I enjoyed Reggie and Broderick’s story, and while it was not a big wow for me, it was captivating. There was a sadness and rawness to this story. The happily ever after are harder to come by and it’s not something that Reggie dreams of. She has lived a tough life in such a short time, dedicating her time to look after Broderick and his family. She was given so much access and trust with all personal and business affairs that her supposedly betrayal was difficult for this family. I almost wanted to smack each and everyone of them for being so hard and refusing Reggie the happiness and success she has earned and deserved.

This was not a story of sweet love or intense swift attraction. This was a story about two smart, tough adults that lived the harsh realities of every day life and accepted the cards that were dealt to them. There are no giggles or sweet sighs. Just plain, simple devotion and love. This is not one of those stories that will sweep you off your feet, but a story of love in an imperfect world, and you will find yourself thinking back to I these two characters time and again.

This is a book in a series and while it was a little difficult to follow at the beginning, once you adjust to the story and learned some of the previous background you will be able to Carry on.

The ending seemed a bit rushed for me. I had so many questions about the Marquess and why he would not claim his son. His forgiveness of Broderick, when he was plainly ready to send him to hang. This was a tortured soul and it made me wonder if there would a story for him in the future.

I did not end up finishing The Governess. While I hadn't read the previous books in the series, I had no trouble catching up to speed with the events prior to The Governess. Ultimately, this historical romance was not my cup of tea and I found the romance to be extremely slow in moving forward. For me, the plot seemed overly convoluted, and I lacked the patience to continue reading when I wasn't invested in the romance.

There were several moments early on in this book where I badly wanted to smack Broderick Killoran upside the head for being an arrogant, judgemental idiot. I’m glad I stuck with it, though, because he actually listened to his sisters and the heroine telling him he was wrong and tried to do better.

If you haven’t read The Vixen and The Hellion, the previous two books in the Wicked Wallflowers series, you’re going to come into this one seriously confused as to who everyone is. I have read those two books, and I still occasionally got muddled as to who was who. One important character recurs a lot, though, and that’s the boy Stephen, the adopted younger brother of the Killoran siblings who turns out to be the kidnapped son of a marquis. The Governess is where that years-old crime comes home to roost, with Stephen’s father looking to exact vengeance and Broderick being the only available target. Broderick spends most of the book pretty sure he’s going to hang for past sins and desperately trying to protect those he cares about from the fallout.

Regina, the heroine, has her own past troubles which come back to haunt her, in the shape of a (different) nobleman who once used her ill and cast her aside. He tries a bit of blackmail to get Reggie to fall in with his nefarious plans, and for a dreadful moment I thought she was going to be TSTL and not tell anyone about it, but to my relief Reggie promptly blabbed to all and sundry, leading to her nemesis getting a highly satisfying comeuppance and Broderick confronting his feelings for her at the same time.

There’s a very satisfying conclusion to this romance when Reggie discovers a family connection which can help get her in through the door to see the vengeful nobleman, and a lovely gesture by Broderick which demonstrates just how far he’s come from the arrogant a** he was at the start of the book. Stick with this one even though you may want to strangle him in the beginning, I promise, the payoff really is worth it. Five stars.

An emotionally captivating story!
The characters were tormented both had secrets, secrets that they kept close at heart. But through those secrets they chose to make the best of their situation. Broderick was in charge of his makeshift family to keep them safe and provide for his siblings.
Until his best friend betrayed him, the woman that he unknowingly relied on and couldn’t live without -Regina Sparks the young woman he’d saved and was an intricate part of his family and business. The fact that she wanted to leave him really had him realizing that it wasn’t the betrayal of the business but the betrayal to his heart!
I ADORED Broderick and Reggie Christi Caldwell really has perfection in this amazing story! Nobody does a tortured hero better, and her heroines are strong women that have gone through some dark agonizing situations and they get their much deserved HEA!

I HIGHLY recommend any and all of Christi Caldwell’s books you will not be disappointed!
I recieved a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.

It took me a few chapters to get into, but I’ve always enjoyed anything by Christi Caldwell and this story paid off in a big way. I really looking forward to both Reggie and Broderick getting their HEAs. The sexual tension and chemistry between them so swoony. On top of that there was so much emotion and depth to this book and I think the books get better and better in this series. My heart ached for both of these characters but I loved that they found healing in each other. I CANNOT wait for Gertrude’s story.

I’ve been very happy with Christi Caldwell’s historic romances and this one is another satisfying read. This is Broderick and Reggie’s story and it’s a gratifying one.

Reggie is a baron’s daughter and a former governess to a duke’s daughter, but that was all before Broderick found her helpless and desperate near London Bridge. He’s insanely wealthy and the most feared man in Seven Dials. Head of a now infamous gaming club Broderick takes caring for his family and the people of his employ very seriously. So when he discovers an impending betrayal, his predator character traits take center stage, even as he fears swinging from the gallows is in his future.

There’s a lot of good stuff going on here and both Broderick and Reggie deserve the HEA they have to fight themselves and other influences to claim.

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Governess by Christi Caldwell
Wicked Wallflowers #3

As 1am nears I write this review for a book I could not put down. Immersing myself in the story I felt with the characters wanting them to find a way to a happy ending that they all so justly deserved. So much happened in this book and the story was so well crafted that I felt I was not just reading but actually part of the group if only on the fringes.

What I liked:
* Regina’s strength of will and ability to give of herself
* Broderick’s love of his family and desire to see them safe even though he felt his future was bleak
* Broderick’s family...or those he called his family: three sisters and a brother each with a story of their own
* The way that Broderick came to realize how much he cared for Regina
* The strong ties and caring shown throughout this book
* The way the baddies got their comeuppance and evil was thwarted
* The feel-good vibes and happy smile I had on my face at the end of the book.

I am not going to tell you the story – the author did a brilliant job of doing just that. I have not read a book by this author before but eagerly wait to find another as soon as possible. AND...I wonder who will be next in the series and think it is probably going to be Gertrude. Who will she end up with and will we see more of Stephen and how he is doing in book four? I hope so. I even had the wild idea that perhaps Lord Maddock and Gertrude might end up together? Hmm...

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for the ARC- This is my honest review.

5 Stars

As always, Christie delivers a story with imperfect characters that find their way to redemption done with an amazing story full of twists and turns. On each book, I fall in love with the hero and feel they are my favorite, then another comes along and I love them even more! Yes, I guess I am fickle!
Broderick Killoran, is the owner of the Devil's Den and gaming empire who has fought his way up to success. Reggie Spark has been his right hand and governess to his "siblings" since he saved her from the streets over 10 years ago. Oh, and she has been in love with him ever since but he has not acted on her feelings.
When she decides to start a business of her own because she cannot take the pain of being around him all the time, Broderick feels betrayed. Of course what seems true is not always exactly correct and he negotiates a deal with her.
But everyone has secrets and Reggie is no exception and as they maneuver through the truth a lot comes to light. I was captured by these two characters and the strong emotions that this author is famous for with detail and their road to happiness. Do not miss this book or any by this author. You will be thanking me later.

2.75 stars

Objectively speaking, The Governess should have been an easy book to read and fall in love with. But I had a hard time getting into the story and just when I started liking it, the plot started falling apart bit by bit.

The Governess is an absolute slow burn romance, which is what I loved the most about the book. Unrequited love is a delicious trope if it’s done well and I think Christi Caldwell did a good job executing this trope in The Governess. Even though Reggie has been in love with Broderick for years, she knows that she has to move on with her life. I admire her strength and determination to move on and start her own business with a partner. As for Broderick, I was never a fan of him because of his desperate need to be connected to English aristocracy. He eventually realizes how wrong he was and I did end up liking him by the end of it.

Unfortunately, all of these positive aspects of the book could not make me fall in love with Reggie and Broderick’s slow burn romance. The story felt so repetitive – the characters were constantly repeating their motivations to the reader in every single chapter. Reggie used to be extremely loyal and now she’s not. I get it. Reggie used to put the Killorans’ needs above hers. I get it. She needs to move on and be independent, which is why she’s building a music hall. I ALREADY KNOW THIS! Stop telling me over and over again!!!

What’s even more frustrating is the lack of communication between Reggie and Broderick even though we are supposed to believe that they are best friends and confide in each other. Not to mention the fact that Broderick didn't even bother questioning Reggie after her supposed betrayal and automatically assumed she was out to get him. Really? Reggie also kept vacillating – one minute she’s extolling Broderick’s virtues and the next minute she’s ranting about how he’s a terrible brother. Make up your mind, woman. That’s not even the weakest point of the book. The book fails to establish a clear and linear timeline of the hero and heroine's pasts. Their pasts didn’t make sense to me up until the very last third of the book. Why did Reggie choose Broderick on the London Bridge? What was it about him? Lord Andover was briefly mentioned a few times – but his importance was never explained until the very end. I think The Governess needed some fleshed out flashback scenes, instead of the constant repetitive character motivations. It does not make sense to dump all of this background information 85% into the book.

There were also way too many conflicts that all conveniently converged together during the climax. On top of that, there were irrelevant scenes at the theater included when it was obvious Broderick didn't need to be there at all. It was all to build the drama, which didn't even happen at the damn theatre. I feel like the author just pulled all of the plot lines together (Ex: Broderick looking for a bride, Reggie’s family, Maddox and Stephen, Broderick’s incoming downfall) in the last part to just conveniently tie them together. Everything was just resolved so quickly <I>and</I> there was no epilogue!!

I really wanted to love this book because it has all the right ingredients. Unfortunately, it was poorly executed. I’ve liked Gertrude from book 1 so I’m interested to read her story. I hope I end up loving that one.

Christi Caldwell has quickly become a new top favorite author in the historical romance genre for me. I recently binged on The Sinful Brides series and the first two in the Wicked Wallflowers back to back because once I started, I was utterly addicted. I gobbled them up like they were my last meal before a long fast. I'm going to be honest and admit that Broderick Killoran was not high on my list of characters that I was especially excited to read about.

As the head of the Killoran clan and the Devil's Den, he's certainly the most powerful. He's a man who's willing to play dirty in the cutthroat streets of the Dials in order to give his siblings financial security. But his obsession with marrying off any one of his sisters to a nobleman didn't incite any warm and squishy feelings. I never really understood his laser focus on making that happen, despite his sisters' aversion to sacrificing their happiness for the good of their makeshift family. I should have known better than to be anything less than excited, because somehow Caldwell not only meets, but far exceeds my expectations. I don't know how she keeps doing it, but each couple seems to impress me more than the last.

I knew going in that this was going to be a secret unrequited love story, so I was hoping for all of the angst that goes along with it. Let me assure you, it did not disappoint. Regina "Reggie" Spark is the governess to Broderick's younger brother and sisters, and has become one of the few people he trusts in the world. Reggie has been harboring some very inconvenient feelings for her employer that she's sure he will never return. There were hints in the series that she felt something deep for him, but he hadn't a clue how she struggled with concealing her true emotions. She was his employee and practically a member of the family as far as he was concerned, so that was a line he wouldn't think of crossing.

Reggie has decided that for her own peace of mind, she must separate herself from the family and start her own business. She plans to open her own music hall which will not only give her her own independence, but it will also give the prostitutes from the Devil's Den a new life where they don't have to sell their bodies to survive. I admired Reggie's strength and tenacity from page one. She wants to make something of herself and follow her passion for music, and it took a lot of guts to make the decision to put herself first. Knowing that Broderick would see her move as a betrayal against him, she pushed on with her plans because she knew she couldn't continue to be dependent on this ruthless man. She had to make her own way in life, with or without his approval.

When Broderick discovers her secret plans, the retribution is swift and brutal. He isn't willing to listen to her explanations or motivations, and sets a trap to keep her under his control. Thing is, Reggie isn't the type to be backed into a corner or bullied, and the sparks start flying. She was the perfect adversary for him because she knew every one of his secrets and intimidation tactics. And despite his broken trust, he can't help but admire the fire, wit, and courage she displays. Out of his admiration grows an attraction that he's determined to resist.

It was a relief to finally get inside Broderick's head so that I could understand him better. Previously he always seemed very self-absorbed and single minded in his attempts to:

1) Make money
2) Form connections to the nobility through advantageous marriages with his sisters

Leading the life he has, first with Diggory, and then making a name for himself in the unforgiving streets of the Dials, his only objective has been to give the Killorans safety. They believe that he wants to increase his own fortune and social standing, but he's worried what will become of them if his enemies ever get the better of him. His role is the protector, because he's determined to do a better job than his own weak father who led him to the underbelly of London. Even as the noose is tightening around his neck as his past catches up with him, he's resigned to the inevitable. Gertrude is his last unmarried sister, and he's dead set on giving her a season where she will meet a husband who will take care of her.

I wasn't prepared for how tragic Reggie's backstory would be. The combination of the slow burn, enemies to lovers tension, and uncovering her painful past created a serious amount of emotion that had my heart fluttering inside my chest. She was such a broken heroine, and yet she gritted her teeth and faced every obstacle with incredible bravery. There were several times in the last chapters that I got choked up and barely held myself back from crying as she healed from all of the hurt she had been hiding.

Not only did I fall head over heels for Broderick, but his spoiled brother Stephen finally brought me around to his corner. I never thought I would like him after what he did to the Black family, but he proved that he had some honor in him by the end. Stephen's father, Lord Edwin's vendetta against Broderick was at the center of all of the threads of the plot. I was on the edge of my seat as they all started to weave together and rush towards the conclusion. There is much more of the story to be told in regards to Edwin, and I'll be interested to see how the author reconciles his relationship with his son.

If you haven't read a Christi Caldwell book, you are missing out. Her writing is instantly engaging and highly addictive. The characters she creates are flawed, three dimensional people that you have to learn more about. They're like a puzzle with scattered pieces you need to study and put back together again. And that's exactly what she's done with Broderick and Reggie. Two broken people find an unexpected love together that binds them and gives them strength to overcome their pasts. I highly recommend this series, and cannot wait for Gertrude's book, The Bluestocking which is scheduled for publication in May.

If you are looking for a book that is heavy with emotion, is gritty and grabs your heart from start to finish then this is the book for you. It pulled at my emotions and made me worry for the fate of the hero and heroine, made me hope that bad things did not befall them, made me yell in anguish and cry when things looked dire and made me hold my breath waiting to see how everything would work out. It's real, it's emotional, it's romantic! It's wonderful! Loved it!

I very much enjoyed this story. I've been looking forward to Broderick's story for ages, and Christi Caldwell did not disappoint! (She never does!)
Reggie is a sweet and interesting character. I love her! She has spunk and spirit galore, yet is full of compassion and love.
The Governess was a bit lighter than the books to come before in the series, which I very much enjoyed. I cannot wait for Gertrude's story!

I have become a great fan of Christi Caldwell’s delightful Regency romances. When I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review The Governess, I eagerly accepted. My opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.

The Governess is 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 perfectly. The characters are engaging, and the plot riveting. I thoroughly enjoy suspense and this one has it in abundance.

Reggie’s character is easy to love. She has been part of the Killoran family for ten years, but she can no longer remain at Broderick’s side when she knows he will never return her feelings. When he learns she plans to leave, he bribes her into staying to help his sister in her introduction to society. My heart ached for Reggie. Most of the family turns against making her time with them very uncomfortable.

Broderick is a great hero, having the characteristics I love most. He is a stronger provider for his family. While they are not family by blood, it does not matter. He is a very complex character and his backstory is very heartbreaking. I was so pleased that he found his happy ending!

The chemistry between Reggie and Broderick is amazing. Ms. Caldwell is great at building the sexual tension as the story progresses, which what I love about historical romance. By the time the love scene occurs, it is burning up the pages.

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 Governess. This may very well be the best book she has written thus far. Of course, I said that about her last one! I can’t wait for the next book is this amazing series. Happy reading!

Broderick's story has arrived! And I’m absolutely ecstatic that I’m able to finally get my hands on it! And you know if you are reading a book by author Christi Caldwell, it’s not going to be a simple romance, but an edge of your seat, it's a roller coaster that you're never going to want to get off.

If you have read any of the Sinful Brides Series or The Wicked Wallflowers series, then you would have met Broderick Killoran before, with his uncompromising behavior and determination to always know what is best! And as the head of the Killoran family, he is trying to do right, after his “father” caused so much damage.

Now, even though I called it Broderick’s book, it’s actually based around 3 people, Broderick (of course), Michael whom has also been in some of the Sinful Brides Series and all of the Wicked Wallflowers series, as he is the young boy that was kidnapped by the Killoran gang when he was a baby, but doesn’t want to return to the life and privilege that is owed to him.

And then there is Regina Sparks aka Reggie, governess to all of Broderick’s brother and sisters. Reggie is fiercely loyal to the family, and absolutely in love with Broderick, so much so the pain of not being able to have him has caused Reggie (with the help of a friend) to start their own business nearby.

But when Broderick finds out what he thinks is the ”truth”, Reggie is labeled as a traitor and Broderick feels personally betrayed by Reggie. But that is not all of the hurdles they face, as the lies from the past have come back to haunt them…

The Governess is an absolute joy to read! From the characters to the storyline, you cannot help but love this book, and if you are like me, you will fall in love with the authors writing style too! There are very few authors I would say, that has never had a book that hasn’t quite hit the mark with its readers, but I have yet to find a Christi Caldwell book that I haven’t loved! And The Governess is no exception to that!

I was so anxious to read Roderick and Regina's story and I wasn't disappointed! This is not your typical lighthearted historical romance, this involves the dark and gritty underworld of London's Seven Dials. Roderick is not your typical hero....he has survived living on the streets by stealing, killing and working for the Diggory gang. He now owns a gambling hell and supports his brother and sisters, none of whom share the same blood but are actually victims/orphans that he saved from the streets of Seven Dials and took under his protection. Regina is another one that he saved and in the 10 years since, she has become a trusted friend and confidante. Regina, however, has been in love with him for years and decides she needs to get away and start her own life. What follows is a lot of misunderstandings and angst and all the while, Roderick's life is being threatened. From the first to the last page, the story kept my interest. Highly recommend this third book in the Wicked Wallflowers series!!

I was given a free copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I must admit that it took me a little while to get into this story but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. It had me engrossed until the end. It was good to read of the backgrounds of both Reggie and Broderick. I enjoyed the way their relationship developed and of course there was the ever present threat of the marquess hanging over Broderick. I love the way all the ‘siblings’ get involved. Even though, Stephen, seems like a troublesome child, I can’t help but feel for him and all the changes that are to take place in his life. I’m looking forward to him featuring in the next book as well as Gertrude. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Page-turning and filled with tension and angst, The Governess by Christi Caldwell consumed me.

Broderick is a man who is powerful and rich in his own right. He has a loving family and he has loyalty in friends like Reggie. Alas, he is not happy without more money, power and above all else, a connection to the nobility.

This was an emotional story with twists and turns that I didn’t see coming.

The characters and plot were engaging. I couldn’t help but feel what they were going through.

The sparring between Broderick and Reggie was entertaining.

I was invested with all the characters and hope that Stephen gets his story told soon!

I received an ARC via NetGalley of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I read "The Vixen", the previous book in the Wicked Wallflowers series, and I loved it. My, did I cry my eyes out! Even knowing what that book did to me, I read this one on Sunday evening, understanding I had to go to work the next day. Let me tell you, I should have learned. But noooooo, not me. I looked positively horrifying this morning, my eyes all red and puffy from once again sobbing over a Christi Caldwell book. That woman can write heartbreaking, hot and heartfelt stories like nobody's business.

Broderick saved Reggie from the streets years ago. They became best friends, and Reggie was invaluable to Broderick with his business dealings. However, her feelings for him surpassed friendship, and she decided to leave and open up a music hall. When Broderick discovered her plans, to say he was not pleased would be an understatement! These two were such fascinating characters. Broderick was ruthless regarding his club's business, but also in taking care of his "siblings" he saved from the streets. Reggie had a mysterious and heartbreaking past. When they allowed their attraction to ignite, ooh la la!

Though this book could stand alone, I highly recommend reading the first two books before this one. Characters and storylines from those books were integral parts of this one. All of Broderick's siblings were extremely interesting, and I loved them all. You truly won't want to miss any of this series, especially this one; Broderick is the glue that holds this unique family together. And remember my warning: You WILL cry!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

The Governess by Christi Caldwell is one of the best historical romance books I've read. It is one of those that you just can't wait to find out how it ends while at the same time hoping the story will go on forever.
Ms. Caldwell's pairing of Reggie and Broderick is nothing short of perfection. To take Broderick, who came across as ruthless and uncaring in previous books, to one of my favorites is nothing short of masterful. I often wonder if she is going to be able to redeem a character, but she always does with love and a deeper understanding of that person's circumstances and past.
I also absolutley loved Reggie. She really finds her voice and shows us what a spitfire she is while never wavering from her convictions. She is definitely someone that would never sacrifice someone else for her own happiness.
I would highly recommend The Governess, and if you've never read a Caldwell book, get ready to laugh with, cry with and cheer on these characters.

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.

This book is an unusual one that contains no noble blooded main characters. I read it rather quickly and enjoyed the various twists and turns contained.
As I said it is an unusual read but a good one.
I gave this book 4.25 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development. It is not what I have come to expect of historical romance of this time period but a good read none the less.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to read via NetGalley.
This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I have read and reviewed voluntarily.