In some ways, this was both too long and too short. The middle of the book had a ton of exposition, but I feel like it died down towards the end. Just needed more from the ending for me.

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.

Caldwell is an auto-buy for me. Her world-building is always realistic - bringing in the girt that can often be missing from historical romance. And she is marvellous at angst! Caldwell makes you feel things. Lots of things.

The Vixen by Christi Caldwell is not what I expected it to be, to be quite honest.

I had expected a typical light-hearted and steamy type of historical romance and instead what I got was a historical romance that dealt a lot with heavy things
Heavy things such as sexual assault, murder, parental abuse and neglect, AND MORE.

So, trigger warning for people who want to read The Vixen as it is not a light-hearted read.

The Vixen by Christi Caldwell was not a book I liked instantly. Even though I wanted to.

I disliked our female protagonist, Ophelia Killoran, and mind you, I love all of Christi Caldwell’s female protagonists.

But Ophelia was a tough character to like from the get-go.

She was so annoying to read because she absolutely refused to give a chance or to give people a benefit of a doubt.

Ophelia sees people from the ton or the gentry as selfish and conniving and it ANNOYS ME SO MUCH.
Not because I am a big fan of the ton or the gentry but because I wish that Ophelia can see that by using their money and social power and standing she can use it to her advantage.

Use it to her advantage in the terms of helping the working class, as well as the poor who live in St. Giles, have better opportunities.

I understand why she would be so stubborn and prejudiced against them having herself live in poverty in St. Giles and seeing humanity at its worst.

Understanding as I can be, it doesn’t make the reading experience any less painful.

But, thank God, due to her experience with our male protagonist, Connor Steele, Ophelia becomes more open to the possibilities and the short-sightedness of her vigilante ways.

I am all for her vigilante ways but realistically you can’t save a whole city by being a vigilante.
Batman doesn’t count, he is a BILLIONAIRE vigilante.

That said, I really love the character growth that not only Ophelia has but also Connor.

They both started from the extreme end of the spectrum; one is completely against the gentry and the ton and the other completely for them.

But due to their shared experience, they see that one can’t be one or the other, not everything is black and white.

Sometimes the best option is a bit of both.

Christi Caldwell’s writing for The Vixen was superb!

MY GOD! I FELT THE ANGST! THE EMOTIONS!
As much as I found Ophelia annoying, the writing made me feel for her and wanted her to find her happiness.

I was so stressed out listening to the audiobook for the latter half of this book because that’s when all hell broke loose.

Just when you thought the protagonists found their happy ever after some drama starts brewing and like the Malay saying…

Sudah jatuh Di timpa tangga

Which roughly translates to you already fallen and a ladder falls on top of you. Apologies in advance for the terrible translation, my Malay isn’t the best.

The only downside I found in this book was the plot point before the ending.

As much as I found Ophelia annoying, the writing made me feel for her and wanted her to find her happiness.

I was so stressed out listening to the audiobook for the latter half of this book because that’s when all hell broke loose.

Just when you thought the protagonists found their happy ever after some drama starts brewing and like the Malay saying…

Sudah jatuh Di timpa tangga

Which roughly translates to you already fallen and a ladder falls on top of you. Apologies in advance for the terrible translation, my Malay isn’t the best.

The only downside I found in this book was the plot point before the ending.

Goodness! My facial muscles got a real workout with this book! I think I pulled a muscle in my jaw from gasping in surprise so many times. And the back and forth motion of smiling, sobbing, and clenching my teeth in anger surely tightened something up. The Vixen, #2 in Christi Caldwell’s Wicked Wallflowers series will definitely shake up your emotions. If you’ve read Ms. Caldwell before, you know she has the uncanny ability to make the reader feel everything the characters are feeling. And this one has all the feels. What a beautiful story of dark secrets, betrayal, pain, perseverance, survival, and the healing power of love. This story is absolutely bewitching!
Connor and Ophelia’s story shook me to my core. I think seeing them first as children and knowing what they’d experienced made me even more absorbed in their story. Connor hadn’t been born on the streets, but that’s where he’d ended up after the murder of his parents. He’d lived on his own, dodging Mac Diggory. Ophelia had saved him from Diggory on more than one occasion. In return, he’d risked his life for hers. Thanks to the Earl of Mar, he’d been saved himself that day and escaped a life of misery on the streets. But he’d never forgotten where he came from and was determined to make the streets safer. Ophelia had only known the streets of St. Giles. She knew the dangers that lurked there. That’s why she put herself at risk to save children there. She’d hated Connor for escaping and at the same time cheered for the freedom he’d found. Though they’d not been enemies, neither had they been friends. When they meet years later, that hadn’t changed. There was still distrust there. But their desire to aid the children of St. Giles was one thing they had in common. And that need to keep the children safe was how they came to learn so much about each other and themselves. They both learned that their own view of the world wasn’t an accurate view. Everything isn’t black and white. There are shades of gray. Regardless of your station in life, there are good and bad people. And even people who fall somewhere in between. That was an especially hard lesson for Ophelia. She’d only known darkness. She trusted no one, especially not the nobility and especially not men. She knew first- hand the treachery lords were capable of.
Connor had lived in both worlds. As Ophelia made her much unwanted entrance into society, he knew what it was to be new, to have to ignore the looks and insults. They had a kindred connection there, both moving among society yet haunted by the past. I think I fell in love with them during their first waltz. The way they mouthed messages across the room charmed me. They both hated ton events but each other’s presence lessened the tension of enduring them. A friendship formed and it didn’t take long before that friendship became more. But there were so many obstacles between them. The closer they grew, the greater the distance between them and their families seemed to grow. And there were still secrets between them. I have to admit, I was so blown away by the twists, turns, and revelations toward the end that I truly didn’t think they’d make it.
This story left me reeling. Like Connor and Ophelia, I misjudged a lot of characters. There were characters I admired at the beginning of the story and despised at the end. Likewise, characters I thought were not to be trusted at first, I respected by the end. And I wasn’t prepared at all for the depth of emotion in this story. Be prepared to cry. A lot. It may be a cry of joy, a cry of empathy, or a cry of terror at the impossible cruelty of people, but you will cry.
One of my favorite things about this book, other than Ophelia and Connor’s love story, was the Killoran family. I learned so much more about them in this book. I can’t wait for Gertrude’s story. She’s made of sterner stuff than people give her credit for. I worry for Stephen. There’s so much distrust and anger in him. And Broderick. No matter how angry he made me, I guarantee you’ll forgive him for all at the end of this story. I am in awe of how much he cares for his “family” and, though they may not realize it, the choices he makes are to secure a better future for them all. I don’t care whose story is next, I just want it now. These characters have captivated me and I can’t get enough of this heartbreaking, emotional, inspiring series. A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection

Unfortunately, for my older books requested I was unable to review probably. They were never read, not because they weren't great, but because I ended up sick. I am just now getting back into the swing of thinks. Thank you, Netgalley.

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this? I laughed and cried and I think the only thing I would have made me enjoy it more, and give it five stars is if Stephen’s storyline didn’t end up the way it did. Perhaps it’ll continue in the series but it made me really sad. Glad I continued with the series.

This was book 2 in the Wicked Wallflower series. I have to say this has been my favorite story by Christi so far. I absolutely loved this story. I cried which takes a lot to do but I coudn’t put this book down.

I have read Christi Caldwell before and have enjoyed her work, which was why I was excited to receive this novel. I wasn't disappointed, although it wasn't what I expected.

The main characters were fantastic--I expected nothing less from this author--and the plot was certainly a thick one, though it was difficult to stay on the page at times and I found my mind wandering. I don't know that I would suggest this particular title to many, though I feel the story certainly has an audience somewhere. Just not with me.

I have voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this title given to me via NetGalley. The Vixen is the second book in the Wicked Wallflowers series and this was just another great installment to this series. I really enjoyed this book. It was really well written and it just had you trying to solve the mystery. I look forward to seeing what’s next from this author.

So, so, so good! Christi is one of my favorites in historical romance right now and she just keeps getting better and more creative with each book and series.

Special Note to Christi Caldwell: Please start giving us Epilogues!!! —Your Beloved Readers

Setting. London, England, Spring 1826

Characters.
Heroine: Miss Ophelia Killoran, sister of Mr. Broderick Killoran, owner of Devil's Den (previously Girl Diggory)
Hero: Mr. Connor Steele, adopted son of the Earl of Mar (previously Connor O'Roarke)

Summary. Ophelia Killoran grew up on the streets of St. Giles, but now lives safely with her sisters and brothers in the Devil's Den, one of the most well-known gambling clubs out there. Although she no longer has to involve herself in the horrible things that go on in St. Giles, she makes it her responsibility to hire the children who work at the club and tries to find those who are in the most unfortunate of circumstances and save them. She also views herself as a bit of an avenging angel when it comes to young girls who are waylaid and abused by noblemen, knowing personally how horrible that can be and what long lasting effects such trauma can have.

Connor Steele has been hired by a supposedly "Mad Marquess" to find the son whom he thinks was abducted, but whom all of society thinks he burned alive, along with his wife (seven years ago). When Connor's path crosses with Ophelia, he has come to Devil's Den to find out how they find the children they employ and interview the person responsible for that. Little does he expect to run into the girl who saved his life more than once when they were children and both living on the street. He and Ophelia, who at that time had no name and was just called "Girl" by her asshole of a father Mac Diggory, recognize one another almost immediately and are surprised to see what has become of the other and how they've both been relatively lucky and ended up surviving and to some extent, thriving.

Ophelia has been forced into Society by her brother, Broderick, who is determined to have one of his sisters marry into the aristocracy in order to protect the family and bring them more power and prestige. Due to her hatred for the upper echelon, Ophelia has absolutely on interest in a nobleman husband, but she also doesn't want to pass the duty on to her more tender-hearted and gentle sister, Gertrude. It turns out the only thing she ends up enjoying in Society are the run-ins she has with Connor, and from there, the connection that first formed between them as children blossoms into something more.

Review. Part of me wants to rate this as one of my favorite reads of 2018, even though I only ("only") gave it 4 stars—there are others that I rated more highly and that qualified, but one thing that really struck me about this book is that it is only one of the three romance books this year that made me cry. That is really rare for me (though seems to be happening with more frequency, so either I'm getting more easily affected or authors are really pulling out all the stops).

I really, really, really felt for Ophelia. When we meet her, it is so clear how little control she has—or has ever had—over her life, or anything in her world. And she really is kind of stuck, wanting to be important, wanting to make a difference, feeling like she has to prove her worth to her family, but not knowing how and not feeling like she's being successful. She is also haunted by an attempted rape that happened when she was younger and that has made her dislike all men, especially noblemen, and be suspicious of romantic relationships. She never envisions such a thing for herself, and the only reason she is willing to enter Society is to put off Broderick from enlisting Gertrude in her stead, and because she wants to prove that can help out her family. Her loneliness is palpable and the combination of supreme strength and ultimate vulnerability is super fascinating and very well done.

When it comes to Connor, I mean, wow, what is there to say? Such a dreamboat! He's a kind, caring, loving person who feels a great sense of responsibility towards those less fortunate than himself and is extremely grateful for the lucky breaks he had in life (after first surviving a horrible, horrible experience and then being forced to live on the streets). He feels a connection to Ophelia from the first and wants to reach out to her, for her to confide in him. The whole last section just completely tore at my heart—how he fights for her, his desolation—all of it.

I really appreciated the straightforwardness between Ophelia and Connor. Granted, there are a lot of secrets and hold-backs that they only eventually reveal to the other, but it's not a case of Misunderstandings or Things Left Unsaid. Part of this is the way they grew up—there's a bluntness and lack of beating around the bush, an honesty, that I really enjoyed between them.

The reason I didn't give it a higher rating is because despite all of this fabulousness, there was something missing. The middle section could have used more development and I wanted more exchanges and more time to pass between the main characters. I don't really know how to explain it. One thing was that there were multiple threads in the book and some of them were definitely underdeveloped, including when we're first introduced to Ophelia as someone who hunts down children abusers; she supposedly knows the streets better than anyone else, and this is an activity she engages in frequently, yet we only see it this one time and it's never really again revisited. We don't see her sneak out to do this anymore once the story starts.

Given how strong the main and supporting characters were, and how attached I was to Ophelia and invested I felt in her relationship with Connor, I really am surprised that I can't in the end rate this book higher. Thus far, while I have definitely enjoyed this series, featuring the Killoran family, the books have ranked lower than her Sinful Brides series, which I almost unanimously adored.

Series. This is the second book in the Wicked Wallflowers series, but know that this isn't the second book in this world, and we see many repeat characters who have featured in previous books/series. To fully enjoy this series, you should really start with the Sinful Brides series, which won't be a hardship—I promise you!!
1) The Rogue's Wager — 4.5 stars (my review)
2) The Scoundrel's Honor — 4.5 stars
3) The Lady's Guard — 4-4.5 stars (my review)
4) The Heiress's Deception — 4 stars (my review)

*This review is of an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Some changes and/or edits may be made to the final published version.

I love all of Christ Caldwell's books, and this one was no exception. Exciting action and a beautiful love story...what's not to love?

Amazing descriptions and narrative. The way the author relates the story makes me feel like i am inside the book. Very good story.

My first book by this author and I fear this author is just not for me. I never connected to the characters. There was plenty of background and story build up.

The absolute best!!! The character development and heartfelt writing makes this a winner. I can't wait for more!

What an exceptional emotional read!!! Christy Caldwell has outdone herself in this amazing book! So much emotion that truly grabs the reader in every nuance of the story, The characters are well developed so much so that the reader actually feels like they’re a part of the story! Loved everything about this book! Can’t wait to read the next one!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.

I am a big fan of angst in my romance. I actively seek it out and the blurb on this story promised me a healthy dose. It did not disappoint.

Ophelia grew up on the streets of Saint Giles, the daughter of its worst criminal. She did what she had to in order to survive, from picking pockets to using her knife, to putting herself at risk among those who would take advantage of a beautiful young girl. She was hard and tough, but for some reason she could not follow one particular order. She could not force her self to kill the boy who her father called “the one who got away.”

Connor refused to join the gang of the man who killed his parents. He knew he risked his own life with that refusal, but on three different occasions, Ophelia found him and each time she let him escape. So when she was almost arrested for picking the wrong pocket, he sacrificed himself and claimed the crime as his own. It changed his life forever.

Fast forward more than a decade and Connor is now an investigator. He grew up the adopted son of the very man whose pocket he claimed to have picked. He has taken a case involving a missing boy which leads him back to Saint Giles and into Ophelia’s life. She has made it her mission to protect orphans from those awful people who would take advantage of them. She has put them to work in her brother’s club and Connor thinks she could be the key to help solve his mystery.

In most books I read, it’s the hero who’s on the streets and the heroine navigating a society, trying to pair her with a peer. It was a refreshing change of pace to have the shoe on the other foot. It’s apparent right away that Ophelia has suffered awful things in her life and her brother’s push for her to enter society is the last thing she wants. But one of the things I liked about this book is that the author doesn’t paint haves and have-nots with single shade of black or white. Discovering the shades of gray is the journey Ophelia must travel… that and learning to let herself love and trust a man who straddles the line between both worlds.

I liked Connor a lot. He is smart and has been given a place in society, but he never turns his back on the ideal of protecting those who need it. He is strong and smart and sexy. I love how he sees Ophelia… how he calls her Largetha and what that means to him. I was a big fan of Ophelia’s, as well, not only who she is in the beginning and her dedication to the children (even in the face of her own fears) but how she learns to see past her expectations, to allow her worldview to change.

I believed in this romance. And though the book felt a tiny bit long, I thought overall the plot and pacing were good. The story gave me the angst and emotion I wanted and an ending that satisfied.

Would recommend this one.

Rating: B/B+

This is another page turner from Ms. Caldwell dealing with the underbelly of Regency London. Ophelia Killoran is a sister to a gaming hell proprietor who wants her to marry into the aristocracy to further his own agenda. Ophelia comes from an abused childhood and feels her mission is to save many orphans from the streets. Connor Steele saved Ophelia once when he was younger before he was adopted by an aristocrat. Now years later they are thrown together when Connor investigates a missing heir and Ophelia might have the clues to finding him.
I enjoyed this book and like how the author keeps the same feeling of time and place throughout this series and the previous series. This is a standalone but you will enjoy it even more if you read the first book in the series, The Hellion. The romance is slow simmering but so satisfying. I eagerly await the next book in this series.

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

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