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The Governess

(Wicked Wallflowers #3)

Christi Caldwell (Goodreads Author)

4.19 · Rating details · 1,991 ratings · 238 reviews

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 ...more

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Kindle Edition, 379 pages

Published February 12th 2019 by Montlake Romance

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· 1,991 ratings · 238 reviews

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Start your review of The Governess (Wicked Wallflowers, #3)

Feb 15, 2019 Princess under cover rated it liked it

Shelves: historical-romance

It's going to be a long time before I read one of this author's books again. Thank goodness it was free! I felt free to skip liberally.

Now, this is a HR, and I've read plenty of HRs. There are hot ones and there are tame ones, but typically the focus is the passion and love between the MCs. It was way too long. And the passion and love might have been about 5-10% of the book. See my notes.

There was def push and pull, but not the kind simmering with emotion and intense yearning, etc. Just didn't ...more

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Jan 16, 2019 Christie«SHBBblogger» rated it it was amazing

Shelves: advanced-copy, mr-money-bags, historical-romance, heroine-worship, auto-buy-author, set-in-england, part-of-a-series, enemies-to-lovers, top-shelf-quality, feb-2019

Title: The Governess
Series: Wicked Wallflowers
Author: Christi Caldwell
Release date: February 12, 2019
Cliffhanger: No
Genre:historical romance

Only Broderick Killoran could issue a threat in a silken whisper that painted it as seduction instead of ruin.

Christi Caldwell has quickly become a new top favorite author in the historical romance genre for me. I recently binged on The Sinful Brides series and the first two in the Wicked Wallflowers back to back because once I started, I was utterly addict ...more

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Apr 29, 2020 Gavin rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance

This was an enjoyable third instalment in Christi Caldwell's Wicked Wallflower series. It is historical romance with a good mix of drama and romance. It also has the fun twist of focusing on two characters who were not members of the nobility but who did have pasts that intertwined with members of the nobility.

This third book focused on the leader of the Devil's Den, Broderick Killoran, as his life came under threat. With the news out about the true identity of Stephen Killoran the boys true fa This was an enjoyable third instalment in Christi Caldwell's Wicked Wallflower series. It is historical romance with a good mix of drama and romance. It also has the fun twist of focusing on two characters who were not members of the nobility but who did have pasts that intertwined with members of the nobility.

This third book focused on the leader of the Devil's Den, Broderick Killoran, as his life came under threat. With the news out about the true identity of Stephen Killoran the boys true father Lord Edwin, also known as the Mad Marquess, blames the abduction of the boy on Broderick and is determined to have his revenge. Broderick, knowing that likely means a hanging is close in his future, intends to see his final sister Gertrude settled with a noble husband to protect her after his demise so seeks to push her into a London Season. He intends to send Regina Spark with her as her companion as Reggie is the one person he has always been able to rely on to see to the needs of his family and himself. Reggie rejects the proposition, much to Broderick's shock, as she has finally decided to move on from the Killoran's, and the man she has secretly loved for years, to start a new life for herself. Saying no to him was bad enough but when it becomes clear that Reggie plans on launching an establishment that might be a potential rival to the Devil's Den Broderick feels betrayed and moves against her as he would any potential rival. So he tells himself at least as it soon becomes apparent to him that perhaps he is not ready to lose the person he has taken for granted for so long from his life!

It was a fun tale. Both Broderick and Reggie were easy to like and it was easy to root for their romance to work out as they always felt like a good pairing. The rest of the story was also fun and had a bit of tension and drama to it as Lord Edwin sought his revenge.

All in all this was an enjoyable tale that also had the benefit of setting up the next book in the series as an intriguing sounding story. It helps that the secondary characters in this series are usually a fun bunch.

Rating: 3.5 stars.

Audio Note: I think Tim Campbell did a good job with the audio. The more I listen to him the more I have learned to enjoy his narration.

...more

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Jan 09, 2019 Barbara Rogers rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley, iblog, xx-2019-read

Series: Wicked Wallflowers #3
Publication Date: 2/12/19
Number of Pages: 382

Christi Caldwell adds another gripping and intense story to her Wicked Wallflowers series. I always have to psyche myself up before I begin reading one of this author’s books. Not because the book isn’t good – they are all wonderful. No, it is because they are so intensely emotional that you will be wrung out by the time you are through with it.

The series features the Killoran’s, none of them are actually related by blood, ...more

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Feb 07, 2019 Jultri rated it liked it

Shelves: traumatised-heroine, friends-to-lovers, heroine-with-scandalous-past, secret-identity, owner-of-hell

Once again, CC has failed to impress me with this series. Unlike my previous gripes with her more recent books, at least this one doesn't have any annoyingly repetitive phrasings nor editing errors. It's main problem is that the plot was too convoluted, branching out into subplots none of which were terribly convincing. For those who have not read the earlier books, it might be a bit hard to follow the plot initially.

Broderick Killoran has been running the gambling hell, Devil's Den, for many y Once again, CC has failed to impress me with this series. Unlike my previous gripes with her more recent books, at least this one doesn't have any annoyingly repetitive phrasings nor editing errors. It's main problem is that the plot was too convoluted, branching out into subplots none of which were terribly convincing. For those who have not read the earlier books, it might be a bit hard to follow the plot initially.

Broderick Killoran has been running the gambling hell, Devil's Den, for many years with his family. Regina Spark has been considered as honorary family member, since he rescued her from desperate straits 10 years ago. Truth be told, she is as much family as his adopted 3 sisters and younger brother, neither one of which share a drop of blood in common with him, but all have his heart and loyalty nevertheless. Following a harrowing past, battling for survival in the notorious Dials, they now live a comfortable existence but the harmony is coming to end through a few life-changing revelations. Firstly, his 11 year old 'brother' whom he thought he'd rescued as an orphaned toddler turns out to be not so orphaned after all. In fact, Stephen is the son of a much alive Marquess, one raging, powerful man who is out for revenge after learning that Broderick might in fact have been responsible for the kidnapping of his only child. Betrayed by an old associate, he never expected also to be back-stabbed by one of his most trusted, Reggie, whom he has learnt is planning to leave the Den to finance a competing business nearby taking with her some of his best employees. So while trying to rescue his neck from the wrath of the Marquess, Broderick has to deal with her unexpected treachery as well as ensuring the welfare of Stephen and his remaining unmarried sister in case of the collapse of their business establishment.

Despite her 10 years at the Den and her closeness with Broderick and his siblings, Regina has always consciously remained slightly apart from them, separated by her secret past shame and untenable, suppressed love for Broderick. She knows it is time for her to move on, before her heart makes her vulnerable once more to the power and will of a man, even if Broderick is far more honorable and decent than the monster who abused her body and trust in her youth. Only the honorable and decent Broderick is no more once her perfidious plans has been revealed to him - replaced by an enraged and punishing man she can barely recognise . He forces her to serve as companion to his unmarried sister, as he has hopes for the latter to secure a noble match. Of course, the stormy fury between them ignites passion like never before.

There are so many holes in plot I don't even know where to start. Why on earth would a music hall be considered competition to a gambling den, when they obviously attract completely different clienteles? Why would Broderick want Regina, a known Den employee, to serve as companion to his sister, when that is going to reduce Gertrude's chance of success? Broderick and his 'siblings' refer to her as family, but noone really treated her fully as such and most were only too happy to condemn her once they found out her plans, without wondering about her motives. Why would the Marquess be pledging revenge on Broderick, if he did not believe that Stephen was really his son? Instead of panicking about his imminent death, why did Broderick not work at convincing the Marquess of the truth as his words should hold more power than that of a good-for-nothing crim? Gertrude was supposedly almost blind, but there was no indication as such in the way she moved, and she even read the newspaper! There were more, but it's getting late and I need to wrap this up.

I think, I'm writing off this series but might try CC's next series out.

This was an ARC provided by NetGalley. ...more

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Jan 14, 2019 Tanya Sridhar rated it liked it

Shelves: hero-that-has-a-troubled-past, three-and-a-half-stars, took-too-long-to-get-to-the-point, loved-him-for-years, dysfunctional-families, angst, heroine-surprised-me, historical-romance, arc, netgalley

3.5/5 Stars.

I think after reading a staggering amount of books by Christi Caldwell, I've come to realize that you never really know if you're in for a good, bad or decent book. Some of her books, in this series itself, and her older Heart of the Duke series are dear to me, and I'll be going back to a re-read often. However, you can just never know with certainty if it'll be fabulous or not.

This book was somewhere in the "good-ish" section of CC books for me. It tethered close to the "definit 3.5/5 Stars.

I think after reading a staggering amount of books by Christi Caldwell, I've come to realize that you never really know if you're in for a good, bad or decent book. Some of her books, in this series itself, and her older Heart of the Duke series are dear to me, and I'll be going back to a re-read often. However, you can just never know with certainty if it'll be fabulous or not.

This book was somewhere in the "good-ish" section of CC books for me. It tethered close to the "definitely good" section but lost out with a sluggish start. The sad part, is that I had come in with great expectations as I adored Broderick from the previous books and terribly wanted to love his book. And love I did, but only say the last 30% of the book.

The book picks up soon after The Vixen, with Broderick dealing with the blow of having to loose a loved one, and also the possibility of being hanged for his crimes. Without giving away anything, we see Broderick Killoran - owner/runner of the seedy and dangerous Devil's Den - at sea, lost and unsure of how to secure the safety of his family and his staff. His staff, brings to light our heroine for this book; Regina Spark, a woman in Broderick's employ of 10 years now. Her and Broderick share a close bond, a professional one for him but a deeply personal one for Regina.

Early on in the book we learn that Regina has been in love with Broderick for years now. Her love for him, and her certainty that he could never feel anything similar for her drives her to plan a scheme to leave his employ and open her own Music Hall. This prompts the main conflict between our characters, as Broderick feels betrayed by someone he considers family. Their interactions later on and definitely well written and sexually charged. She's the one person who doesn't simply cower to him, isn't afraid to tell him when he's being an ass and the only who sees beyond his seemingly lofty aspirations to be a part of England's gentle peerage.

There is also the sub-plot of the threat hanging over their head in the form of the Marquess of Maddock, who has damning evidence that could get Broderick hanged. Maddock, also happens to be the hero of the next book with Gertrude and I'm SO looking forward to that! Anyway, I digressed. The "I-may-hang-anyday" plot drives a certain urgency to the plot, and leaves Broderick trying to plan and sort his life out properly, so no one suffers or has to fend for themselves after his death. One of the people he comes to realize means the world to him is Regina, a woman he met 10 years ago on the London Bridge.

The scene depicting how a broken, bleeding and injured Regina had offered herself to Broderick in exchange for money is truly well written, and creates a wonderful understanding of the bond between these two. What I did not get however, was the sudden onset of his feelings and lust for Regina, but I'll chock that up to his impending death.

The romance was there, well written and fleshed out, however it just didn't pull me in as many others by the same author has in the past. Maybe I was reading this at the wrong time, or I came in with too many expecations and ruined it for myself. I did truly enjoy the last 30%, and I loved that Broderick didn't try to supress his feelings once he realized them out of some macho nonsense. I truly enjoyed the scene where they expressed their love to each other, it was well written.

Overall an enjoyable book, however not my favorite by the author. I'm looking forward to the next! ...more

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Jan 16, 2019 Lady Heather rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2019-release, adult, christi-caldwell, fiction, historical-romance, love-the-author-a-must-buy, kick-ass-female-leads

PUBLICATION DATE: FEBRUARY 12, 2019

This was such a great story to read and a fantastic addition to the "Wicked Wallflowers" series.

Christi Caldwell's characters are smart, charming, charismatic and witty.

I loved the build up to this story from the previous books. (Even though this book could be read as a standalone, I think the reader would enjoy the story much more if they had the history of characters and their backgrounds.)

All the pieces came together in this story and all the loose ends were ...more

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Jan 24, 2019 Maggie Whitworth rated it it was amazing

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
💋💋
I think that maybe Broderick is going to be one of my all time favourite characters from a book or series , he is so complex , so devoted , and so misunderstood in many ways .
The books before this have given a good grounding of his character , but until now he’s not been revealed, get ready because it’s all in here .
Reggie is a strong , stunningly devoted woman . She takes no messing , the Killorans have rubbed off on her, living with them as she has for 10 years , but what took her to th ...more

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Jun 17, 2019 Somia rated it it was ok

Shelves: historical-romance

2.5 STARS: Not My Cup of Tea

Regina (Reggie) Spark has secretly loved Broderick Killoran for years, he is the man who saved her from the streets and a life of pain and suffering, she is his right hand at the gaming hell he owns. But Reggie ha aspirations of owning her own music hall, a desire she has kept hidden from Broderick. Broderick expects loyalty from those who work for him, and in return he is potently loyal to those under his roof, when he learns Reggie is planning to leave and start her ...more

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Feb 04, 2019 Amy ~ Love At 1st Read rated it it was amazing

I’ve been salivating for Broderick’s book for a long time. A boy who’d once been pampered and then orphaned. He’d grown up on the streets of 7 Dials then made a name for himself in the Diggory gang. Now a proprietor and leader of London’s underworld, he was feared by many. A lot of people, characters and readers alike, didn’t like the choices and actions he made, thinking he put connections to Society before his own family. That his actions were driven by self-preservation. But I always believe I’ve been salivating for Broderick’s book for a long time. A boy who’d once been pampered and then orphaned. He’d grown up on the streets of 7 Dials then made a name for himself in the Diggory gang. Now a proprietor and leader of London’s underworld, he was feared by many. A lot of people, characters and readers alike, didn’t like the choices and actions he made, thinking he put connections to Society before his own family. That his actions were driven by self-preservation. But I always believed he made those tough choices for the sake of his family. His family’s survival meant more to him than his own existence. And that’s abundantly clear in The Governess, #3 in Christi Caldwell’s Wicked Wallflower series. When Broderick faces retribution for past actions, he is literally brought to his knees, at risk of losing everything, clinging to the world he’d built with his bare hands. And in the face of that demise, all pride and all fear of failure fall away, leaving only what is truly important.

Regina Sparks had loved Broderick Killoran for years. He’d rescued her, a scared girl, from the streets of London. The Killoran family had become the family she’d lost. And she’d devoted her life to caring for the Killoran children and working as Broderick’s assistant. But he’d never seen her as anything more than that role and so Reggie was making plans to leave, start her own business venture with the help of other Devil’s Den employees.
Broderick had always trusted and relied on Reggie. He counted her as his friend and confidante. Theirs was an easy, comfortable relationship. When suddenly he starts to see her as more, not an employee, not a friend, but a beautiful and desirable woman, he’s confused and unsettled. He couldn’t lust over someone in his employ. That would make him as vile as his father had been. And when Broderick discovers Reggie’s business plans, he feels betrayed. With anyone else, he would destroy them, send them away. But he couldn’t toss Reggie out with her knowing everything she did. What is it they say about keeping your friends close and your enemies closer?
But Reggie is no longer the meek, timid girl Broderick had rescued 10 years ago. Broderick had helped her see her own strength and worth, and she’d transformed into someone indomitable. Broderick didn’t know how fearless and spirited she was. Unlike others, who cowered in his presence, Reggie was unafraid, undaunted, and breathtaking in her fury. What follows is a seductive battle of wills with long buried secrets revealed. And Broderick finds himself facing more than the inevitable loss of power, wealth, and control. He faces losing a dream he’d not known he had till Reggie.
I have been intrigued by Broderick Killoran for so long and this book made me fall head over heels for him. He’d endured so much to get to the point where he was. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to ensure his family was cared for. For him, that meant giving them the security not afforded to those outside the illustrious ranks of the peerage. Even facing his demise, assuring his family had a safe and secure place in the world was his only concern. That meant finding a suitor for Gertrude, the last of his sisters. For Broderick, wealth, power, and connections were what defined a person. He’d lived so long by that belief. But you can live your whole life without realizing what’s right in front of you, and it took the threat of losing it all for Broderick to realize that none of it mattered without Reggie there to share it.
I absolutely adored Reggie. What a fearless, courageous woman! Her business venture was a means of self-preservation, not greed. And I loved that she chose a business that would help to empower women who were presented no options in life. She had such a loving spirit. Even when being cut from the fabric of the Killoran family, she risked entering a world she’d vowed to never set foot in again, facing the greatest mistake of her life to protect Gertrude. She bore the mistrust and scorn of those she called family and still wanted to help them. Even with the tension between she and Broderick, and the mistrust of the Killoran family, she’d not sow seeds of discontent among them.
For all Broderick and Reggie had shared over the years, most of who they really were remained a mystery to the other. It took courage and trust to share their pasts with one another. I ached for Reggie when I read what had happened to her as a girl. I ached even more for her as she confessed it all to Broderick. I ached for Broderick when he realized how empty his life had been. The fear that he’d let his siblings down. The sheer terror of all he faced was painful to read but it helped him realize the man he wanted to be. What truly defined a man.
I adore anything Christi Caldwell writes. Her stories are timeless, vibrant, and memorable. They’re more than love stories. They’re life stories. She captures all the variations of emotions from pure joy to the darkest moments of the human condition. The emotional message and the way the characters’ stories culminate are cathartic and inspiring. These stories can hit you in the gut and leave you dissolving in a puddle of tears, but the ending feels so much more satisfying knowing what the characters have gone through to get to their HEA.
Fans of Christi Caldwell and this series will be thrilled with Broderick and Reggie’s story. For those who haven’t read Christi Caldwell before, if you haven’t bawled over one of her stories, you haven’t lived.
...more

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Apr 04, 2020 Alla rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2020, angst-free, historic, series, series-no-cliffhangers

Going in I wasn´t sure I would like this one since I wasn´t a big fan of Broderick Killoran in the previous books. I decided to read it anyway so I would read them all in the right order because I´ve been looking forward to read Gertrude´s story but knew I couldn´t skip this one.
But I must say this one was a pleasant surprise and I liked it far more than I thought I would, I really enjoyed it.

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Feb 07, 2019 Irene rated it did not like it

Shelves: regency-romances-and-bodice-rippers, netgalley

The Governess is Christi Caldwell’s third novel in her Wicked Wallflowers series, centred around the Killoran family. An unconventional family, to say the least, they are bonded by their connection to the streets than by blood. Broderick Killoran, the head of this de factor family and the gambling proprietor of popular Devil’s Den, is the hero of the story. Reggie Spark, his right-hand woman, has loved him from afar for a good while now, but she’s recently decided to do something else with her l ...more

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Feb 20, 2019 eyes.2c rated it it was amazing

Shelves: regency-romance

Strong wills clash!

The Killoran's charge towards respectability continues in this latest Wicked Wallflowers entry. Or rather Broderick Killoran's plans for protection for his sisters by marrying them off to the ton is first and foremost on his to do list.
This time it's Gertrude turn and it seems another member of the family is to take part as Gertrude companion. Except the companion wants no part of the scheme and Broderick won't take no for an answer.
The once easy friendship between Broderick a ...more

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Feb 10, 2019 Sarah rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I really liked Broderick and Reggie’s story. There is a lot of back story here and I think you can read as a stand-alone, but it’s much better if you read the series. This author can be hit or miss for me and this was definitely a hit. I laughed. I cried. I really enjoyed the fact that I didn’t have to read about the hero’s sexual past and what a rake he was. I’m frustrated that there wasn’t an epilogue but I am looking forward to the next in the series. Gertrude deserves a good story.

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Feb 12, 2019 Lubnaa (Romance Library) rated it liked it

Shelves: arc, enemies-to-lovers, stuffy-heroes, 2019, historical-romance, everyone-loves-it-except-me, beautiful-cover-stepback, friends-to-lovers, unrequited-love, slow-burn

2.75 stars

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Objectively speaking, The Governess should have been an easy book to read and fall in love with. But I had a hard time getting into the story and just when I started liking it, the plot started falling apart bit by bit.

The Governess is an absolute slow burn romance, which is what I loved the most about the book. Unrequited love is a delicious trope if it’s done well and I think Christi Caldwell did a good job execut 2.75 stars

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Objectively speaking, The Governess should have been an easy book to read and fall in love with. But I had a hard time getting into the story and just when I started liking it, the plot started falling apart bit by bit.

The Governess is an absolute slow burn romance, which is what I loved the most about the book. Unrequited love is a delicious trope if it’s done well and I think Christi Caldwell did a good job executing this trope in The Governess. Even though Reggie has been in love with Broderick for years, she knows that she has to move on with her life. I admire her strength and determination to move on and start her own business with a partner. As for Broderick, I was never a fan of him because of his desperate need to be connected to English aristocracy. He eventually realizes how wrong he was and I did end up liking him by the end of it.

Unfortunately, all of these positive aspects of the book could not make me fall in love with The Governess. The story felt so repetitive – the characters were constantly repeating their motivations to the reader in every single chapter. Reggie used to be extremely loyal and now she’s not. I get it. Reggie used to put the Killorans’ needs above hers. I get it. She needs to move on and be independent, which is why she’s building a music hall. I ALREADY KNOW THIS! Stop telling me over and over again!!!

What’s even more frustrating is the lack of communication between Reggie and Broderick even though we are supposed to believe that they are best friends and confide in each other. Not to mention the fact that Broderick didn't even bother questioning Reggie after her supposed betrayal and automatically assumed she was out to get him. Really? Isn't she supposed to be like family? Reggie also kept vacillating – one minute she’s extolling Broderick’s virtues and the next minute she’s ranting about how he’s a terrible brother. Make up your mind, woman. That’s not even the weakest point of the book. The book fails to establish a clear and linear timeline of the hero and heroine's pasts. Their pasts didn’t make sense to me up until the very last third of the book. Why did Reggie choose Broderick on the London Bridge? What was it about him? Lord Andover was briefly mentioned a few times – but his importance was never explained until the very end. I think The Governess needed some fleshed out flashback scenes, instead of the constant repetitive character motivations. It does not make sense to dump all of this background information 85% into the book.

There were also way too many conflicts that all conveniently converged together during the climax. On top of that, there were irrelevant scenes of Broderick at the theater when it was obvious he didn't need to be there at all. It was all to build the drama, which didn't even happen at the damn theatre. I feel like the author just pulled all of the plot lines together (Ex: Broderick looking for a bride, Reggie’s family, Maddox and Stephen, Broderick’s incoming downfall) in the last part of the book to just conveniently tie them together. Everything was just resolved so quickly - it was really messy and there was no epilogue on top of that!!

I really wanted to love this book because it has all the right ingredients. Unfortunately, it was poorly executed. I’ve liked Gertrude from book 1 so I’m interested to read her story. I hope I end up loving that one. ...more

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Jan 24, 2019 Pamela Sparkman rated it it was amazing

Shelves: my-favorites, historical, arc

LOVED!!!!

Review now posted...

I have been wondering just who Broderick Killoran was since the Sinful Brides series. Admittedly, I had no love for him when I was nose-deep in that series. I had no love at all for the Killorans. But in the midst of reading The Hellion (book one) in the Wicked Wallflower series, I was almost...impressed...by him. He held his own with the Blacks. And that made me sit up and take notice. But throughout the first two books in this series, Broderick Killoran has remaine LOVED!!!!

Review now posted...

I have been wondering just who Broderick Killoran was since the Sinful Brides series. Admittedly, I had no love for him when I was nose-deep in that series. I had no love at all for the Killorans. But in the midst of reading The Hellion (book one) in the Wicked Wallflower series, I was almost...impressed...by him. He held his own with the Blacks. And that made me sit up and take notice. But throughout the first two books in this series, Broderick Killoran has remained a mystery to me. So when I realized The Governess would be his story - well, I was excited to get to find out exactly who this mysterious man was finally.

And let me tell you...he was NOT what I expected. I don't really know what I expected, but Christi Caldwell surprised me in the best of ways. Broderick was more complex than I ever gave him credit for. His love for his family ran deeply, and it was that love that drove his actions - not his greed as I had always suspected. How wrong I had been about him. The more I got to know him, the more I understood him, the more I fell in love with the man he'd become. But even he had a blind spot, and that blind spot was Regina (Reggie) whom he had rescued ten years prior. He had brought her to live with him and his 'family' in the heart of Seven Dials, the unseemly part of London, and offered her his protection. Over that ten year period, he saw Reggie only as a friend and a honorary member of his family.

Reggie, however, had fallen in love with Broderick and every day spent in his presence knowing that he would never see her as anything more than "friend" a piece of her heart would break, until eventually, Reggie decided she had to leave for her own sake, build a life of her own, dependent on no one. But leaving, starting her own way in the world, would be seen as a betrayal to Broderick, yet she did so anyway, hoping against hope he would understand. He didn't. Because he thought she was leaving him to start a new business venture that would compete with his and she would rather him believe that than admit the whole truth. Their friendship, the thing that had held them together, unraveled, and thus it unraveled both Broderick and Reggie in the process. Adversaries now, Broderick and Reggie found themselves on unfamiliar ground. Broderick made demands of Reggie that was unfair in her eyes, just in his, and as the story unfolds they both dance around truths they dared ever to admit out loud--how much they truly cared for one another.

A truly emotional tale of friends turned enemies, friends again, and then...an ending that left me a little choked up. And through it all, the set up for the next book was taking place and I am eager to get my hands on it. I know from experience with Christi Caldwell not to doubt that she will deliver another emotional story, and I'm so curious to see how the next one plays out. Every book in this series gets better and better and I so need for Stephen to find his way back, shed that chip on his shoulder and become the person he was always meant to be. And I know it will have to begin with his father, who has so much hurt to overcome before that can happen. The last sister in the Killoran family will be the one to do it, but you have to wonder--how? I, for one, can't wait to find out.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Feb 21, 2019 Chessela Helm rated it it was amazing

Another great story about the Killoran family. It's nice to finally get into Broderick's head and find out what motivates him. Reggie was a great heroine, just the right balance between strengths and vulnerabilities. The push and pull between them made perfect sense and everything happened when it needed to in terms of the plot. It's the perfect setup for Book 4, and I'm really looking forward to that one. ...more

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Jan 28, 2019 TJ rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-romance, historical, 2019-reads

My goodness, this is my first Christi Caldwell book and I am amazed at how fast I was drawn in!! It is full of so much angst and awesome drama that my heart twisted and I bit my nails to the very end! Now, before you angsty-phobes out there brush this aside, let me assure you, it is not your typical whiny drama-type. It is serious destroy your life kind of drama that is brutally real while totally un-put-downable!

Broderick is such an anti-hero that one is not sure whether to love or hate him. Hi ...more

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Jan 26, 2019 Ermione Pickwick rated it it was amazing

I absolutely loved this story! I'm always half charmed by stories with gambling houses even before reading the first page. Unfortunately sometimes I am disappointed. This is definitely not the case. And the fact that I started reading it with the idea that I might have not liked it because the heroine was already in love with the hero and not reciprocated (which it is a situation that I generally don't appreciate mush), made the final positive thoughts even stronger. It totally won me over!

I rec ...more

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Feb 13, 2019 Tracy DeNeal rated it it was amazing

Regina and Broderick

This friends to enemies to lovers story delighted me from start to finish. I was riveted!

Broderick Killoran has been a man of mysterious origins since his first appearance as an antagonist and rival of the Hell and Sin Club owners. Over the course of two series, he has remained an enigma. This book reveals him more fully.

Regina Spark has lingered in the background as a trusted family retainer harboring an obvious tendre for her employer. Well, obvious to the reader, but no ...more

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Jan 16, 2019 Samantha rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical, romance, arc-galley-pre-pub, 2019, adult

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

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Jan 20, 2019 Nini rated it liked it

Shelves: i-love-you, made-me-cry, historical-romance, read-2019

3.5 stars.

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

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

I fell in love with Regina throughout the whole book and I came to admire her so much. I think she's definitely one of my favorite heroines from all the HR books I've read. Not many people would be able to handle the hand sh ...more

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Feb 12, 2019 Caitlyn Lynch added it

Shelves: regency-georgian

There were several moments early on in this book where I badly wanted to smack Broderick Killoran upside the head for being an arrogant, judgemental idiot. I’m glad I stuck with it, though, because he actually listened to his sisters and the heroine telling him he was wrong and tried to do better.

If you haven’t read The Vixen and The Hellion, the previous two books in the Wicked Wallflowers series, you’re going to come into this one seriously confused as to who everyone is. I have read those two There were several moments early on in this book where I badly wanted to smack Broderick Killoran upside the head for being an arrogant, judgemental idiot. I’m glad I stuck with it, though, because he actually listened to his sisters and the heroine telling him he was wrong and tried to do better.

If you haven’t read The Vixen and The Hellion, the previous two books in the Wicked Wallflowers series, you’re going to come into this one seriously confused as to who everyone is. I have read those two books, and I still occasionally got muddled as to who was who. One important character recurs a lot, though, and that’s the boy Stephen, the adopted younger brother of the Killoran siblings who turns out to be the kidnapped son of a marquis. The Governess is where that years-old crime comes home to roost, with Stephen’s father looking to exact vengeance and Broderick being the only available target. Broderick spends most of the book pretty sure he’s going to hang for past sins and desperately trying to protect those he cares about from the fallout.

Regina, the heroine, has her own past troubles which come back to haunt her, in the shape of a (different) nobleman who once used her ill and cast her aside. He tries a bit of blackmail to get Reggie to fall in with his nefarious plans, and for a dreadful moment I thought she was going to be TSTL and not tell anyone about it, but to my relief Reggie promptly blabbed to all and sundry, leading to her nemesis getting a highly satisfying comeuppance and Broderick confronting his feelings for her at the same time.

There’s a very satisfying conclusion to this romance when Reggie discovers a family connection which can help get her in through the door to see the vengeful nobleman, and a lovely gesture by Broderick which demonstrates just how far he’s come from the arrogant a** he was at the start of the book. Stick with this one even though you may want to strangle him in the beginning, I promise, the payoff really is worth it. Five stars.

Disclaimer; I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
...more

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Feb 06, 2019 Ritika Gupta rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This was my first Christi Caldwell novel, but it sure aint hell gonna be the last. The book 3 of The Wicked Wallflower series was a delight and has made me a fan of the author. I had not read the previous books, and even though I was a little lost in the beginning, I enjoyed the book thoroughly.

The book centers around a gambling den owner Broderick Killoran and his assistant Regina 'Reggie' Spark. The Killoran clan, unrelated by blood, has grown up in the streets of Seven Dials, amidst thievery ...more

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Apr 06, 2019 Delirious Disquisitions rated it it was ok

Shelves: adult, historical-romance

DNF at 30%.

This book was a contradiction in what it told the reader versus what it showed. The author outlined certain character traits for the main players that just seem to be very inconstant with their actions. For instance, our hero, Broderick Killoran, is described as ruthlessly cunning, using his street smarts to run his own notorious gaming hell, his name known and feared by everyone. So in my head, I pictured him as a Victorian-era version of Kaz Brekker from Six of Crows duology. Howev ...more

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Feb 08, 2019 Vikki Vaught rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

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 enjo ...more

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Feb 11, 2019 Sissy's Romance Book Review rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2019-read, trt, amazon-unlimited, arc-author-publisher, series, 5-star, arc-netgalley, montlake-romance

The Governess by Christi Caldwell is book Three in the Wicked Wallflowers Series. This is the story of Broderick Killoran and Regina (Reggie) Spark. I have read the previous books (and Loved them!) but feel if you wish to do so you can make this a standalone book. Kids on the street of Seven Dials were taken in by Diggory who by all accounts was a truly awful person...luckily he is dead. But those kids turned into family and help each other when they could. Broderick stood up to take in and prot ...more

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Feb 12, 2019 Lori D rated it it was amazing

Shelves: intriguing, netgallery, historical-romance, love-the-author, emotional, great-cover, must-read

As always, Christie delivers a story with imperfect characters that find their way to redemption done with an amazing story full of twists and turns. On each book, I fall in love with the hero and feel they are my favorite, then another comes along and I love them even more! Yes, I guess I am fickle!
Broderick Killoran, is the owner of the Devil's Den and gaming empire who has fought his way up to success. Reggie Spark has been his right hand and governess to his "siblings" since he saved her fr ...more

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Feb 09, 2019 Norah Gibbons rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for fair review. The Governess is the 3rd book in Christi Caldwell’s Wicked Wallflowers Series. You do need to read the other books as characters and plot points continue from the previous novels. Even though I have read the first two novel in this series I found the first couple of chapters confusing but it’s worth persevering as it does get better. Regina Spark has been in love with Broderick Killoran for the 10 years she’s s ...more

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Feb 12, 2019 Diane Peterson rated it really liked it

Shelves: kindle-doc

A lovely friends-to-lovers story. Reggie Spark's mysterious past is never questioned about Broderick Killoran saved her on the London Bridge. She assists with the finances of his gambling hell and helps raise his sisters and brother. Broderick discovers his adopted brother is actually the son of a marquess. So begins a chain of events that affects every member of the family and requires Broderick to question his priorities.

I enjoyed the building relationship between Reggie and Broderick. I did ...more

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About Christi Caldwell

Christi Caldwell

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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