The Governess by Christi Caldwell is the third book in the Wicked Wallflowers series, and I found out the hard way that this series really, really has to be read in order. I found myself confused by the first three chapters; as a reader unfamiliar with the world or the characters, I was dropped in without a lot of explanation. By chapter four I’d gotten my bearings, but the book never quite clicked with me.

Regina Spark has been working for years as the right hand to Broderick Killoran, the owner of the gaming hell The Devil’s Den. Broderick saved her from a life on the streets of the Dials, and she’s returned the favor by managing his affairs and supervising his younger siblings. She’s the perfect, efficient assistant and he’s the roguish boss, so of course they have both been pining for each other for awhile.

I have a feeling that a lot of that pining was developed in earlier books, but since I started in the middle BECAUSE I DO WHAT I WANT OKAY I had to take it on faith.

Even though she’s secretly in love with Broderick, Reggie doesn’t think he’ll ever return her affections. She knows her future is ultimately tied to his protection, which makes her vulnerable. She saves her money to start a business of her own, a music hall, where women of the Dials will have an alternative to prostitution.

Broderick finds out and he feels betrayed because she’ll be in competition with his business and because she’s planning on taking some of his employees with her (note: the women who work for him are not prostitutes, but again, only because they have his protection, so if something happened to him they’d be vulnerable). Broderick buys the building she wants out from under her and blackmails her in order for her to get it back.

Broderick wants to introduce his sister Gertrude to Society and help her find a good marriage that will secure her future. He knows that Reggie previously lived among the ton and he wants her to act as Gertrude’s chaperone, which she absolutely doesn’t want to do.

This is where all that backstory I needed becomes necessary for comprehension. I guess Broderick was part of an aristocratic family that got ruined? And I guess he has three sisters he’s making good matches for? And a brother Stephen, who might be the kidnapped son of a marquess?

I could suss enough out to move along with the book, but I felt like every few chapters I was getting slapped in the face with backstory and motivation for which I had no context.

Also this book has a lot of plot. A LOT. There is:

Reggie’s secret backstory.
Stephen’s apparent kidnapping.
Gertrude needing to find a husband and not wanting one.
Reggie opening the music hall.
Broderick possibly hanging for the accidental kidnapping of Stephen.
That’s a lot for one book, although some of it is left to be fully resolved in the next book, which I believe is Gertrude’s story.

TW/CW: I do want to warn readers that when do get Reggie’s backstory, it includes sexual and domestic violence.

I couldn’t get into Reggie and Broderick’s romance because I was spending so much of my time keeping tack of plot threads in my head, which was a bummer because the two have some pretty genuine chemistry. The whole “working together, secretly pining for each other” thing has been my catnip since I started watching The X-Files as a youngin’, and I wanted more of that. I wanted more context for their relationship, other than just being told they’d always been making eyes at each other from afar.

I did appreciate that while the book periodically dealt with the ton, it more or less focused on people who didn’t live among the aristocracy. I also appreciated that Reggie understood that while she had a good thing going working for Broderick, if something happened to him, she’d be just as vulnerable to being preyed upon or being forced into prostitution as she was before she met him. It was a realistic assessment of her situation, and her desire to set herself up to be secure made total sense to me.

Also this book has a lot of cats in it, which made me happy because dogs sometimes seem like the romance pet go-to. #teamcat

But while there were elements about this story that I enjoyed, I could never fully immerse myself in it because it just doesn’t work as a standalone. I would advise readers who are interested in The Governess to read the series in order. Otherwise you may feel as periodically confused as I did.

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The Governess by Christi Caldwell
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It's the 3rd novel in the Wicked Wallflower series. I absolutely liked Regina Sparks, the governess of the Broderick Killoran's family who in honest is so much more to the family than just a governess. Killoran is about to marry all his sister to titled men from society to establish his power in London, most of them marry for love in the end.
Regina wants an establishment on her own and Killoran assumes treason.

I like Christi Caldwell's books about the dark side of London a lot. 5 Stars.

The Governess is the third book in the Wicked Wallflowers series. The story seems to follow off from the previous book but with the Killoran family and the Devil’s Den.

I’ve read a couple of comments in which it has been noted that the Killoran family is in fact not related by blood (with exception to Stephen). Their shared connection from Diggory’s street kid gang. It is than assumed that as I have not read the previous two books, this was not picked up until reading the comments. Regardless the story could almost be considered a stand-alone piece.

Post-Diggorys ruling, Broderick has taken over the Devil’s Den. Although he is willing to play dirty, he protects those he calls family as well as those in his employee. From early on in the story one finds out that Stephen was kidnapped when he was a baby. Broderick realizes that as it was on his orders - for Diggory’s men to bring him an orphan child - that he must face the consequences and wrath of Stephen’s father.

To further protect his sisters from the noose in his future, he seeks to find suitable husbands for them. The story picks up from after Cleo and Ophelia have successfully married loving husbands. Only Gretchen remains to find a suitable partner. This fast-forward track could refer to pieces that I may be missing from the previous two books. Gretchen insists that if she must find a husband, that she wants Reggie to be her chaperone.

Regina (Reggie) Spark has been in Broderick’s employee for 10 years. She is a loyal right hand to Broderick, the hell and his family. However, she holds secrets…
1. A secret from her past that could destroy all future hope with Broderick
2. She is deeply in love with Broderick
3. She plans to open a music hall. A future investment and a means for prostitutes from the Devil’s Dean a new purpose.
Reggie’s sad backstory shows an understanding at her strong refusal to return to Polite Society as Gretchen’s chaperone.
Broderick discovers Reggie’s plan to buy a building. He believes that she is out to sabotage his business by opening another gaming hall or saloon in the same area and steal his staff. Anger does not allow him to see reason to her plans - not that she is willing to share her plans in fear that he may steal her ideas. His stubbornness and to slow her plans he backs Reggie into a contract to chaperone his sister until her season is over. Reggie, however, is definitely not a pushover and goes “toe to toe” with Broderick. Despite the broken trust, Broderick admires Reggie’s courage which turns to an attraction for the feisty redhead.

Overall I found The Governess a difficult book to fall into pace with, and even more reluctant to put pen to paper to review. Don’t get me wrong, it had an interesting take on the “slams” and a blossoming romance. It unfortunately did not appeal to me and I found the storyline dragged, and paragraphs were being skipped or skimmed.

** I received a copy of The Governess (Wicked Wallflowers, Book 3) by Christi Caldwell via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

It was like coming home. All the characters from previous books showing up gave this story such warmness. I have enjoyed both Broderick and Regina's characters from the start. So happy they are finally together. He was somewhat of a bully but I am glad he woke up to the truth in the end. Great love story

Strong wills clash!

The Killoran's charge towards respectability continues in this latest Wicked Wallflowers entry. Or rather Broderick Killoran's plans for protection for his sisters by marrying them off to the ton is first and foremost on his to do list.
This time it's Gertrude turn and it seems another member of the family is to take part as Gertrude companion. Except the companion wants no part of the scheme and Broderick won't take no for an answer.
The once easy friendship between Broderick and Reggie (Regina Spark), Broderick's trusted lieutenant in all Devil Den's dealings, and keeper of Broderick's secrets, becomes all out war.
Secrets are exposed and feelings deeply hidden.
Just as Broderick is convinced he's right, he realizes he's wronged Reggie deeply and now there be no way back. The score is nil all.
Reading and enjoyment level score is high fives all the way!
👋

A Montlake Romance ARC via NetGalley

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love Christi Caldwell. I actually wasn't a massive fan of Broderick in the previous book - he was painted as an arrogant, self-serving businessman who only vaguely showed his love for his siblings. This book, however, was definitely his redemption.
I think my favourite thing about this book was how heavily Stephen was featured and his relationships with the other Killorans and Reggie. I am so looking forward to the next book as I have been intrigued by the Marquess and Gertrude throughout and, of course, I'm hoping Stephen will be even more explored and included in the next book. I had a good old cry towards the end of this as I do with every CC book. I'm sure each new book of hers becomes my favourite! So, so excited for the next one! 5 stars.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

At first, I felt a bit lost as there were so many people to keep track of, and I didn't realize that this was book three in a series. After a couple of chapters, it was easier to grasp what was going on and understand who all the people were.

This book took me through so many emotions as Regina tries to find a new life for herself as she knows that she cannot keep working with Broderick when she loves him and he doesn't see her for more than a trusted employee and at best another sister.

When he finds out that she plans a new venture, he feels betrayed and starts a chain of events that brings up painful memories of Regina's past.

All through the book, you wonder how Broderick is going to escape the hangman's noose and the answer was a surprise! What a great ending and wrap up for Stephen's situation.

Well written book. You want to read on to discover what happens. Gripping and enthralling to the end. I liked the way the relationship developed.

I don’t know why I had a hard time starting this book. It may have been because I just finished another and was still “in” that one in my head, or it was the prologue and first chapter that waylaid me. What ever it was I pushed on and boy am I glad! I really liked this book. The H and h were wonderful and I felt very vested in their story. Even the supporting characters were great. Some I loved and some I loved to hate! LOL I highly recommend this wonderful story of perseverance and love.

**I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley but all opinions provided are my own.
4.5 Stars

When I finished THE GOVERNESS I was smiling. Christi Caldwell took me on an emotional roller coaster ride, and all of it was very well done, so much so that my heart felt like it was in my throat for most of the book.

Reggie Spark and Broderick Killoran's journey to HEA is not an easy one. For ten years, Reggie has been Broderick's right hand, his assistant as he's amassed an empire in Seven Dials. Unbeknownst to Broderick, Reggie has always wanted more, though she's convinced that he doesn't feel the same, and she'd rather die than have him know her feelings.

Fortunately for us (and not so fortunately for our characters), things are coming to a head: Broderick must confront the consequences of his long ago actions--consequences which threaten everything he's built for himself and others--and Reggie must decide if/how she can break free of the hold Broderick has over her, a task made even more difficult by the fact that Broderick will view her actions as betrayal.

Complicating everything, of course, is their attraction for one another. An attraction that proves itself very inconvenient and also impossible to ignore....

Reggie and Broderick are bold, exciting characters who set the pages on fire. They're also flawed, and it's beautiful to see how their ev0lution as people is mirrored in their relationship's evolution, and vice versa.

Caldwell creates a world that feels authentic. It's not a kind world, but it's a world where people can make meaningful connections; where love and care can't always protect people from everything but where they make life worth living.

To better understand these relationships between characters, I would recommend starting with the beginning of the series; this was the first book I've read in the series, and it took me a bit to feel like I fully understood what was going on.

This passionate, thrilling book made me a Christi Caldwell fan and I'm looking forward to reading the next one.

~~Reviewed by Amy~~

I’ve been salivating for Broderick’s book for a long time. A boy who’d once been pampered and then orphaned. He’d grown up on the streets of 7 Dials then made a name for himself in the Diggory gang. Now a proprietor and leader of London’s underworld, he was feared by many. A lot of people, characters and readers alike, didn’t like the choices and actions he made, thinking he put connections to Society before his own family. That his actions were driven by self-preservation. But I always believed he made those tough choices for the sake of his family. His family’s survival meant more to him than his own existence. And that’s abundantly clear in The Governess, #3 in Christi Caldwell’s Wicked Wallflower series. When Broderick faces retribution for past actions, he is literally brought to his knees, at risk of losing everything, clinging to the world he’d built with his bare hands. And in the face of that demise, all pride and all fear of failure fall away, leaving only what is truly important.

Regina Sparks had loved Broderick Killoran for years. He’d rescued her, a scared girl, from the streets of London. The Killoran family had become the family she’d lost. And she’d devoted her life to caring for the Killoran children and working as Broderick’s assistant. But he’d never seen her as anything more than that role and so Reggie was making plans to leave, start her own business venture with the help of other Devil’s Den employees.
Broderick had always trusted and relied on Reggie. He counted her as his friend and confidante. Theirs was an easy, comfortable relationship. When suddenly he starts to see her as more, not an employee, not a friend, but a beautiful and desirable woman, he’s confused and unsettled. He couldn’t lust over someone in his employ. That would make him as vile as his father had been. And when Broderick discovers Reggie’s business plans, he feels betrayed. With anyone else, he would destroy them, send them away. But he couldn’t toss Reggie out with her knowing everything she did. What is it they say about keeping your friends close and your enemies closer?
But Reggie is no longer the meek, timid girl Broderick had rescued 10 years ago. Broderick had helped her see her own strength and worth, and she’d transformed into someone indomitable. Broderick didn’t know how fearless and spirited she was. Unlike others, who cowered in his presence, Reggie was unafraid, undaunted, and breathtaking in her fury. What follows is a seductive battle of wills with long-buried secrets revealed. And Broderick finds himself facing more than the inevitable loss of power, wealth, and control. He faces losing a dream he’d not known he had till Reggie.
I have been intrigued by Broderick Killoran for so long and this book made me fall head over heels for him. He’d endured so much to get to the point where he was. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to ensure his family was cared for. For him, that meant giving them the security not afforded to those outside the illustrious ranks of the peerage. Even facing his demise, assuring his family had a safe and secure place in the world was his only concern. That meant finding a suitor for Gertrude, the last of his sisters. For Broderick, wealth, power, and connections were what defined a person. He’d lived so long by that belief. But you can live your whole life without realizing what’s right in front of you, and it took the threat of losing it all for Broderick to realize that none of it mattered without Reggie there to share it.
I absolutely adored Reggie. What a fearless, courageous woman! Her business venture was a means of self-preservation, not greed. And I loved that she chose a business that would help to empower women who were presented no options in life. She had such a loving spirit. Even when being cut from the fabric of the Killoran family, she risked entering a world she’d vowed to never set foot in again, facing the greatest mistake of her life to protect Gertrude. She bore the mistrust and scorn of those she called family and still wanted to help them. Even with the tension between her and Broderick, and the mistrust of the Killoran family, she’d not sow seeds of discontent among them.
For all Broderick and Reggie had shared over the years, most of who they really were remained a mystery to the other. It took courage and trust to share their pasts with one another. I ached for Reggie when I read what had happened to her as a girl. I ached even more for her as she confessed it all to Broderick. I ached for Broderick when he realized how empty his life had been. The fear that he’d let his siblings down. The sheer terror of all he faced was painful to read but it helped him realize the man he wanted to be. What truly defined a man.
I adore anything Christi Caldwell writes. Her stories are timeless, vibrant, and memorable. They’re more than love stories. They’re life stories. She captures all the variations of emotions from pure joy to the darkest moments of the human condition. The emotional message and the way the characters’ stories culminate are cathartic and inspiring. These stories can hit you in the gut and leave you dissolving in a puddle of tears, but the ending feels so much more satisfying knowing what the characters have gone through to get to their HEA.
Fans of Christi Caldwell and this series will be thrilled with Broderick and Reggie’s story. For those who haven’t read Christi Caldwell before, if you haven’t bawled over one of her stories, you haven’t lived.

Regina Marlow is the daughter of a baronet, but due to strained family finances, she took a job as governess to the daughter of a duke. Regina was very young and inexperienced, and fell prey to her charge’s older brother, who took her innocence, and gave her promises of marriage. What followed was not a wedding, but abuse and shame. Regina left society and her family for London’s streets, where she was rescued by Broderick Killoran. “Reggie,” as Broderick calls her, changed her last name and began working for Broderick at his gaming hell, where she soon became indispensable as his assistant.

Broderick has spent years building up his club, Devil’s Den, while protecting his adopted siblings. He is in some serious trouble, as it turns out his younger “brother,” Stephen, is not an orphan, as he assumed, but is actually the kidnapped son of a nobleman. That marques is now toying with Broderick, letting him know that everything he owns will be destroyed, and he will be hanged. Broderick realizes he doesn’t have a prayer, and begins trying to put his life in order, and to see that his remaining unwed sister finds a powerful match, one who will be able to protect her when he is gone.

It’s been ten years since Reggie came to Devil’s Den, and almost from the first, she fell in love with Broderick, who has always treated her with respect, and as a friend. Knowing that Broderick will never love her, Reggie decides it’s time to make a change. She has managed to save up a good amount of money, and plans to open up a music hall with a partner, another woman from Devil’s Den. Unfortunately, Broderick learns of her plans, and is enraged and feeling betrayed. When he confronts Reggie, he’s surprised that she stands up to him, unlike the complacent woman he’s known over the past decade. He finds the change strangely arousing, and the mild desire he felt for her before and kept hidden, suddenly is blazing brightly.

Broderick is a hard man, who has both good and bad characteristics. His childhood was privileged, growing up in a noble household, until his own father fell from grace. That left Broderick with a fascination for, and a great desire to be accepted by society. He has gone to extremes to protect his business interests and his adopted family. Now with his own life in jeopardy, his thoughts are to be sure his family and his employees are safe. I love Broderick’s strength and determination, and his ability to change and grow.

Reggie has carried guilt and shame for years, wrongly taking the blame for her past instead of accepting that her first lover was the one at fault. She doesn’t see her own loveliness and desirability, never having the courage to give Broderick any inkling of how she felt. Once she decided to take charge of her life, she became a force to be reckoned with.

The beginning of THE GOVERNESS jumps right into the story and characters who appeared in books one and two of the WICKED WALLFLOWER series, which I have not yet read, and for a very short time I did feel a little bit at sea. It wasn’t long at all before I was able to easily catch up with everyone and their relationships, and the story took off, with never a dull moment. THE GOVERNESS is an absolutely wonderful story which has plenty of heat, emotion, drama, and a breathtaking romance. Author Christi Caldwell somehow managed to write a way for Broderick and Reggie to find their forever love, while finding a resolution for a situation that seemed to have no possible solution. THE GOVERNESS is well written, well paced, captivating, and I most highly recommend it.

3.5/5 Stars.

I think after reading a staggering amount of books by Christi Caldwell, I've come to realize that you never really know if you're in for a good, bad or decent book. Some of her books, in this series itself, and her older Heart of the Duke series are dear to me, and I'll be going back to a re-read often. However, you can just never <i> know </i> with certainty if it'll be fabulous or not.

This book was somewhere in the "good-ish" section of CC books for me. It tethered close to the "definitely good" section but lost out with a sluggish start. The sad part, is that I had come in with great expectations as I adored Broderick from the previous books and terribly wanted to love his book. And love I did, but only say the last 30% of the book.

The book picks up soon after The Vixen, with Broderick dealing with the blow of having to loose a loved one, and also the possibility of being hanged for his crimes. Without giving away anything, we see Broderick Killoran - owner/runner of the seedy and dangerous Devil's Den - at sea, lost and unsure of how to secure the safety of his family and his staff. His staff, brings to light our heroine for this book; Regina Spark, a woman in Broderick's employ of 10 years now. Her and Broderick share a close bond, a professional one for him but a deeply personal one for Regina.

Early on in the book we learn that Regina has been in love with Broderick for years now. Her love for him, and her certainty that he could never feel anything similar for her drives her to plan a scheme to leave his employ and open her own Music Hall. This prompts the main conflict between our characters, as Broderick feels betrayed by someone he considers family. Their interactions later on and definitely well written and sexually charged. She's the one person who doesn't simply cower to him, isn't afraid to tell him when he's being an ass and the only who sees beyond his seemingly lofty aspirations to be a part of England's gentle peerage.

There is also the sub-plot of the threat hanging over their head in the form of the Marquess of Maddock, who has damning evidence that could get Broderick hanged. Maddock, also happens to be the hero of the next book with Gertrude and I'm SO looking forward to that! Anyway, I digressed. The "I-may-hang-anyday" plot drives a certain urgency to the plot, and leaves Broderick trying to plan and sort his life out properly, so no one suffers or has to fend for themselves after his death. One of the people he comes to realize means the world to him is Regina, a woman he met 10 years ago on the London Bridge.

The scene depicting how a broken, bleeding and injured Regina had offered herself to Broderick in exchange for money is truly well written, and creates a wonderful understanding of the bond between these two. What I did not get however, was the sudden onset of his feelings and lust for Regina, but I'll chock that up to his impending death.

The romance was there, well written and fleshed out, however it just didn't pull me in as many others by the same author has in the past. Maybe I was reading this at the wrong time, or I came in with too many expecations and ruined it for myself. I did truly enjoy the last 30%, and I loved that Broderick didn't try to supress his feelings once he realized them out of some macho nonsense. I truly enjoyed the scene where they expressed their love to each other, it was well written.

Overall an enjoyable book, however not my favorite by the author. I'm looking forward to the next!

While I have to say every book in this series has been really good, this wasn't my favorite. I think the reason I wasn't the biggest fan of this book was that it was really hard for me to get into, since the two featured characters in this story, Reggie and Broderick, had the most mysterious back stories going in and it was hard to understand the characters without it. As the story progresses, more of their history together and before they met is revealed piece by piece, and eventually by the end you see the complete picture. I did get the emotional payoff in the end and the ending was satisfying, but again it wasn't my favorite in the series, though I do look forward to the next book in the series, which is Gertrude's story.

ARC provided through NetGalley for an honest review.

Another great one by Christi Caldwell. featuring a strong heroine and a swoon worthy hero! This was the third book in the wicked wallflowers series. I loved Reggie and Broderick and the battle of wills and tension between these two. highly recommend!

I tried to give this book the benefit of the doubt, but it was so confusing and the convoluted plot lines just didn't make any sense to me. I don't know why a Music Hall would be a bad thing or be competition to Boderick's business. I gave up on this book at the 50% mark. I don't think I'll be reading any more of this author's books.

Broderick Killoran proprietor of the Devil’s Den; a gaming hell for anyone has done something inexcusable by kidnapping a Marquess’s son. Broderick’s family includes this boy but three sisters and one woman Regina “Reggie” Spark who remains his dependable right hand. Reggie is tired of Broderick treating her as a sister when she holds a deep dark secret, that she has always loved him. In order for Reggie to save face by never telling Broderick how she feels she decides she must leave the Devil’s Den and create a different life for herself. As Reggie tries to create a life separate from Broderick he still manages to force Reggie to stay by making her his sister’s companion which only causes more problems. As Reggie does this hated task she has a hard time maintaining the sisterly feelings for Broderick. What happens when Reggie finally exposes her feelings to Broderick and Broderick tells Reggie the truth of who he really is?
What a wonderful combination of bad-boy wrong side of the tracks Regency romance story done nicely! Sure the first part of the book is a little slow and did drag a little; of course as the story unfolded telling more of the other character issues it did become interesting. This is also the third book in the series that could explain the sluggish start so it might be helpful to read the first two as opposed to reading this as a standalone novel. Still the author manages to bring everything together and ends up creating a good strong story plus the cover is beautifully unique giving a polish to the book as well. Broderick the bad boy hero with a heart of gold is gruff, stoic, and compassionate to everyone He really cares for his pieced together family that makes him hard to resist. Reggie on the other hand the determined independent feisty heroine is no slouch either. She is able to stand up for herself and her love for Broderick doesn’t cripple her but makes her that much stronger! This book is set apart from the upper class usually written but still gives an enjoyable jaunt to the other side making the next in the series eagerly anticipated and the other books well worth the read!

Book #3 in the Wicked Wallflowers series,The Governess can be read without knowledge of the previous books (my case), although it took me a while (Chapter 7 on) to understand what had happened to the Killorans and their relations on the previous books .
When Book 3 starts, Regina (Reggie) Sparks is planning to leave her old savior and current employer at the Devil's Den, Broderick Killoran, to open a music hall. Actually, Reggie wants to leave because she's been in love with Broderick, but he's never noticed it, despite the fact that he has considered her his right hand at the gaming hell.
Broderick Killoran has too much on his plate: trying to escape the consequences of the kidnapping of a noble's child by his former employer (Diggory) at the Den; taking care of the kidnapped child, now an agressive and irritating 10-year-old boy (Stephen); finding a noble husband for his eldest sister, Gertrude, dealing with Reggie's "betrayal"... Yes, he's totally under pressure and dealing with a "strange" attraction to Reggie - something he hadn't been aware of before.
I liked to read this book, although I have given it 4 stars. It is due to the number of events happening almost at the same time. Anyway, I am looking forward to the next book in the series, as it will be about Gertrude Killoran and Stephen's real father.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Bad boy Broderick Killoran the owner of the Devil’s Den gets his story
, it’s a story of betrayal and retribution.
Regina Sparks
Regina (Reggie) Spark has loved Broderick Killoran, the resourceful and protective proprietor of the Devil’s Den, ever since he saved her from the streets and made her his right hand at the notorious gaming hell. For just as long, Reggie has never admitted her true feelings for him. Nor has she revealed her spirited ambitions—to buck convention and expectations and open a music hall.
While Broderick built his gaming empire with ruthless cunning, his loyalty to his employees is boundless. So when he learns of Reggie’s plan to leave his side and take charge of her own future, the betrayal cuts Broderick to the core. He responds as he would to any business rival…with swift retribution.
Instead of wilting, the savvy Reggie rebounds with a fury that shocks Broderick and stirs a desire he’s been holding in reserve for only ladies of nobility. But as their seductive battle of wills ignites under the harsh spotlight of the London Season, secrets are exposed as well—ones that could be ruinous in decent society but invaluable for the heart.

Once again, CC has failed to impress me with this series. Unlike my previous gripes with her more recent books, at least this one doesn't have any annoyingly repetitive phrasings nor editing errors. It's main problem is that the plot was too convoluted, branching out into subplots none of which were terribly convincing. For those who have not read the earlier books, it might be a bit hard to follow the plot initially.

Broderick Killoran has been running the gambling hell, Devil's Den, for many years with his family. Regina Spark has been considered as honorary family member, since he rescued her from desperate straits 10 years ago. Truth be told, she is as much family as his adopted 3 sisters and younger brother, neither one of which share a drop of blood in common with him, but all have his heart and loyalty nevertheless. Following a harrowing past battling for survival in the notorious Dials, they now live a comfortable existence but the harmony is coming to end through a few life-changing revelations. Firstly, his 11 year old 'brother' whom he thought he'd rescued as an orphaned toddler turns out to be not so orphaned after all. In fact, Stephen is the son of a much alive Marquess, one raging, powerful man who is out for revenge after learning that Broderick might in fact have been responsible for the kidnapping of his only child. Betrayed by an old associate, he never expected also to be back-stabbed by one of his most trusted, Reggie, whom he has learnt is planning to leave the Den to finance a competing business nearby taking with her some of his best employees. So while trying to rescue his neck from the wrath of the Marquess, Broderick has to deal with her unexpected treachery as well as ensuring the welfare of Stephen and his remaining unmarried sister in case of the collapse of their business establishment.

Despite her 10 years at the Den and her closeness with Broderick and his siblings, Regina has always consciously remained slightly apart from them, separated by her secret past shame and untenable, suppressed love for Broderick. She knows it is time for her to move on, before her heart makes her vulnerable once more to the power and will of a man, even if Broderick is far more honorable and decent than the monster who abused her body and trust in her youth. Only, the honorable and decent Broderick is no more, replaced by an enraged and punishing man she can barely recognise, once her perfidious plans has been revealed to him. He forces her to serve as companion to his unmarried sister, as he has hopes for the latter to secure a noble match. Of course, the stormy fury between them ignites passion like never before.

There are so many holes in plot I don't even know where to start. Why on earth would a music hall be considered competition to a gambling den, when they obviously attract completely different clienteles? Why would Broderick want Regina, a known Den employee, to serve as companion to his sister, when that is going to reduce Gertrude's chance of success? Broderick and his 'siblings' refer to her as family, but noone really treated her fully as such and most were only too happy to condemn her once they found out her plans, without wondering about her motives. Why would the Marquess be pledging revenge on Broderick, if he did not believe that Stephen was really his son? Instead of panicking about his imminent death, why did Broderick not work at convincing the Marquess of the truth as his words should hold more power than that of a good-for-nothing crim? Gertrude was supposedly almost blind, but there was no indication as such in the way she moved, and she even read the newspaper! There were more, but it's getting late and I need to wrap this up.