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 southern Connecticut where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances and caring for her three spirited children! 

If you'd like the latest information about Christi's releases, future books, and free bonus material, be sure and subscribe to her newsletter! 

Social Media:

Website: http://christicaldwell.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorChristiCaldwell/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/christicaldwell

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5297089.Christi_Caldwell

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christicaldwellauthor/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/caldwell0119/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/christi-caldwell

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author

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Book Review: The Spitfire by Christi Caldwell

The Spitfire by Christi Caldwell

Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, September 17, 2019

Time and setting:  Regency England

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 327 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Her dream is to open a music hall. Only one thing stands in her way—the man she loves. The final Wicked Wallflowers novel from USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell.

Leaving behind her life as a courtesan and madam, Clara Winters is moving far from the sinful life to which she was accustomed in the gaming hell the Devil’s Den. Her more reputable and fulfilling endeavor is a music hall for the masses. One night, when she sees a man injured on the streets of East London, she rushes to his aid and brings him home. It’s then that she discovers he’s Henry March, Earl of Waterson, and a member of Parliament. No good can come from playing nursemaid to a nobleman.

When Henry rouses to meet his savior in blonde curls, he is dazzled. This smart and loving spitfire challenges his every notion of the lower classes—and every moment together is a thrill. But after Henry returns to his well-ordered existence, he strikes a political compromise that has unintended consequences. Will his vision for London mean dashing the dreams of his lovely guardian angel?

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Spitfire-Wicked-Wallflowers-Book-ebook/dp/B07MYXPXM3

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-spitfire-christi-caldwell

  

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43683929-the-spitfire

Vikki’s Musings

The Spitfire by Christi Caldwell is book 5 of the Wicked Wallflowers series. I’ve read the other novels and enjoyed them, so when I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review, I quickly accepted. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

Wow, just wow! My attention was grabbed from the first page, and I remained enthralled until the end. Ms. Caldwell brings us a very unique heroine in Clara Winters. Then add a beta male hero, and you end up with a fascinating reading experience. Lots of emotional writing in The Spitfire!

Clara Winters is such an interesting and unusual heroine. She lost sight of her great love for music when a man convinces her she has no talent, other than as a courtesan. Now, she has a chance to return to her passion. Her insecurities are real and emotional, and they pulled at my heartstrings. I could understand why she feels she would be unworthy of true love.

Henry Marsh, the Earl of Waterson, is a man driven by events that happened during the Peterloo Massacre, which left his youngest sister changed forever. I could understand his drive to create a police force, but it caused him to sacrifice a few of his principles to accomplish his goal, believing that justified the means. He is not ruthless, but just unable to see anything but his goal. Until he meets Clara.

When she saves his life, he’s astonished by her willingness to put her own life in harm’s way for a stranger. He’s so mystified and drawn to her, even though he knows she was a courtesan. When his sister shows interest in music and wants Clara to give her lessons, he is so desperate to get her to agree, he lies to gain he cooperation. However, his conscience digs at him, especially after they become lovers.

The romance between Clara and Henry is tantalizing and fierce, with each having their own reasons as to why they believe it can never work. I loved the sexual tension between them. Ms. Caldwell is a master at creating that tension. Although, it seems impossible for lasting love, I truly wanted them to find their happy ending.

If you enjoy historical romance with plenty of deep emotion and characters that you’ll fall in love with, then you will love this novel as much as I. While it’s not necessary to read the other books in this series to understand The Spitfire, I do recommend reading them. They are all outstanding, and some of the secondary characters are from the previous books. Happy reading!

Excerpt:

“Ballocks,” she whispered. 

“What was that?” an amused voice drawled from the doorway. 

Screeching, Clara stopped abruptly. Mid-swing of her reticule, she lost her grip on the beaded handle. She stared on with something akin to horror, as the pale pink article sailed across the room. 

Lounging one shoulder lazily against the doorjamb, Henry shot his left hand out, and easily caught the silk and ivory piece. 

The bounder. “Of course you’d catch it,” she muttered aloud, the words escaping her. He’d be so perfectly coolly collected and triumphant that he’d catch the damned thing. 

“Should I have let it fall, Miss Waters?”

Miss Waters, was she now? That only added to her ire that morn. “Hit you.”

Henry cocked his head; and that slight movement didn’t so much as send one of those expertly combed strands out of place. “Beg pardon?” 

“You should have let it hit you.”

He grinned; that lazy half-grin better belonging to a rogue than a proper MP in Parliament. Her heart thudded. Had his smile always been that wickedly tempting; Satan’s smile in that garden of eternal damnation? As if he’d noted her interest, his smile widened.

Author Bio:

USA TODAY Bestselling, RITA-nominated author CHRISTI CALDWELL blames Julie Garwood and Judith McNaught 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 southern Connecticut where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances and caring for her three spirited children! 

Social Media:

Website: http://christicaldwell.com/

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5297089.Christi_Caldwell?from_search=true

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christicaldwellauthor

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/caldwell0119/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChristiCaldwell

Book Review: The Governess by Christi Caldwell

The Governess by Christi Caldwell

Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, February 12, 2019

Time and setting:  Regency, London

Genre: Historical Romance

Book Length:  379  Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Regina (Reggie) Spark has loved Broderick Killoran, the resourceful and protective proprietor of the Devil’s Den, ever since he saved her from the streets and made her his right hand at the notorious gaming hell. For just as long, Reggie has never admitted her true feelings for him. Nor has she revealed her spirited ambitions—to buck convention and expectations and open a music hall.

While Broderick built his gaming empire with ruthless cunning, his loyalty to his employees is boundless. So when he learns of Reggie’s plan to leave his side and take charge of her own future, the betrayal cuts Broderick to the core. He responds as he would to any business rival…with swift retribution.

Instead of wilting, the savvy Reggie rebounds with a fury that shocks Broderick and stirs a desire he’s been holding in reserve for only ladies of nobility. But as their seductive battle of wills ignites under the harsh spotlight of the London Season, secrets are exposed as well—ones that could be ruinous in decent society but invaluable for the heart.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Governess-Wicked-Wallflowers-Book-ebook/dp/B0792H5CLX

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37976051-the-governess

Vikki’s Musings

I have become a great fan of Christi Caldwell’s delightful Regency romances. When I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review The Governess, I eagerly accepted. My opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.

The Governess is another wonderful Regency with just the right amount of detail, giving me the ability to use my imagination. The pacing is great, moving the story along perfectly. The characters are engaging, and the plot riveting. I thoroughly enjoy suspense and this one has it in abundance.

Reggie’s character is easy to love. She has been part of the Killoran family for ten years, but she can no longer remain at Broderick’s side when she knows he will never return her feelings. When he learns she plans to leave, he bribes her into staying to help his sister in her introduction to society. My heart ached for Reggie. Most of the family turns against making her time with them very uncomfortable.

Broderick is a great hero, having the characteristics I love most. He is a stronger provider for his family. While they are not family by blood, it does not matter. He is a very complex character and his backstory is very heartbreaking. I was so pleased that he found his happy ending!

The chemistry between Reggie and Broderick is amazing. Ms. Caldwell is great at building the sexual tension as the story progresses, which what I love about historical romance. By the time the love scene occurs, it is burning up the pages.

If you enjoy a romance with great characters, an interesting plot with a good bit of suspense and great emotionally-charged writing, then you will love The Governess. This may very well be the best book she has written thus far. Of course, I said that about her last one! I can’t wait for the next book is this amazing series. Happy reading!