Just stayed up until 4:13am because I couldn’t put down The Governess, by Christi Caldwell. She’s become one of my favorite authors over the past few years. This book is part of Christi’s Wicked Wallflowers series (The Hellion, The Vixen, and now The Governess). The series relates the story of the women connected to the women who live and work at the Devil’s Den (rival club to the Hell & Sin Club featured in the Sinful Brides series). What’s different about these series? They main characters aren’t normally Dukes or even Barons. They’re from Seven Dials in London, a dangerous/sketchy area at best during the early 19th Century. The wrong side of town. But they have ambition and have become wealthy through street smarts and determination.
Broderick Killoran is the proprietor of the Devil’s Den, and through the series he’s held his makeshift “family” together. He’s been adamant about wedding his sisters to nobility to secure them and the club power and respectability. In this book, he’s decided to push his sister Gertrude into polite society… but it’s Broderick himself who ends up taking a tumble for his longtime friend – Regina “Reggie” Spark. Reggie has always looked after the Killoran siblings and her latest is Stephen, who we found out in The Vixen, is actually the Mad Marquess’ missing son, stolen as a baby.
Broderick bears that shame. He instructed henchmen to bring back children to Diggory (the cruel “Father” of the group before he was killed). But Broderick’s motives were ultimately to take in orphans and give them a chance at life. To his dismay, he finds out his instructions were twisted and the henchmen had taken the son of the Marquess, and set fire to his home… killing his wife, and driving him mad. In this book, the Broderick is trapped with the ticking time bomb of the Mad Marquess exacting his revenge for the loss of his family. He knows his time is borrowed and wants to make sure his sister safe and cared for before he ends up at the end of a rope, literally.
Reggie, who has been in love with Broderick for ages does not know that Broderick’s time is borrowed, but she cannot bear to stay around him watching as he falls for other women. It’s torture for her so she decides to set up her own place away from the Devil’s Den, taking Clara Waters (former Madame) with her.
Broderick finally sees Reggie as a desirable woman, but can’t allow himself to be with her as he feels he’s about to die. Then he finds out she’s stealing workers from his club for the one she’s about to set up Betrayed he buys the new place out from under her, demanding more funds than she saved for it. Stephen, the tortured youth at the crux of his guilt, mistakes Reggie’s new place and labels her a traitor to the family, so Broderick demands she escort his sister Gertrude out into polite society as her companion/chaperone – all of them living under the one roof in Mayfair. This really throws Reggie for a loop, as she’s tried to avoid the ton since she was engaged and used by the horrific Lord Oliver. She was weak then, but now she’s a warrior heroine! She’s grown a backbone of steel and stands up for herself and others.
I really enjoyed the scene where Broderick first sees Regina in her “non-brown” gowns. The story took it’s time building the plot to a crescendo. Lord Oliver’s a thorn in her side that rears its ugly head. But once all secrets are revealed there is a very satisfying romance scene on a piano that I needed a cigarette after – and I don’t smoke! Holy hell. These two are passionate for each other and it’s a great read. Then the Marquess comes for his pound of flesh… will they get a chance at a future? It’s a romance (HEA), but you really should read it to find out how!
Can’t wait to read Gertrude’s book, The Bluestocking, up next in the series. I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Governess tells us the story of Broderick and Reggie, with all the background information fans of this series have been craving, in a gripping tale full of angst and emotion. The characters are full of human weaknesses as well as strengths, giving them a relatability that felt familiar. Although it can be read as a stand-alone this story is enhanced when read within the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily reviewed it and the comments are my own.

Christi Caldwell creates interesting and intensely flawed characters. The view she paints of life in the Seven Dials is vivid and horrifying. Reggie and Broderick have a close relationship, or as close as two people with dark secrets and hidden pasts can share. Being brutal and cunning is required to survive in the slums, and to succeed there requires those skills at an elevated level. Reggie is easy to adore and root for, and her story is one you will enjoy.

The Governess:
When we first met Broderick Killoren I never thought he could be a hero deserving of a happy ever after but the genius that is Christi Caldwell has done it. This is book 3 in her Wicked Wallflowers series, Broderick has tried desperately to marry his beloved sisters to noblemen. Although the Killorens are not related by blood their bond is stronger due to the shared life on the harsh streets of the seven dials. With 2 sisters married he now sets his sights on Gertrude, eldest partially blind, kindest sister. While this is going on there is the threat from Stephens father, who we found out in book 2 is the Mad Marquess, he wants revenge on the Killorens. Broderick wants to see his sisters settled before he’s made to pay for the crimes of Mac Diggory. Who could be Broderick’s heroine? His right hand Regina “Reggie” Spark of course, but things are never that easy! Reggie has loved Broderick since he saved her 10 years ago. She believes that he will never love her in return & feels leaving is the her only option. So with her new partner, Clara, she plans to open her own establishment. As you can imagine this leads to feeling of betrayal and hurt. Eventually they find each other and resolve the problems to have their happy ever after.
I have loved this whole series, it’s darker and grittier. The heroes and heroines are far from perfect, like many of us in life. I feel by shying away from neat and tidy Christi has written a series of book that are real and believable. You feel the emotions of these characters, root for them through their struggles and ultimately rejoice with them when they find their HEA. To me Christi is the best regency writer around and I cannot recommend this and all her books enough.

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, deceit and the lust for power.
At the beginning of the book, two out of the five Killoran siblings are married, and they have also discovered that their youngest brother Stephen, who's 11, is actually the son of a marquess. Broderick is now desperate to secure a future for his sister before he is sent to the gallows for crimes he didn't commit. Reggie, on the other hand, has been in love with Broderick since he rescued her ten years ago, and has decided its time to get out from under his influence. Her dream to open a music hall looms near, and she's worried about her betrayal of opening a rival entertainment place will be received by her boss.

Caldwell builds a story that is not solely based on romance. Even though it is the most integral part, the family elements loom strong, giving the book a stronger backbone. The backstories of the character are raw. Reggie has to be my favourite character in the book, and a heroine I admire. Strong, resilient and passionate, Reggie proved to be surprisingly interesting. Broderick, in the ways of historicals, was handsome, devilish and seductive. He was slow to realize how he felt, but when he did, it went from zero to hot soon.

Overall, it was a great book. and I cannot wait for the next book featuring the eldest Killoran sister and Stephen's father, the mad marquess.

Broderick has been tempting and growing as a character through so many books, one feels that one knows him already even before we know his story in this the third installment of Christi Caldwells Wicked Wallflower Series. A continuation about the Killoran siblings that one has been following through the previous two books, Broderick’s could have been the most awaited of stories ever for all Christi’s fan. And by far the best one yet, in my opinion.

Maybe it was the anticipation of learning more about the sexy Broderick Killoran who took on Ryker Black and every other hero ever since, stood protectively over his family, or simply just wanted in on the ton, Broderick could not have been ignored for any longer and his HEA was a ‘satisfying’ one, to say the least. Broderick had no time for love and sentiments and behind the tough guy visage, we have been seeing (and loving!) the softie who took in street children, stood up for his siblings and survived Diggory Killoran’s evil. Friends falling in love is the general premise here, but Broderick discovering his feelings and an awareness for Regina was what set this book apart. His growing feelings were beautifully portrayed over nearly half the book, when he finally gives in to his urges and kisses her - at the 50% mark to be precise!! Broderick Killoran came out the winner for me in this book.

Regina Spark now had a face, as Christi shared her muse/inspiration/story board with her fans some time back and we now could imagine what Reggie looked like. Yes, it made the reading even better to have a picture to visualise while we read her side of the story. We knew she loved him forever and that has been like a tantalising whiff from Cleo’s book, where we meet Reggie and learn of her (one sided) feelings for Broderick. Those one sided feelings that finally get her to take decisions regarding her own life and the same that eventually make him take notice of her. She stands up to him fearlessly, continues to be loyal and kind towards annoying Stephen and has the courage to face her past bravely when the time comes. All in all, by the end of the book, Reggie transformed into a stunning heroine for more than just her hero.

While the previous books in this series have been 'dark' and sometimes upsettings, this one has been just the opposite. It was full of feelings and sentiments and less of the horrid underbelly of the Rookries that was there only as a background. I enjoyed reading about Broderick's feelings in such detail, that he actually came 'alive' and by the end of the book one wants to just hold him close in s tight hug.

And, of course, the book leaves you with the anticipation for looking forward to Gert's story and hopefully also Stephens someday and one is pulled into 'Caldworld' with yet another winner.

The Wicked Wallflowers series continues with Broderick attempting to obtain a noble husband for Gertrude who is partially blind. There is a lot going on in this book including Reggie, who is his right hand, is attempting to open her own music hall. Stephen, the child of a nobleman, is still with Broderick and attempts to reunited him with his father is not going well and Stephen’s father is bent of destroying Broderick. There is a surprise romance in the book but you will need to read it to find out who it involves. This is a great read and I would highly recommend this book and the earlier books in this series.

My review will hopefully be spoiled free sweet but short soo don’t try to add anything that gives it away. Emotional roller coaster for Regina ‘Reggie’ Sparks/Marlow she wants to leave to save herself from the love she has felt for Broderick for 10 years. There were times I had a few years for the pain she felt from the cutting words or actions from Broderick, his sister’s and their little ‘brother’ the stubborn Stephan. When they find out what she want to start a dream the whole family treats her like a common enemy that they need to keep like a prisoner because of the secret ps she knows. Hearts will hurt and break and blood will be shed before two broken souls maybe get their peace and love. What what will they loose before that????

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.

In Regina's and Broderick's story you have the brother who helped his two sisters in finding their loves, even though it looked as if he was looking out for himself, but once you read their story everything will start to fall in place.
Here you will see Reggie (Regina) start to make steps to leave Broderick and Hell's Den, but before she can, you see Stephan make his misguided decisions in how to get rid of those who threaten his "home"and "family". Which in this it becomes clear that he finally meets his real father. You see that Gertrude is being set to find her a husband, but does she? You see Broderick trying to set his family up, or does he? You see Ophelia, Cleo and Gertrude step in to help their brother and all sorts of misguided thoughts and reasons are being unraveled to the reasons behind Regina's and Broderick's actions.
Christi Caldwell has brought laughter, sadness, and tears in this book and also has left many happier outcomes to our hearts content, but there is more to come because Christi always has stories to tell and the more she has the more that we will love and enjoy.
You will love this book just as I do and will if not already do go and read her other wonderful books that are waiting to be read till she has a new one coming...

This is my fair and honest review for this ARC. This is a continuation in a series and i have read every part of this series. AND LOVED EACH ONE! What a fantastic story teller Christi Caldwell is. If you don't read this and the rest of the series (preferably in order) you will do yourself a huge disservice.

We finally get Broderick's story! I loved finding out who he really was and why. Reggie was his perfect other half. Watching him in action with Reggie and how he learns to open up to his family brought tears to my eyes! (Actually had me bawling, you'll see why about 3/4 of the way in!) Reggie has her own ghosts to deal with and when Broderick finds out about them, his response is telling! I can't wait to see what happens to Gertrude, as the last sister, in her search for love! Thank you for the advanced copy, the emotion this story contained was amazing!

This is my first novel by Christi Caldwell. There's a lot of background in previous novels, I felt sort of dropped in the middle of the story at the beginning of the book. I found the story slow, and the main couple kind of boring. But I am interested enough in other characters to read the next book in the series.
I do recommend if you're interested in historicals with dangerous men and smart women check out Lisa Kleypas.

The Governess snags the heart and reels it in with a love story of epic proportions between two people that are not of the nobility. Two commoners as leading characters is a rarity in itself in the Regency Romance world but these leading characters are anything but common. Broderick earns his reputation through ruthlessness and calculated precision but underneath the tarnish is a heart of gold. He saves those who cannot save themselves in the Dials, a survivor who makes others survivors. Reggie suffered an abusive past and came out stronger for it and is the only one who dares take the beast on in his lair. Bold and honest, Reggie is Broderick's best friend who tells him the truth and is totally, helplessly in love with him. When Reggie's bid for independence sets her at odds with Broderick, his cold ruthlessness forces Reggie to his will. The nobility hang as a threat over both their heads and their stubbornness overflows in abundance. As their love story unfolds, I found myself much in sympathy with Reggie and sighing in the corner over the strong, flawed hero. The HEA comes as a hard won victory but how else could victory be as sweet unless its fought for. The Governess is a heart string tugging, encompassing read that will leave you longing for more from the author. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.

Regina 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.When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Christi Caldwell is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can't wait for the next book.

I enjoyed this! I loved Regina and Broderick. I thought the story line was strong. The conflict ended nearly and it was a good HEA!

What can I say about Book 3 in the Wicked Wallflower series by Christi Caldwell? Fabulous! I have been anxiously awaiting Broderick Killoran’s story since first meeting him in The Rogues Honor. Not born of the streets, he becomes head of one of the most powerful family’s in the Dials. He saved his sisters and gave them their names. He taught them to read and write. He found ways to keep them safe and make them strong. He saves people. And 10 years ago he saved A young girl also not born of the streets. Reggie Sparks was that girl. She has loved Broderick all those years and became his best friend. But she has always yearned for him to see more. When she decides she must move on to save herself from further heartbreak, Broderick begins to see her as more than his best friend, keeper of his secrets, Governess to his sisters and brother. Has his world is slowly crumbling, his only concern is for his family’s security. There is so much in this story and you learn everything Broderick and Reggie have overcome to be the people they are. I loved it! I received an ARC for an honest review.

I enjoyed this well-written historical romance. Regina (Reggie) Spark has been loyal to Broderick Killoran ever since he saved her from the streets and made her right hand at his business, The Devil's Den. Now she has a dream to start her own business, a music hall, and offer employment to women. When Broderick discovers she plans to leave he feels betrayed and they begin a battle of wills. This book can be read as a standalone story, though it is #3 in the Wicked Wallflowers series. This was an entertaining book and I look forward to reading more books in this series as well as others by this author.

Wonderfully written. Reggie and Broderick are awesome :). Great character development. Started the book hating Stephen and ended up loving him. Great work, Christi Caldwell.

Broderick is the owner of the biggest hell in London...and he's a mobster. Regina is sort of his assistant, his family's helper, his friend. He found her in desperation at a bridge 10 years earlier...and saved her. This story revolves around the real threat of retribution against Broderick, and his efforts to put everything in order before he hangs! As I hate spoilers I won't tell you what happens. What I will say is that Christi Caldwell has taken a villain and has allowed us to see his human side, his caring side, his loving side. We see a man who will do anything to make sure his "family" is taken care of. Our Reggie will do almost anything for Broderick...and because of her love for him, she faces her past.

I so want to tell you what happens, but really, Broderick and Reggie's story is so complex, so wonderful, so touching that you just need to read it for yourself. You will love their HEA.