Publisher's Description:

USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell pits a fiercely independent beauty against a devilish investigator.

Set apart by her ethereal beauty and fearless demeanor, Ophelia Killoran has always been a mystery to those around her—and a woman they underestimated. No one would guess that she spends her nights protecting the street urchins of St. Giles. Ophelia knows what horrors these children face. As a young girl, she faced those horrors herself, and she would have died…if not for the orphan boy who saved her life.

A notorious investigator, Connor Steele never expected to encounter Ophelia Killoran on his latest case. It has been years since he sacrificed himself for her. Now, she hires orphans from the street to work in her brother’s gaming hell. But where does she find the children…and what are her intentions?

Ophelia and Connor are at odds. After all, Connor now serves the nobility, and that is a class of people Ophelia knows firsthand not to trust. But if they can set aside their misgivings and work together, they may discover that their purposes—and their hearts—are perfectly aligned.

My Thoughts:

This book has an Oliver Twist feel to the plot and was an enjoyable read. Our Oliver Twist character in this case is a woman bent on rescuing orphans even if it is to put them to work in her brother's gaming hell. Where are all of these orphans coming from and what are Ophelia's true intentions?

Conner was at one point Ophelia's rescuer but now does he trust her or not?

As usual this Christi Caldwell story is laced with mystery, intrigue and love. Christi stuns her readers with a fascinating story of love and triumph over evil.

I gave this latest book 4.45 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3 of 5 flames. Rape is not sensual but it is a part of this well written tale.

I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

This was an achingly beautiful story and out of all Caldwell's novels, no two characters deserved a happy ending more than Ophelia Killoran and Connor Steele.
From the interactions in their tragic youth, to meeting again in adulthood, these two have always been tied together through their plight in life.
When Conner is on a case to investigate an Earl's son, believed to be kidnapped, he is forced to work with Ophelia who is known to rescue youth from the streets.
The love story was hard fought and there were times when it was difficult to believe that they would make it through. This story caused such a bevy of emotions that my only complaint was the lack of an epilogue. Caldwell never seems to do one but with the storyline of Connor and Ophelia and the fact that the drama went right up to the final pages, a sneak peak into their future would have given closure for the reader.

Very well done!

[Excerpt]:

Rating: 4 stars.

Spoilers ahead, as usual!

Some months ago, at the recommendation of a fellow knitting/crocheting club member, I joined a romance book club on Facebook. There are thousands of members, and so it almost goes without saying that there are dozens of comments and posts every day. Since I’m on Facebook at least a couple times a day (to check out the group’s posts, if nothing else), I’ve come across certain author names again and again. Along with Judith McNaught, Tessa Bailey, Lisa Kleypas, Eloisa James, and Sarah MacLean, one of those authors frequently mentioned goes by Christi Caldwell. A staple of “old school” and historical romance, Caldwell has been recommended more times than I can say, and so when I saw that “The Vixen” was up on NetGalley, I didn’t hesitate in requesting it. This novel is my first of Caldwell’s, and it likely won’t be the last.

“The Vixen” takes place in England 1826. It follows Ophelia Killoran, a twenty-something woman who lives in a “gaming hell” with her four other adopted siblings: Stephen, Cleo, Broderick, and Gertrude. Their family is collectively known as a bunch of notorious criminals, and although they make a decent amount of money, the “ton” or polite/high society consisting of the nobility looks down on them.

Ophelia is an angry person. She’s filled with hate and bitterness and a bleakness that was totally unexpected. In fact, this book was so. much. darker than I had anticipated. I expected a fun, silly, slightly angsty romance with scandals and flirting, but “The Vixen” was pretty damn dark. Ophelia’s life has not been easy – she lived on the streets, working under a cruel and vicious man named Mac Diggory who was more-or-less a gangster and ruthlessly ran the bad part of the city. There was a trauma that happened to Ophelia when she was only a pre-teen, and she’s seen some pretty awful things (growing up around obsessive gamblers, prostitutes, thieves, and murderers, that’s not a surprise).

[Full review on my blog!]

Connor and Ophelia have a checkered past and are now forced to work together several years later. They both came from a similar background but things are way different for the both of them. They don’t trust each other but they have no choice to work together. Those are the kind of stories I love to read! I enjoyed the push and pull with the characters. Once they let their walls downs and got to know each other, I was so happy! The characters were well developed and I loved seeing their relationship unfold as I read.

So this was my first time reading an historical romance in a long time. Whenever I try to read I usually end up bored to tears. I’m happy to report that was NOT the case with this story! This was my first time reading this author and she now has a new fan! The story was engaging, held my attention and talk about an emotional rollercoaster. The last few chapters had me at the edge of my seat and I couldn’t read fast enough. The plot was very refreshing and I read this book in one day. I will be checking out the first book “The Hellion” as well.

Stories by Christi Caldwell embody the historical romance genre. Filled with characters, that due to her descriptions, become part of your heart and engage your emotions through the story. Although you can read this book without having read the first one, I encourage you to do so. Opehia Killoran and her sisters have been raised from the streets and have seen and experienced more than anyone should.
You see Ophelia has almost a secret life caring and protecting the helpless street children of St Giles. She was once one of them and knows exactly what they are going through to survive. If not for an an orphan boy who saved her, she would not be alive today.
Connor Steele, was that boy and now years later, as an investigator serving the nobility, he comes into contact with Ophelia. Of course, fate has brought them together again but can Connor and Ophelia now come together with Connor being raised by a Lord after his days on the streets? There are so many emotions in this story that it will make you cry, but also feel the hope and love that comes out of the pages. Cannot wait for the next Wicked Wallflowers Book!

For me, this story was like a snowball rolling down a hill. At the beginning, I liked Ophelia and Connor. The farther down the hill, the more their story pulled me in, heart and mind. The last third of the story had me riveted, in tears, biting my nails, and turning pages. Thank you for a wonderful story that went from the baser side of people to the honest, loyal, and goodness in others. I loved how Connor taught Ophelia to change how she looked at herself as well as others in order to let go of the past. Ophelia's mind showed her how to survive and to help others survive, but could not see past her fears to open her heart completely. I highly recommend this story.

I received an ARC of this story through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.

This is Ophelia and Connor's story. No one knows that Ophelia puts herself in danger to help orphans living on the street. She lived through those horrors when she was younger, and she works hard to ensure that no child goes through what she went through. Connor is a top notch investigator who encountered Ophelia years ago, and he doubts that she has good intentions towards the children. Conner serves the nobility, and Ophelia does not trust the nobility. When the two of them encounter each other again things get very interesting.

I absolutely loved this story. It was so well-written with a complex plot. Add to that very interesting characters and you have a winner. I got drawn into the story very quickly and found myself on the edge of my seat as the story went forward. I became so emotionally involved with the characters that at one point I cried, because Christi writes on a realistic level that people can relate to. This is a heartwarming story that has drama, emotion and love. It totally won my heart and I highly recommend it.

THE VIXEN by Christi Caldwell is a deeply emotional, sometimes heart-wrenching, historical romance that's on my Best of 2018 list and, in my opinion, the best book this talented writer has delivered to date. Keep the tissues handy for this one. You'll need them as Connor and Ophelia's journey unfolds, then need a few more when their hard-won love, and happiness, are finally claimed. Mystery, danger, rapid-fire banter, an atypical hero and heroine, storytelling that will immerse you in the gritty underworld of regency London and the darker side of nobility, gut-wrenching heartache, and the honor and sacrifice of deep, unconditional love make THE VIXEN a book that should be on every romance lover's must-read list.

Ophelia Killoran and Connor Steele have a past, neither friend or foe, they helped one another long ago when they were both children on the streets. And while their lives took different paths, they meet again when Connor, now an investigator, is working his latest case.

Ophelia is the sister of Broderick Killoran, a self made gambling hell owner, who wants nothing more than for his sisters to marry into the aristocracy. Since he failed to make a match for his sister Cleo, he has turned his attention to Ophelia - much to her disgust.


Ophelia remembers Connor and the sacrifice he made for her, but she doesn't trust him and will not willingly help him find a lost boy. But as they spend more time together, love blossoms, but it is a love that cannot be. Bring on the heartache!

I read other reviews and thought that perhaps the reviewers were exaggerating the emotional impact of this book - they were not - this is definitely a have some tissues handy kind of book. I felt drained after this book - not in a bad way, but drained nonetheless. I will admit that I really wish I had read the previous series before starting this series and may go back and read those books before I read another in this series, because I did feel like I was missing something.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

The Vixen is the second book in the Wicked Wallflower series by Christi Caldwell, I don't think I'm ever going to get over this book!

The Vixen isn't a fast paced book, it's a book full of little details that make this book become more alive and somehow manages to find a place in your heart.

Now rather than tell you all about the story, I'm just going to share my thoughts just one character and that is Ophelia Killoran. Ophelia has had the worst kind if childhood, the pain that this young women has suffered truly goes beyond the pale! But Ophelia is a fighter, a protector, and righter of wrongs and she is determined to give everyone choices, even if they were denied to her.

I think out of the whole book and all of the characters, Ophelia's character truly stands out! Her spirit and sass is ever-present, whether she is facing an Earl or the hangman's noose, she's determined to do things her way! And you cannot help but love her for that.

By the end of The Vixen I was surrounded by Kleenex, with a red blotchy face, and a heart full of love and a brain about to short-circuit!

The side effects of reading The Vixen include:

*Feeling angry

*Crying like your life is over

*Cheering so loudly that your husband and cats look at you like you have lost your mind.

*Upon completion, stare in to space completely exhausted!

Don't contact your doctor, you are just entering the Christi Caldwell Book Hangover, you will be fine by the time the next book is released!

All kidding aside, The Vixen is an amazing book! And a definite must-read! Which is why I give it 5 stars

The Vixen:

Another fantastic story from the queen of regency, ChristiCaldwell. Ophelia & Connor’s story takes you on a journey from when they are kids surviving on the harsh streets of London, who save each other and where debts are paid. To when the investigation into a missing child brings them together as adults. To say you are put through an emotional wringer is no understatement. Both are shocked to see each other & what each have become in adulthood. Ophelia, middle sister to Devils Den proprietor Broderick Killoran, who ventures into the dark, dangerous streets at night to rescue vulnerable children. Connor, who was adopted by a powerful Earl & become a respected investigator. He is hired by a lord to look into his son’s disappearance, long ago thought killed in a fire that claimed his mother blamed on the Lord. Though his investigation he crosses paths with Ophelia who is pushed into society by her brother to make a match with a man of station. They each find long ago feelings for one another are brought to the surface, they fall in love. Connor’s adopted father does not approve of Ophelia & wants Connor to wed his widowed, penniless goddaughter. This is the most emotionally charged part of the book. If you want to know how it ends please read this fantastic story, be prepared to use a box of Kleenex though!I cannot recommend this book enough, just when I think Christi can’t get better she delivers another amazing story, her best book yet. Remember love always prevails.

I did enjoy this story very much. It had some very intriguing characters in Connor and Ophelia. They had met in their youth, where although they were suspicious of each other, they still helped one another. Ophelia had such a hard life and needed to think more of herself. Connor shared some of Ophelia’s experiences but had fared better. There are some twists and turns in the story, including a rival, a search for a missing son, and a betrayal. At times, I was on the of my seat. An enthralling read and I’m looking forward to the next in this series. I was given a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ophelia Killoran is the vixen of the title, a woman unlike any other in all of London. Daughter of Mac Diggory, once the feared crime king of London’s seedy underworld, she and her siblings have built a new life for themselves as proprietors of a prosperous gaming hell. Now her brother wants her to marry a lord to cement their place in polite society.

Once upon a time, Connor Steele was one of Diggory’s street kids, and a girl with white hair saved his life. He repaid the debt by letting himself be taken up in her place when she was caught picking a lord’s pocket, and ended up adopted by that kindly lord. Now, he’s an investigator searching for the kidnapped son of a marquis, which brings him to the Killoran siblings and the street children they take in and provide with a better life. Encountering Ophelia, he’s stunned to recognise her as the girl he called Lagertha, the only one who showed even a hint of compassion to him in those days. Extraordinarily beautiful, the Jewel of St. Giles is destined for better things than a mere investigator, however, and he has his adoptive father’s expectations to contend with as well.

To be honest, I found it very hard to suspend disbelief that Mac Diggory hadn’t sold a girl as beautiful as Ophelia into prostitution long before she reached adulthood. He could have received far more as a one-off payment for her use from some depraved type with a taste for children than he could get out of her as a pickpocket or palm reader. It didn’t make sense that someone as horrific as Diggory was purported to be wouldn’t have made use of the asset to maximum monetary potential.

I also had issues with Connor not going back for Ophelia. Did it not occur to him to admit to his adoptive father, once he felt reasonably secure, what he’d done? Not occur to him to go back and try to save the one who saved him, from the hell he escaped? I thought much less of him for not making that effort. I’m afraid I also didn’t buy the daughter of a crime lord being invited to rub shoulders with the Ton. Beauty and wealth alone didn’t buy you acceptance, and she’d have been given the cut direct by society hostesses, certainly not considered as a bride by any but the most desperate of titled gentleman.

Although I liked Ophelia and Connor’s romance, all these impossible things I was being asked to believe got to be too much. This is well written and gives a good glimpse into the seedier underside of 1820s London not usually touched on in historical romances, but anyone familiar with the social customs of the day is just not going to be able to suspend their disbelief enough to enjoy it. I can’t give it any more than three stars.

I have become a great fan of Christi Caldwell’s delight Regency romances. When I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review The Vixen, I eagerly accepted. My opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.
The Vixen another wonderful Regency with just the right amount of detail, giving me the ability to use my imagination. The pacing is great, moving the story along at the perfect pace. The characters are engaging, and the plot riveting. I thoroughly enjoy suspense and this one has it in abundance.

Ophelia’s character pulled me into the story right away. She had every reason to be filled with negativity, but she isn’t. She is very loyal to her family and is torn between what the feels obligated to do and what her heart tells her.

Connor makes an interesting character. While he was pulled out of the dismal life of one of Diggory’s gang, he feels great guilt that he left the other children behind and was given a good life as the adopted son of the Earl of Mar. I loved his determination to gain Ophelia’s heart.

I truly enjoyed the romance between Ophelia and Connor. It grows gently into an incredible love story. I always enjoy reunion stories. The couple already had an established relationship, making it easy to believe the love that grows between the pair.

If you enjoy a romance with great characters, an interesting plot with a good bit of suspense and great emotionally-charged writing, then you will love The Vixen. This may very well be the best book she has written thus far. I can’t wait for the next book is this amazing series. Happy reading!

‘The Vixen’ is book 2, in another great series by Christi Caldwell. Following on from The Hellion, this book opens with Ophelia Killoran, the bastard daughter of Diggory, saving a young boy Connor, who in turn saves her from the gallows. Fast forward several years, and Ophelia is still trying to save young children on the street whilst Connor Steele, is an investigator to many of the ton.
As always, Ms Caldwell manages to draw you in with her detailed description of the streets of London. The story is brought to life with these two characters and also from the strong characters of Broderick, Ophelia’s brother and her sisters and their husbands. The emotional pull of this story did not let up until the last chapter. I even found myself in tears towards the end – emotion overload!
I just can’t wait for more in this series – I just hope that Broderick’s story comes along soon!
I received an advanced review copy in exchange for my honest review.

Christi Caldwell delves into the darkest corners of life to create something wonderful. The Vixen is a tale of hope in the moments of despair. Ophelia is a woman of courage. She beat the odds with a little help from her phantom guardian angel. Once a girl without a home, she is now a protector of the underdog. Her heart guides her into uncharted territory when her long lost warrior reappears as the man that can orchestrate her undoing. Connor and Ophelia are romance at it's finest. Captivating, inspiring, unforgettable.

Right from the initial pages of this book, I had begun to tear up. The trials and tribulations that Ophelia and Connor have gone through life to survive just made my heart bleed. Both the characters are beautifully layered and intricate with an emotionally charged romance and really sexy chemistry. But more than anything, the story in this novel might be my favorite in this series as of now. Towards the end of the novel, I was fairly sobbing, especially after reading the legend of Lagertha. This is book two in the Wicked Wallflowers series and I highly recommend reading this series even though the book can be read as a standalone.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

The Vixen is Ophelia and Conner's story, 2nd in the Wicked Wallflower Series. This is a standalone, HEA Historical Romance with lots of sizzle.
Christi Caldwell is one of my favorite Historical Romance authors. She is a mastermind when it comes to “torturing” her characters and her reader. With her ability to paint a picture with words, she pulls you into the story and keeps you there. Twist and turns in the plot keep you on the edge of your seat. The building romance is believable, heart wrenching (it made me cry) and steamy. This story is, at times, dark and intense, delving into the harsh realities of life that some are not aware of or have blinded themselves to. A great read, I can hardly wait to read the next in the series.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review through NetGalley.

Second book in the Wicked Wallflowers is Ophelia’s story. Ms. Caldwell brings Connor O’Roarke/Steele together in an emotional journey with flashback moments for both of them. Their long history is of the brief times in which their paths crossed in St. Giles while both were just trying to survive. Now as adults, Connor is investigating the disappearance from years earlier of a Marquess’s son. Ophelia’s mission is to remove vulnerable children off the streets to work in her family’s club where they can be safe. Connor believes she may be taking the children for nefarious reasons. Ironically, one night Ophelia follows him because she believes that is what he is doing. Both have placed the other in the role of villain.

Mixed into all of their lack of trust is Ophelia’s brother’s insistence she marry a peer. She must go live with her sister, Cleo, of The Hellion (book 1) and her new husband, also a peer. Ophelia goes with a bit of a fight. Once there, Ophelia sees Connor with a beautiful, widowed duchess at an evening event. She quickly sees a familiarity between them. Ophelia is herself considered a beauty but finds she is jealous of the duchess and her obvious relationship with Connor.

Returning to the flashback moments, we learn of how difficult, and even at times, horrible Ophelia and Connor’s younger lives were in St. Giles. There is a secret between them that Ophelia worries will completely break their tenuous new friendship if Connor discovers it. Yet, it is due to Ophelia that Connor was able to leave St. Giles without her knowing that she had in all actuality helped him.

One of the underlying issues between these somewhat star crossed lovers is Ophelia is a Killoran. Her father was the leader of ruffians in St. Giles. He is dead now, but when alive he was brutal to pretty much everyone, especially the children of whom he took control. His evilness causes a lot of Ophelia and Connor’s mistrust of others. Ophelia was raised believe the ‘nobs’ of the ‘ton’ are the evil ones. The whole Killoran ‘family’ distrusts peers. With Connor being taken from St. Giles by a peer, he was given opportunities of which Ophelia was deprived.

The secondary characters are strong in personality, especially her family. Even Connor’s father and friends are strong in what they believe to be their place in life. Ironically, his father and his connections are the most manipulative of people. The duchess may have been one of those manipulators, but at heart she has a heart. (She may be just the woman for Broderick).

The Vixen is heart-wrenching even as it journeys to Ophelia and Connor HEA. This is a great Caldwell book and enjoyable second in the series. I look forward to seeing what happens to the next member of the Killoran family. There are several from which to choose for the next book in the series.

Set apart by her ethereal beauty and fearless demeanour, Ophelia Killoran has always been a mystery to those around her No one would guess that she spends her nights protecting the street urchins of St. Giles. Ophelia knows what horrors these children face. As a young girl, she faced those horrors herself, and she would have died if not for the orphan boy who saved her life.
A notorious investigator, Connor Steele never expected to encounter Ophelia Killoran on his latest case. It has been years since he sacrificed himself for her. Now, she hires orphans from the street to work in her brother’s gaming hell. Ophelia and Connor are at odds. After all, Connor now serves the nobility, and that is a class of people Ophelia knows firsthand not to trust.
Another engrossing, enthralling read which flows effortlessly & takes you from the gutters of St Giles to Mayfair & beyond. The characters are superbly drawn, Connor & Ophelia are both haunted by their past & are perfect for each other. I was taken on a gamut of emotions & by the last 15% I was in bits. I usually like a book to have an epilogue but this book didn’t need one. I hope a certain widow has her story, she certainly deserves one

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read