Member Reviews
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.
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.
Connor Steele barely survived the streets. Lucky for him, a kind man took him in and raised him as his own son. Because of him, Connor was able to become the renowned investigator he is today. Connor's life's work is to protect children like him. His latest case involves a missing child who was possibly taken in by the man who killed Connor's birth parents. That's how he runs into a Ophelia Killoran, a girl from his past, one he owes his new life to.
Ophelia has never forgetten "the one that got away," the boy who escaped her father/gang leader, Diggory's, grip, Connor O'Roarke. Only now, Connor is going by a different last name and is working as an investigator. Ophelia knows Connor suspects the worst of her, but she will protect the innocent children in her employ at all costs. Ophelia does not want to trust Connor, but the more she is around him, the more she sees Connor is much like her. Maybe together, they can solve his latest case. Maybe Connor never was the enemy. What will happen when she tells her biggest secret to the man she has come to love?
Author Christi Caldwell's WICKED WALLFLOWERS series is in my top 10 favorites right now. Both books are on that list... THE HELLION and THE VIXEN. And no surprise, I give them both a full 5 stars! I honestly cannot say which book is better; they're both so good. Ms. Caldwell captivates her audiences so easily. The Killoran family has my heart! I love all of the characters, Cleo, Broderick, Gertrude, Stephen and Ophelia. I could not put THE VIXEN down. My emotions ran the gamut. Ophelia and Connor's stories are heart-breaking. I am so glad they find happiness in each other. It was such a long time coming for them both. Now, they can begin the healing progress. I will anxiously be awaiting the third book in Ms. Caldwell's WICKED WALLFLOWERS series. Historical fans... THE HELLION and THE VIXEN are must reads! I have added them both to my keeper shelf.
I received The Vixen by Christi Caldwell from Net Galley in exchange for a fair review. It is the second book of her Wicked Wallflowers series and while it can be read as a stand-alone, Cleo's story is pretty great as well.
Ophelia Killoran is a women that most underestimate often. But at night, she spends her nights protecting the children on the streets of St Giles. As a young girl, she faced the same horrors and was saved by an orphan boy who shows back up in her life.
Connor Steele paid a debt and gave his life for Ophelia years ago. Now, an investigator, he is looking for another boy taken from his home who might be living on the streets now. When he comes face to face with Ophelia again after years of living a lavish life, he is struck by her fierce independence and struggles with an attraction that can never be.
Can i just say I wasn't sure I would like Ophelia as a heroine. But from the first chapter, I was caught. Her fierce independence, willingness to help children, and her own past that now haunts her, drew me in. Tears hovered in my eyes almost the whole book. Caldwell herself stated that Ophelia wrote her own story at the end and it shows. The heart and soul that went into this story simmers throughout. I read Christi Caldwell all the time: most of the time I enjoy her stories, sometimes they are ok. And sometimes, the story touches you and you can't help but feel for all parties. This is that story. It's a reread for me! #TheVixen #NetGalley
Ophelia and Connor both came from the same dark place- living on the streets and being in Diggorys gang. Except one fateful day Connor saved Ophelia from being hauled away from picking a pocket. He disappeared from that day forward but always in the back of her mind.
Fast forward years later Connor shows back up but as an investigator and on a mission to find a missing child. Ophelia saves children from being on the street and gives them purpose in her family's club. They meet again and the tension between them is just as strained as before.
This was a good read as I love the plot. Lot's of tension and suspense to keep you reading.
I want to start my review by saying this was one of my favorites from Christi Caldwell! The Vixen is the second installment of the Wicked Wallflowers series but there are references here and there to her other books. It's nice that while you don't have to have been following her other books, you can get glimpses of some favorite characters if you have read her others. What I loved about The Vixen was the emotional ride that the story takes you on. I found myself easily swept up by the story and emotionally involved in all the characters. Ophelia and Connor definitely don't have a light and easy relationship and that makes the reader more invested with each hurdle they have to jump through. I'm not going to give a synopsis since you can just read the back cover summary but I'd highly recommend this one, especially if you've been following along in the series. The book was well written, exciting, and engaging throughout.