This newest installment of Caldwell's series following the Killorans warmed the hell out of my heart when I particularly needed warming: I read it in a big binge after getting off my shift on a crisis line that ended with a call intended to make me uncomfortable, and this was just the thing to take my mind off of it!

We've met the book's heroine, Clara, before in the Killoran series, but we got to know her better in the last book, The Governess. A former sex worker turned brothel madam turned independent business woman, Clara has always been very clear that she wants something of her own, that a man has not given her. She wants to make a difference for women who have been forced by circumstances into sex work by giving them the opportunity to work at her music hall, which is entirely above board. That is, until Henry March, the Earl of Waterson (and the man she herself saved from near death at the hands of street toughs), has her music hall shut down for being "improper", despite not actually believing it IS improper.

'Between the demands of his political career, which he hopes to use for the greater good, and his concern for his family, Henry thankfully isn't the stodgy misogynist his actions might make him out to be, for which I was pretty grateful! In the end, The Spitfire is a really lovely story of a man in a rigidly proper society completely accepting and not at all judging the woman he admires for her resilience and ability to thrive no matter what. The support Clara receives, and Caldwell's lack of judgment for her past in sex work is a beautiful thing, and one I'm glad is getting more and more traction in the world of romance novels!! I highly recommend it!

Wow! Where to begin with this book? I have never read the others in the series, but I felt like this was a great introduction into the world. As a fan of regency romance in the vein of Georgette Heyer, I absolutely loved reading Christi Caldwell's take on the genre. Her heroine is extremely likable and modern (in a good way), with a fiery temperament and an excellent, tension-filled relationship with the leading man. I enjoyed how the characters developed throughout the novel and it was extremely well written too. I'll definitely be picking up the rest of the series to see what I've been missing!

This is a surprise indeed, I expected another jaded prostitute story but this one has got class. Clara is truly a fiery and bold one, a spitfire indeed, I like her. Henry has come a long way since Clara saved his life, and he refused to go back to the old ways. Their love for each other went through a few pitfalls but they triumph in the end. A worthy read with memorable characters like Sarah and Henry whose love encompasses all past and present.

**Will be posted on my blog on 8/24/19 at http://pastmidnight.home.blog**

Thank you to Montlake Romance and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this eArc.

I love Christi Caldwell. She has a large body of work but her most recent series is one of my favorites. The Spitfire, is book number five in the Wicked Wallflowers series and I really enjoyed it!

Clara Winters used to be a courtesan but she left that life and now is in the middle of building her dream: a music hall. But one night she crosses paths with a nobleman, Henry March, who is a powerhouse in Parliament. She saves his life, in turn, his business in parliament has caused some complications for Clara achieving her dreams.

This seemed at first like the nobleman gets rescued by a woman, opposites attract trope but there is an interesting element to this story: Henry March. He’s as stuffy and starchy as they come, just so strait-laced! His life is so centered on his job at Parliament, he recites laws in his head to focus! Henry doesn’t tease, doesn’t have much enjoyment outside of work, doesn’t really have any friends but when he and Clara are together – the sparks. Oh the sparks! I liked watching Clara light him up, so to speak. 😅 They were just so different in personality I love how their attraction grows.

I love Clara as a character. We learn about how her life took a turn for the worse when she had no one to protect her. She’s strong, she’s outspoken and passionate. Henry is passionate as well, about his family and his work.

Now I loved Clara and Henry’s interactions in this story and they have a very steamy scene together…but the ending seemed rush. But I’ve read enough of this author’s work to know that yes, sometimes her book endings are rushed, which is frustrating because it can feel abrupt. But honestly, I loved watching Clara tease Henry so much, it was an enjoyable read for me. If you are reading this series, I think you will enjoy this latest installment very much.

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Caldwell is known for her writing of classy, slow burn historical romances this was no exception. She brings us right into the action with Henry's attack and rescue. We are taken on an adventure as Clara nurses him back to health while sharing her life and hopes with him despite her misgivings about his nobility. He demonstrats his understanding of the needs of the lower class and rises to the task of righting wrongs in spite of the consequences. The romance is light but the journey is well travelled.

This is a great about two people from different places in society who come together and discover the true meaning of love. Clara and Henry each have their own agenda but by the end each have compromised. Clara is literally a little spitfire who upends Henry’s well organized life. Loved the story, it is well written, entertaining and holds your interest. I would highly recommend it as a great read.

A little unbelievable for the time period, however the romance was wonderful. Somewhat of a twist towards the end. Exciting story although i really liked Henry more so than the heroine because of the personalities. All in all a good read and i would recommend it for mature readers.



I received this as an ARC from the publisher and netgalley and i recommend to adult readers. My opinion was not required to read the book but i like to give some idea to help other readers as to what the book may contain as far as age appropriate etc. But that's everyone's own choice.

Henry March, the Earl of Waterson, was trying to put order into things at St. Giles was attacked by three men. Henry knew as he was fighting to stay awake that he probably would not live to see everything he had worked so hard for by bringing order and justice to St. Giles; of course Henry didn’t know that someone had seen him beaten and was trying to ignore everything that was going on. Miss. Clara Winters, had seen Henry attacked was just trying to go on her merry way but through the goodness of her heart could not stand to see Henry die. So Clara takes him to her home and nurses him back to health. As Henry gets better he wonders who this angel really is that saved him but knows that he must get back to his life. As Henry leaves he promises never to forget whoever she is. Clara is actually a former madam attempting to build a music hall. There is lots of problems the biggest one being Henry the person she saved. Now it is an all out war to get what she wants the music hall but her heart isn’t playing fair because it also wants Henry too. Is it possible to have both?
What a wonderful story of the slums and ton clashing from two unlikely characters that fight for everything including love! The story despite being part of a series can stand alone. The story just moves with an ease even with so many things happening and the author just takes you on journey isn’t altogether pleasant especially through some horrible tragic things but told with some care. The descriptions are carefully told with some accuracy that the author really paid attention to detail. The verbal banter is engaging and the sexual tension are high but able to hold us until the very end. Even the cover is so beautifully done that it truly is just a masterpiece to look at and love that much more. Clara is just the perfect description of a spitfire; she’s feisty, strong, caring and compassionate that of course she is easy to love so yes there was a little girl crush on her too. Henry despite being a lord, proper and stuffy is more than all that. He’s also loyal, loves his family, swoon worthy and is great as a book boyfriend can it get any better? It’s sad to see the end but this book is one to enjoy and a definite reread!

3.75 stars. I normally love Christi Caldwell books and was excited to receive an ARC of this book. I thought it was well-written, as always. However, a romance between a former madam and an MP/lord was too unbelievable for me. I don’t want to give away anything and drop spoilers but I will say that their HEA left me with many questions. How are they going to deal with his mother? Society’s scorn? Will he lose his job? The fact that there was no epilogue also left me feeling unsatisfied as I would have liked to see how their lives ended up and had some of my questions answered. I really wanted to like this story but felt it was too unrealistic for the time period it took place.

This is book five and the final in Christi Caldwell’s fabulous Wicked Wallflowers series. These stories have been set in St. Giles the darker, grittier side of the east end of London, notorious for its criminal element. All the women have been bold and brave, who have been knocked down by life only to rise up stronger and more determined, none more so than our heroine Clara. We first met her in the Scoundrel’s Honour and then again in the Governess. Our hero Henry has also appeared in previous books first in to Love a Lord and more recently in the Lady Who Loved Him. This is what I love about Christi’s books, seemingly secondary characters speak to her and they find theirs stories told. You don’t need to have read the previous books the hero & heroine were in to know them. What makes this truly brilliant is that they have flaws and have been altered by what life has thrown at them. I love that they are older with experience of the world. Circumstances throw them together, the choices they make bring their worlds colliding together and ultimately love forces them to make choices. This whole series has been fantastic but this story has been my favourite, perhaps because they are older and world wise. I as a reader love flawed characters who have struggled but ultimately find true love and happiness. It would be easy to have a neat and tidy story but I love the drama, intrigue and imperfect characters Christ Caldwell writes about. Her heroines and heroes are real and believable. I cannot recommend her books enough.

Some deeply developed characters, but I found myself skipping pages of content that seemed awfully repetitive.

Readers who have enjoyed this series so far will be happy with the Clara's story.

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the next book in the Wicked Wallflowers series. Clara Is an ex-madam who rescues an earl. I did enjoy the story and the romance that occurs. Henry was an earl who was almost killed on the way home. Clara and Henry learn from each other and grow. This was an enjoyable addition to the series.

I love Henry. When we first meet him he is so stuffy! Unexpectedly everything changes! He is almost killed and a beautiful angel comes into his life. But this angel is a spitfire! Clara has lived a tough life. She has been hurt, stolen from, and abused - but she refuses to stop trying to make her life better. She is such a wonderful young woman. She saves Henry, and in doing so changes her own life. I don't want to tell you the story, I want you to read it yourself. I want you to experience the sadness and the joy that these characters experience. Once again Christi Caldwell has opened the doors into the lives of Henry and Clara you can't help but cheer them on to find their happily ever after!

Regarding a secondary character I'm really hoping Henry's sister gets her happily ever after as I find her so intriguing

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I honestly loved this story.

What a wonderful story. This opposite side of the tracks love story was full of romance, intrigue, and suspense. Henry and Clara were as opposite as they come. Henry an Earl, Clara a former courtesan thrown together after Clara finds Henry after being attacked and nurses him back to health. Little did they know that one chance meeting would irrevocably change their lives.

I liked watching Henry change, I felt that of all the characters his was the one that went through the most significant growth. Clara was more stubborn to change, but when she finally opened her heart...Henry was there to slide in. This was definitely a different take on historical romances that I have read, never before have I had the courtesan and the Earl come together so well. My only issue was there was no epilogue. I would have liked to have a few more answers. This was a great read that once I picked it up I couldn't put it down. I definitely recommend reading Henry and Clara's story!

Christi Caldwell’s talent stuns me every time! Her characters are among the best, and the storylines always unique and amazing! And once again her newest work has exceeded all expectations!

As a young girl, Clara Winters dreamed of being an actress, a singer. But that was not to be due to an evil and powerful man who wished to own her, and when rejected attempted to ruin her. For a decade it seemed her future would always be dependent upon the men in her world. But now older and wiser, and in a better situation, she’s determined to build a future for herself, accepting help from no man. Clara has been waiting in the shadows, inviting our attention and interest, and I’m thrilled to now learn who she truly is and what drives this strong, beautiful, and intelligent woman.

Henry March, the most honorable of gentlemen, lives a controlled and organized life, focused solely on his responsibilities as Earl of Waterson and member of Parliament, and his duty to family. When attacked and beaten in the streets of St. Giles, Henry is forced to surrender control to another, specifically, a woman like no other he’s known. He will come to question his feelings and the ironclad plans for his future, and maybe even begin to feel things he has long avoided in his life.

So where will it end as friendship forms? Can trust grow? Love? Prepare to be entertained by this romantic, emotional and at times humorous tale of a stodgy, predictable lord and a beautiful, headstrong, and not-so-proper former courtesan.

I received an arc for my honest opinion, and have also pre-ordered this book as part of my kindle library.

This is the 5th and final book in the Wicked Wallflower series. It can be read as a stand alone but if you haven't read the series, I strongly recommend it. Each book is better than the next.
There were several things I liked about this book. One was the fact that these were 2 people who were older and had experienced life.
You also have 2 people from different sides of the track, so to speak. Clara was a courtesan and Henry is a very proper and stuffy Earl.
You see this friendship-relationship begin to form. Clara learns to value herself more and Henry learns to loosen up, to jest, ha ha.
There are things that will bring them together and pull them apart. Which way will their relationship grow?
I think my only criticism is the same as another reader. I felt when the book ended, I wanted just a little bit more, an epilogue.
Read and enjoy!. You will not regret it!

4.5 stars
Absolutely loved the book. I have been a fan of the author’s books for a few years now and never thought strait-laced Henry would be paired with Spitfire Clara. Though they seemed like oil and water, Christi was able to bring them together in such a way that they seemed more like jigsaw pieces falling in place.
The love story was sweet and sensual but what I liked the most was their unlikely friendship. The only thing missing for me was an epilogue. But all in all, a definite read for historical regency lovers.

“Lord Proper comes undone,”

Can two persons from both sides of the fences find a love together when forces are at stake to trash them.

First I would say I preordered this book because of the cover, the gaze of the model was scorchingly calling, one to not cower.
After I had my doubts about the heroine, I might be prudish but in too many books prostitutes are painted as being beyond redemption, with their jaded soul so shattered it is impossible to mend the pieces back together, or they turned resentful harpies, filled by venom.
I have only read the Bluestocking in this series as I am a newbies to Mrs Christi Caldwell work, so I did know nothing about Clara and how she appeared first.
But I might say Mrs Caldwell got me wrong, by crafting a searing masterpiece of salvation, with the redeeming of the too prim and proper hero while the heroine keeps her head held high.

Clara has always wanted to rely only on herself and always herself, why she is so adamant against accepting help.
She has a past and at time she was robbed of her future by a cunning man. And now she has a way out of her former profession, she is devoted to it as who’s better to understand why these women called fallen need protection and a goal than a woman who lived among them.

« Everything in the world came down to survival, and where women were given little power and even less influence, she’d employ whatever tactics she could to survive. »

Henry has taken the mantle left by her father and became the ruthless peer and very involved MP expected for a man of his position. Driven by guilt, he will do anything to ensure his project receives the right audience.
But when found a breath away from death by a very secret woman, his view of the world in her short contact begins to move on.
During the few days she nursed him back to life, she left a deep imprint in his soul.
But when they meet again, will their society’s station make a difference?
It was such a moving tale, about a woman finding a love that sees past her scars and values her for whom she is really from the inside and a man who really began to live once he meets the one who shatters everything he thought the norm.

« you speak of yourself as if you’re somehow second to anyone, when not even the damned sun could compare with you in brightness. »

The fact the heroes were older added to the thoroughness of this magnificent story of second chance, Henry always so organized and predictable while Clara is figurative boldness. I do fell in love with Henry as never at any moment did he thought of Clara as deserving any less than him. He made mistakes and lied to her but never did he saw her for her former profession, only for the strong woman life has shaped her.

« “Loving someone isn’t about controlling them. It is about loving them and supporting them.” »

A big fat 5 stars for this emotional story which immersed me in some unknown historical events from me and the way of the political world.

I was granted an advance copy through Netgalley by the author but also ordered my own copy. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Where does one begin?! Clara is a former courtesan who is opening a music hall. Henry is
Lord Waterson, an MP in Parlaiment, stodgy and stuffy. Clara rescues Henry when he is beaten and about to be killed. She nurses him back,all the while showing him another side to humanity. Henry’s main focus is establishing a police force in England after his sister was injured in an uprising. But through Clara, Henry discovers that Love, and teasing, and listening are more important than control. Watching Henry’s transformation from stuffy to passionate is truly a wonder. Once again, Christi Caldwell writes a tale of imperfect characters finding their way to love. Highly recommend.
I received an ARC of this book.