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The Bluestocking

(Wicked Wallflowers #4)

Christi Caldwell (Goodreads Author)

4.27 · Rating details · 2,114 ratings · 224 reviews

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, S ...more

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Kindle Edition, 348 pages

Published May 7th 2019 by Montlake Romance

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2019 Historical Romance (January - June)

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· 2,114 ratings · 224 reviews

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Start your review of The Bluestocking (Wicked Wallflowers, #4)

Dec 11, 2018 Tanya Sridhar rated it it was amazing

Shelves: bluestocking, tbr-fav-auth

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.

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 th ...more

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Apr 28, 2019 Barbara Rogers rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley, iblog, xx-2019-read, author-arc

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 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. ...more

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May 07, 2019 ♥Rachel♥ rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, historical

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 ...more

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Apr 30, 2020 Gavin rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romance

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 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. ...more

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Jun 17, 2019 Robin (Bridge Four) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: books-of-my-heart, chick-i-want-to-hang-out-with, cotton-candy, chocolate-pms-day-reads, 2019-reads, historical-happiness, 4-5-stars, book-boyfriend-material, beautifully-broken-bastards, sexy

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 y ...more

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Mar 25, 2019 Christie«SHBBblogger» rated it liked it

Shelves: advanced-copy, historical-romance, part-of-a-series, set-in-england, may2019

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 ...more

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May 11, 2019 "Avonna rated it it was amazing

Shelves: gifted-from-publisher, net-galley

Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

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 Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

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!
...more

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Apr 28, 2019 Elodie rated it it was amazing

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 redemp 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! ...more

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Apr 18, 2019 Amy ~ Love At 1st Read rated it it was amazing

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 hear 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.
...more

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May 08, 2019 Shawna rated it really liked it

Shelves: author-christi-caldwell, hero-brooding, hh-rags-to-riches, historical-romance, angsty-dark-heavy-lotsa-drama, hero-dark, brothers-sisters-cousins-family, kids-cute-faves-prominent-in-story, heroine-ridiculedteasedbullied-past, hero-recluse-loner-lonewolf

4 stars - Historical Romance

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Jul 30, 2019 Lu rated it it was amazing

Shelves: great-stories, enemies-to-lovers, heroines-courageous, cross-class, heros-so-honorable, heroines-best, heros-courageous, heros-alpha, heros-most-loveable, heros-so-smart

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!

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Apr 01, 2019 TJ rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2019-reads, historical-romance

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 sl ...more

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May 05, 2019 Sissy's Romance Book Review rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc-author-publisher, series, amazon-unlimited, 2019-read, trt, 100-stars, arc-netgalley, kindle-sent, 5-star, boc-selection

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 up 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! ...more

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Jun 12, 2019 Somia rated it liked it

Shelves: historical-romance

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 stayi 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. ...more

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Apr 28, 2019 Lori Quick rated it it was amazing

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. ...more

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Sep 12, 2019 Lubnaa (Romance Library) rated it really liked it

Shelves: beautiful-cover-stepback, enemies-to-lovers, own-ebook, grumpy-heroes, 2019, historical-romance, heroine-survivor-of-abuse

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 compl 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. ...more

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May 19, 2019 Lori Meehan rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 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 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!
...more

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May 05, 2019 Janet rated it it was amazing

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 ...more

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May 10, 2019 Cheryl rated it it was amazing

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 mos ...more

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May 13, 2019 Dee Deacon Foster rated it it was amazing

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!

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Dec 17, 2019 〰️Beth〰️ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: track-roms, romance-historical

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

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May 04, 2019 Sarah rated it it was amazing

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.

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May 05, 2019 Susan rated it it was amazing

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 ...more

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Apr 26, 2019 Joann Maggio rated it it was amazing

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 accep ...more

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May 12, 2019 Juliana Philippa rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 4-to-5-stars, 4-half-stars, hr-hero-black-sheep-rebel-outcast, hr-hero-early-to-mid-30s, series, series-book-4, hr-hero-rough-haunted-tortured, 4-half-to-5-romance-historicals, 4-half-to-5-romance-books, hr-heroine-early-to-mid-20s

4.5 stars

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, ev ...more

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Apr 29, 2019 Niki (mustreadalltheromance) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, tortured-hero, enemies-to-lovers, best-couples, best-heroes, damaged-hero, widow-widower, arc, swoonworthy, steamy

These two learn that love and hate are two sides of the same coin.

Overlooked and under-appreciated even by her own siblings, Gertrude Killoran is seen as weak for her partial blindness and her motherly tendencies and willingness to show compassion. Her adopted brother of the streets, Stephen, has been found and reclaimed by his true father, a man known as the Mad Marquess, who has been threatening Gertrude's brother, Broderick, for his inadvertent role in Stephen's initial kidnapping.

Lord Edwin, These two learn that love and hate are two sides of the same coin.

Overlooked and under-appreciated even by her own siblings, Gertrude Killoran is seen as weak for her partial blindness and her motherly tendencies and willingness to show compassion. Her adopted brother of the streets, Stephen, has been found and reclaimed by his true father, a man known as the Mad Marquess, who has been threatening Gertrude's brother, Broderick, for his inadvertent role in Stephen's initial kidnapping.

Lord Edwin, the Marquess of Maddock, is haunted by the deadly fire that claimed the lives of his wife and unborn child and the resulted in the kidnapping of his son. Now reviled by the ton as a mad murderer, Edwin hides away from the world and has all but forgotten how to interact with people at all. He's determined to keep his son away from the hated Killorans from now on, until Gertrude muddles his plans by forcing her way into the marquess' household along with Stephen and stubbornly refusing to leave. Edwin thinks he's finally found someone more insane than he is but, in the interest of what is best for Stephen, he reluctantly agrees to allow Gertrude to remain and help him select a suitable governess for Stephen. She is only meant to stay for a fortnight per their bargain, but the more time Edwin spends with Gertrude, the more he admires her and his hatred of her morphs into understanding, healing and eventually even deeper feelings and Edwin begins to want her to stay.

I've loved this series and each successive hero becomes a new favorite for me. The Mad Marquess has been a villain in other installments of this series and I was so looking forward to his story. I'm a sucker for a tortured hero and Edwin certainly delivered: after a hate filled marriage that ended in tragedy and led to him being even more widely hated and shunned, he was a broken man filled with fear, rage and hatred. Gentle, deceptively strong Gertrude was perfect for him and just what he needed to bring him back into the light.

I devoured this book and couldn't put it down, but at the same time I kept wanting to slow myself down to savor it. I'll definitely be rereading. I can't say enough good thinks about this book! It was fabulous!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ...more

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May 12, 2019 romancebookjunkie rated it did not like it

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.
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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 ...more

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May 23, 2019 herdys rated it really liked it

I picked this one out when I saw it on the this month's newsletter. I haven't liked many Christi Caldwell books but this one was the perfect one to pick!

I didn't know anything about the other characters, but it wasn't that hard to keep up. I'm a fan of slowburns, and while this one wasn't technically one, it had some tropes I really liked. Making each other better, enemies to lovers and faling in love after watching him/her being great with kids (don't know if that is a thing, but I love it xD)

E ...more

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May 09, 2019 Pj Ausdenmore rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-2019, romance-historical, 5-star-reads-2019

I read a lot of books. Some don't work for me. Others, I like. Some, I love. Then there are those few that are special, that check my boxes, engage my mind, capture my heart. Those stories that pull me from my world into the world of the author's creation, fully immersing me in the hearts and minds of the characters - characters I come to know and love and wish I could meet in person. Characters who linger in my mind long after I turn the last page. Characters who, even as I read their final wor ...more

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Oct 03, 2019 Elaine rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fave-authors, kindlefire, regency

I didn't think I was going to like this story (and I don't know why). I loved it. This story was touching, so incredibly endearing. It was enjoyable to read. 5☆ ...more

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About Christi Caldwell

Christi Caldwell

1,816 followers

USA 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 ...more