The Vixen (Wicked Wallflowers, #2)
by Christi Caldwell

Superb, enthralling, riveting, captivating. Dark, emotional journey. WOW!
I am used to this author being great, however, this was a knock it out of the ball park fantastic read. I had to give it time to set in as it touches emotions and it just keeps the reader hooked inside the story. All characters, plots the way it unfolds, each and every step of this adventure became a little overwhelming at times. I can only say buy buy buy buy buy this book. It was a great read. I was given this arc via NetGalley. All opinions expressed here are my own. Regards, Anna

I've never been so torn before over a romance novel and how I should rate it.. I enjoyed this book but also thought it was lacking in some departments. At the very beginning I wasn't immediately drawn in to this book. I thought about putting it down and possibly not picking it back up. The pacing is also kinda inconsistent throughout the book, in my opinion.
But the characters, even though I could complain about their individual stories/backgrounds/logic for awhile....the characters, got me. You guys...I was crying. CRYING!
I may have had my issues with other things in this book but you know what? I don't cry about characters that I don't care about. It's pretty hard to make me cry in general. So whatever else happened in this book, she made me care and made me involved enough to get that emotional reaction from me and for that, BRAVO!
So in summary...you want a historical romance that is not similar to all the rest? One that shows the bad side of town where the street rats pick pockets and try their best to survive however they can? One that will unexpectedly make you cry? One that's steamy with anticipation instead of explicit sex on every other page? Then, check out this book. It's worth a read if you enjoy romance novels. I'll definitely check out her next as I have a hunch who it will be about and from this book I am interested enough in those characters to see what happens to them.

Powerful!

I loved, loved, loved, Ophelia's story! I must admit to some teary moments during this reading. Oh, the courage of Ophelia Killoran!
As her story evolves you are faced with the horrors and darkness of places like St. Giles, the depravities that lurk around every corner. Ophelia makes it her mission to find and protect the street orphans as she can. To have them work in her brother's club. And it's during one such foray that she comes face to face with a figure from the past--Connor Steele!
Beyond this however, Ophelia's brother Broderick, in his quest for powerful alliances in the right places decrees that Ophelia will attend The Season.
Of course everything begins to go pear shaped. Harsh truths are brought to light and Ophelia and Connor must confront some devestating facts, including a harsh wake up call to Connor about the nobility and their attitudes.
By the way, I must admit to really disliking the widowed Duchess Bethany. But that might just me channeling Ophelia.
On another note, I really didn't relate to the cover of this book. It just doesn't capture the essence of who I think Ophelia is. Not that this distracted in anyway from the power of the story.

A NetGalley ARC

This is my first book by Ms. Caldwell. I’m not sure why I have avoided her books. I think I read a review where there was cheating or the hero had sex with his mistress while engaged to the heroine, something like that. Anyway, I have been missing out on an amazing author. This book was amazing. I loved Conner and Ophelia. Their story was beautiful and heartbreaking. The writing is beautiful. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series. I would really have loved an epilogue though. I would liked to have seen a bit of their life together and some sort of closure with Conner’s father.

Christi Caldwell's The Vixen shows readers a darker, grittier version of Regency London than most romance novels. Ophelia Killoran and Connor Steele have a long history together — ever since they were both children trying to survive on the streets. After a lucky twist of fate, Connor was taken in by a wealthy earl who gave him a life of ease and privilege. When he runs into Olivia again as an adult, he's investigating the disappearances of a peer's son and she — still haunting the streets — possesses information he needs.

Whether in back alleys or London ballrooms, Ophelia and Connor keep running into each other, and romance starts to blossom in spite of devastating secrets, being on opposite sides of the law and some majorly devious family meddling. Caldwell's more realistic version of London is a particularly gripping backdrop for this enemies-to-lovers romance, and it's heartening to read a story where love triumphs even in the darkest places.

The Vixen started off really well, but then the pacing started becoming erratic halfway through. The emotional depth, character and relationship development were really well-written. But the pacing was off and there was quite a bit of repetition (this seems to be a trend with historical romances this year). I also didn't get a strong grasp of the club's setting. Do the Killorans live there or are their lodgings separate from the club? Another complaint, this one minor, has to do with the Cockney. It was a little hard to read at times. I kept thinking of "moi" in French instead of an accented "my."

One key thing that is still bothering me: why didn't Connor try to look for Ophelia after he was adopted by his father? Why not try to look for her and save her? He didn't know her name, but he knew she was one of Diggory's children. Plus he knew what she looked like. I feel that the backstory with Connor and his dad was kind of just brushed over. His dad didn't want him to remember anything from his past and as we know, Connor could never erase his past - it will always be a part of him. But...I don't know. I still feel like a huge chunk of Connor's backstory after his adoption is missing.

Finally, an epilogue is definitely missing here. Like I mentioned earlier, the pacing in the second half was erratic and this ultimately led to a very swift ending. Things were wrapped up way too quickly and I think an epilogue should have been included.

One character that surprised me was Bethany. She surprisingly grew on me. I wonder if she'll make an appearance in the rest of the series.

Next book:
Given the title, I think Gertrude is next. I really like her so I'll be giving her story a shot. Here's what I'm predicting: the Marquess will eventually realize that Stephen is indeed his child. He will take Stephen away and Gertrude will follow him as his governess. Stephen would definitely need someone from his Killoran family with him. That would be an interesting story given the complexity of the Marquess. The fact that he's rumoured to be mad fits with Gertrude's penchant for Gothic novels. I really hope that's where Ms. Caldwell is going with this storyline!! There's a lot of potential here!

In a world where the only one you should trust is yourself, can you let the one who brings light to your world in to keep you safe?
Connor Steele was the boy that escaped the devil of St. Giles. Ophelia Killoran was the no name girl that turned a blind eye on Connor, secretly envious of his escape.
Connor Steele is now a top notch investigator, on the streets known at The Hunter. When a case of a missing child brings Connor to the Devils Den and in the path of a very grown and beautiful Ophelia. Neither of them knew just how much their lives were about to change. They begin to see each other for who they are and we learn just how truly evil The Devil of St. Giles was.
The book started off with a bang then began to drag. But the last half of the book made up for all that slowed down. I can say that I’ve not cried this much in a book for a very long time. Ophelia truly broke my heart at times.

I loved this book! Connor and Ophiela are the perfect match! The Killians continue to be a family I must read about!

The Vixen is book #2 in the Wicked Wallflowers series. Unlike the first book, this story feels like it solidly belongs in the new series instead of a continuation of the previous one, which was a bonus.

Ophelia Killoran is one of the bastard daughters of Mac Diggory and grew up a street rat in his gang. Now living at the Hell and Sin gaming club with her sister, Gertrude, and street brother, Broderick, she is next in line to be pushed into the Ton's marriage mart. Ripped away from the life she knew, she is soon in misery at dinner parties and in the ballrooms of London.

Connor Steele is a private investigator that was forced into a street life after his parents' deaths. He and Ophelia met a few times as they grew up, with a chance encounter causing Connor to be rescued and raised by a noble. His current investigation causes their paths to cross again, and secrets from their pasts will put the two to their test.

The organic growth of Ophelia and Connor's relationship was a definite boon in this story. They had to build up trust with one another, and both had rocky pasts that made it quite difficult. Both characters were likeable and had a drive to accomplish what they wanted, even when life was trying to steer them away.

I rated this one star lower than I had The Hellion because, despite the character growth and awesome organic relationship, the book was lacking in places it shouldn't have been.

Ophelia's current ambition is to protect street children from preying men, which we encounter early on, but then, aside from her being concerned and thinking about it, she doesn't go on anymore late night crusades for justice. I wanted to see her be more active, sneaking out and not trapped in prim-and-proper-ville. The overuse of the word "gypsy" drove me crazy. How many times do we need to read about people have "gypsy lashes"? Finally, there was no epilogue. The final chapter was short, and feeling like we're missing that small jump forward to make the HEA more complete (to a wedding day or whatever) detracts a bit from the ending.

Overall, the book is adventurous, both in romance and with the seedier side of London. Not everything is glamorous here, and how much stain has touched even respected families becomes more apparent. It's solid writing that you expect from a Caldwell book, minus my complaints from above.

I'm really looking forward to Gertrude's story, and hope she does a better job at putting Broderick Killoran's overambitious and pushy marriage agenda in its place.

I want to preface this by saying, I have never read anything else by this author, but I am aware that there were other books set in this same "world" that preceded this story. I wish I had read the other books first, I don't think they're necessary to be able to read this one, but there were various small references to previous events that would have made more sense if I had.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. Ophelia and Conner are both complex, relatable characters that felt very real. I really enjoyed seeing them learn and grow together through the book; in the end they both came to realize some of their preconceived notions were wrong and not everyone was they person they appeared to be. The one thing about this story that was a bit disappointing to me was the lack of closure I felt at the end. Technically, you get the whole HEA and all, but it feels very abrupt and like it's just missing something. That being said, I promptly began buying the other books in the series, I have to know what led up to this!

I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I'm going to put this book firmly in the 3.75 - 4/ 5 stars range for me.

I received this book from Netgalley and Montlake Publishers for an honest review. This does not in any way affect my opinion of the book and it's characters.

In short, I truly enjoyed this book and will remember it for several things; the gritty, dark yet realistic work Caldwell has created, the angst <i> oh </i> the angst, the last 30% of the book that I read with complete concenration and of course, the raw emotions this book brings forth. I will definitely be revisiting certain parts of the book in the future.

Ophelia Killoran and Connor Steele/O'Roarke first meet when they're only children, both victims of fate and figthing to survive on the streets of St.Giles. They meet at odds throughout their tumulous childhood, with her always saving him when she was meant to the opposite until that one fateful day that separates them and changes their lives completely.

Years later, they meet again. Connor, now an investigator looking into missing children and Ophelia, building a fortress around her with the help of her brother Broderick and her siblings. Ophelia rescues and protects helpless children on the street, lest they fall to the same fate as she had. The author does a wonderful job of making us feel for both characters, their past, their journey to where they are now, and makes us understand why they are the way they are.

As we accompany Connor and Ophelia on their journey through accepting their past and overcoming their fears, we fall in love with their love for each other. However, when all goes to hell we are left wondering if they'll survive the obstacles the world throws at them. The last 30% of the book had me completely engrossed, and I even might have teared up at one scene.

I've read Christi Caldwell before, and I'd never known her to get as dark as she has in this book. It was definitely refreshing to read, and I admire her for the move to a more grittier tone than her Heart of the Duke series. There are moments when Ophelia became slightly unbearable in her internal monologues, but nothing that deterred me from liking her. Connor, I loved throughout - however did wish there was more of them and less of the mystery, even though the mystery was just as intersting.

I've had issues with Caldwell repeating several phrases in the past, which was almost unnoticable in this book. My other problem is with the rushed endings, which unfortunately, is evident in this book as well. I wished for a more fleshed out ending, and even more so an epilogue. The lack of an epilogue was quite bothersome.

However, my greatest take-aways from this book are that Caldwell has definitely grown as an author, and I look forward to reading more from her. Second, that I am <i> desparately </i> and I really do mean <i> desparately </i> hoping that the 3rd or 4th book in this series will be of Gertrude, Ophelia's half blind elder sister. Gertrude, was a standout character for me in this book, and I will plead for her to have a book. Pretty please!

If you're a fan of heartfelt, emotional, character driven romances this book is for you!

Ophelia Killoran was born a bastard of the evil sadistic crime lord Mac Diggory. Most of her life as a pickpocket on the streets of St Giles, but now she lives with her brother at the Devil’s Den still protecting the street urchins of St. Giles. She first hand knows what horrors these children face since she as a young girl faced those horrors herself and she’s vowed to protect the young street urchins no matter what. Years ago she saved Connor O’Roarke him from Diggory on more than one occasion she saved his life and he in return risked his life for hers and went to prison. Connor “O’Roarke” Steele Connor wasn’t born on the streets, but that’s where he’d ended up after the murder of his parents.
Connor is very familiar with St. Giles and what goes on, but now he serves the nobility as an investigator and often returns there during his investigations. Connor never expected to encounter Ophelia Killoran on his latest case. It has been years since he sacrificed himself for her, not knowing her real name he never expected to see her again. Connor had lived in both worlds and as Ophelia makes her much unwanted entrance into society they become friends. There is an instant attraction between these two, they are both leery of trusting the other. This book took me through so many emotions with loyalties strained, many twists and turns as their attraction continued to grow so did the loved they shared. The author does an excellent job of describing the life of a street urchin, life in St. Giles and how desperate the times were and how hard it was to rise above life’s circumstances and escape in this very emotional book as people strive for a better life for themselves and their loved ones. This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

I've loved each book in this series, as well as Caldwell's Sinful Brides Series that introduced me to the characters, and this one was no different. I can't seem to read any of her books without tearing up at least once, as I emotionally connect to each story. I also like that the author includes a bit of mystery sub-plot, but what truly shines in this book is the romance. I read this book straight through in one sitting, and can't wait for more!

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley for a fair and honest review.

It took me a few chapters to get into the rhythm of the dialogue. Once I was comfortable understanding it I became more involved in the story. Growing up as orphans in the worst part of London, children have little chance of a better life then stealing, rape and murder. A connection is formed from their experiences and stays with them for life. Even love can grow with trust, when a young man finds his soulmate in the woman who saved his life at the same time he saved hers.

With growing up on the streets could be dangerous let alone having food to eat, clothes to wear and a safe place to rest. In this book Christi Caldwell has gone beyond what could be described in her other books, she has excelled in expressing the fear, the reflections and the utter feeling that their is absolutely no one you can trust.
In meeting Ophelia and Conner you find that they are living on the streets of London, even though Conner is running by his-self, Ophelia has been living with her so called father, a leader of thieves, a very mean man that took care to make sure that the children in his "family" did what he said or there were consequences Conner had escaped but was being hunted by Ophelia's father which Ophelia would let him go whenever she saw him and take the result for doing so.
now, as many years has past, Ophelia's father is dead and her "brothers" and "sisters" now run the gaming rooms of the streets where they help other homeless kids find jobs and give them a place to sleep.
Now, her older brother wants to help clean their lives by making them exceptable to society by marrying into it. Ophelia is against it because she had a past that no one knows except her that she can't and won't except any man as a husband. Then you have Conner that was adopted by a lord and was sent to school to now be a Private Investigator.
Ophelia and Conner meet up and the games begin on which one will fall first, but what keeps them apart till the end will have you scared, mad, and even having you cry by the end of the book.
In Vixen, Ophelia is a vixen she had to be, to make it on the streets as she and her family has had too. Conner had to use his wits to stay ahead of those that were trying to discredit him from his background, which these two characters were made for each other.
Christi Caldwell to me has really really brought all the emotion that a wonderful talented writer can do, bring the reader into her book with all the strategy of a leader in getting people too fall in love with reading by catching the reader at the beginning, lead in to the plot, get the characters to keep being on track to lead into the ending with culmination of all paths to the happy ending . Love this series....The Wicked Wallflowers

Conner and Ophelia's story in the beginning is based on the ideas of two children just trying to survive. One decision made puts Conner in a different league. For years Ophelia thinks that decision turned out in a bad way. Years later and he shows up she is not sure how this is going to affect her, however she is going to find out.
This book will have you emotions all over the place, however it is a story that doesn't disappoint.

** I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

What an intense, emotional read. Christi’s writing of Ophelia and Connor’s heartbreaking journey into love is incredibly affecting and had me in tears at various parts of the book, especially at the end. This story of their back and forth in saving each other is well-written and delves deeply into class differences in Regency England. Cameos by characters from previous and future books enrich the story, while not taking away the spotlight from Ophelia and Connor.

The Vixen is book 2 of the Wicked Wallflowers series, but can be read as a standalone. I say this having read book 1 before this.

Thanks to Montlake Romance for providing me an advance copy to review c/o NetGalley.

I finally stopped blubbering long enough so I could write this review. Seriously.

It took me a while to really get into the story. I felt a bit lost, not having read the first book in the series. Ophelia was a hard woman and not immediately likeable. But heaven help me, when the story finally got me into its clutches, I was riveted. I loved Connor from the start. He was an extremely successful investigator who was referred to as The Hunter. During an investigation he was reunited with Ophelia. They both lived on the streets of St. Giles as children, which was a living hell. Ophelia saved him a number of times and the last time she saw him, he was sacrificing himself for her.

Ophelia worked with her "family" in a very successful gaming hell. Connor was raised as the son of a nobleman after they were separated . There was much distrust between them after reuniting; that would eventually change. What follows is a heartbreaking story of horrific pasts, the clash between the upper crust and the people who were children of the streets, and lovers torn apart. But more importantly, it was a story of redemption and the healing power of love. I was simply blown away.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

This was a cute story and a fun romp. I enjoyed the aspects of mystery and would definitely recommend this to readers who enjoy historical romance with a twist.

4.5 stars - Entrancing and full of adventure, I loved that Connor and Ophelia have this history and find each other again. Their long ago and unexplained trust of one another (along with all that it may indicate) and her present fear make for interesting juxtapositions in this story. Also, seeing how Connor and Ophelia find themselves reevaluating things they long thought true adds real dimension to the characters.

You're going to like this one.

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.