This was a thoroughly enjoyable read with an improbable, slow-burn romance and a villain of whom you are happy to see the end. It was also nice to visit with Reggie Killoran again. I never really loved Henry, but I was so very happy that he wasn’t a man ‘ho. I thoroughly appreciated Clara as a heroine because she had overcome so much in her life, yet she wasn’t hard and cold – even though she tried to be. I also loved that the book wasn’t filled with angst. There was a bit of repetitive introspection, but not page after page after page of angst.

The book gets right into the action and excitement with Henry being attacked with the intention to murder him in St. Giles. He doesn’t make it easy for his assailants – he just keeps refusing to die. When he is totally unconscious and being dragged down an alleyway, a savior appears.

Henry March, the Earl of Waterson, is a prig of a man – uptight, regimented, fully focused on his role in parliament and totally unaware of how those who are less fortunate than he lives their lives. His parent’s marriage was a cold one – totally a business affair. Henry fully intended to follow along the same lines. Henry is also full to overflowing with guilt. Unjustified guilt, but he feels it anyway. His younger sister was caught in the riots at Peterloo and she’s been traumatized and withdrawn from the world since then. Henry blames himself for not getting her out of there sooner.

Clara Winters, former actress, whore, and madam finally has a future to which she looks forward. She and her friend Reggie Killoran are building a music hall in St. Giles. Clara will have a secure future and will be able to provide jobs for others who don’t want to have to sell their bodies in order to survive. She’s worked so very hard – and overcome so much – and she’s still almost afraid to hope that it will all work.

I loved the way Clara pulled at Henry – and Henry pulled at Clara even though neither of them wanted that. Henry began to learn what it was like for those less fortunate than himself and it was good to watch his growth as a person. Though this a very highly unlikely match, I still enjoyed the story.

I would have liked to learn what happened with the villain – and to see his punishment. That ending felt a little rushed to me. I know that Henry got his licks in, but – did he kill the villain? I don’t think so – but I didn’t really learn. The perfect thing, in my humble opinion, would have been for the villain to have been tried and convicted – transported would have been good given that he was a slaver – AND – I would have loved for his association with Lord Peerson to have been made public so Peerson could have some punishment as well. Something I didn’t understand was Henry’s older sister. Was her husband a peer? If so, why wasn’t she living in their home awaiting the birth of the child that would become the heir to that title if it was a boy? It just seemed odd that she was living with her brother rather than her deceased husband’s family.

I hope you’ll read and enjoy this book as much as I did.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Christi Caldwell - The Spitfire
I was given an advanced reading copy to review by the publisher.

Coming into it at first, the book seemed like it was going to be very long. Perhaps it was because I was reading on my phone.

while the book wasn’t a long read, it was in no ways a short read.

The length was perfect, I just wish that there was an epilogue.

Clara was a former whore and madam and with her friend and business partner Reggie. They built and opened up the music hall together.

Henry used to be a strait-laced serious man. Clara changed everything.

I had a great time reading this book.

The Spitfire by Christi Caldwell is book 5 of the Wicked Wildflowers series. I’ve read the other novels and enjoyed them, so when I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review, I quickly accepted. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

Wow, just wow! My attention was grabbed from the first page, and I remained enthralled until the end. Ms. Caldwell brings us a very unique heroine in Clara Winters. Then add a beta male hero, and you end up with a fascinating reading experience. Lots of emotional writing in The Spitfire!

Clara Winters is such an interesting and unusual heroine. She lost sight of her great love for music when a man convinces her she has no talent, other than as a courtesan. Now, she has a chance to return to her passion. Her insecurities are real and emotional, and they pulled at my heartstrings. I could understand why she feels she would be unworthy of true love.

Henry Marsh, the Earl of Waterson, is a man driven by events that happened during the Peterloo Massacre, which left his youngest sister changed forever. I could understand his drive to create a police force, but it caused him to sacrifice a few of his principles to accomplish his goal, believing that justified the means. He is not ruthless, but just unable to see anything but his goal. Until he meets Clara.

When she saves his life, he’s astonished by her willingness to put her own life in harm’s way for a stranger. He’s so mystified and drawn to her, even though he knows she was a courtesan. When his sister shows interest in music and wants Clara to give her lessons, he is so desperate to get her to agree, he lies to gain he cooperation. However, his conscience digs at him, especially after they become lovers.

The romance between Clara and Henry is tantalizing and fierce, with each having their own reasons as to why they believe it can never work. I loved the sexual tension between them. Ms. Caldwell is a master at creating that tension. Although, it seems impossible for lasting love, I truly wanted them to find their happy ending.

If you enjoy historical romance with plenty of deep emotion and characters that you’ll fall in love with, then you will love this novel as much as I. While it’s not necessary to read the other books in this series to understand The Spitfire, I do recommend reading them. They are all outstanding, and some of the secondary characters are from the previous books. Happy reading!

I really enjoyed the heroine in The Spitfire. She’s brave, kind, and the ultimate example of horrible circumstances overcome by an indelible spirit. The hero was a conundrum. He supposedly had all this honor, but repeatedly threw it out the window when Lord Pearson didn’t agree to his new terms. I wish he showed more consistent backbone. ***SPOILER ALERT*** I like the twist of him being a 40 year old virgin.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Fans of Caldwell’s series will not be disappointed with Clara and Henry’s story. Cheers for giving Clara the HEA she truly deserves. The Spitfire is definitely worth your time.!

I read recently that “romance novels provide a unique reminder that we share a common humanity”. This entire Wicked Wallflower series has been a testament to that. As a reader, I have become so deeply immersed in these characters. Some of them I didn’t always agree with or approve of their choices. But Christi Caldwell has written each character so exquisitely that I can’t help but identify with them, feel everything they’re feeling, and delight when they find the love and happiness they deserve.

Historical romance is my favorite genre but sometimes the same old tropes get old. I get tired of squeaky clean, innocent heroines. Or, if they’re “experienced”, they’re widows. Christi Caldwell doesn’t fall into that virgin romance trap with The Spitfire. I think that’s why Clara’s character appealed to me so much. No woman chooses the life Clara led. She was a victim of circumstances out of her control. She did what she had to do to survive. Many readers may have an aversion to a character like Clara but as her story is revealed, you can’t help but empathize with her. Those life experiences make her such a rich character. She wore a protective shell but she was still vulnerable beneath it. She was still a woman who dreamed of a happy ever after. And one who deserved that.
Henry led a charmed life compared to Clara’s but he still had tragic events in his life that shaped him. After the death of his father, he’d gone straight from University to responsibilities of the estate and his family. He’d focused on a staid, proper, and dutiful life. After the attack on his sister, Lila, he’d been even more focused on his work. All his efforts centered on his work as an MP, enacting legislation that would spare others the fate of his sister. He’d had no control in the death of his father, nor any control in the events affecting his family. His work as MP was the one thing he could control. Much like Clara’s club was her way to finally have control of her life. They both were such emotionally intense characters, I couldn’t help but become invested in their shame, their fears, their hopes. Though from completely different worlds, neither was immune to darkness. Clara had only been surviving. Henry had only been focused on duty. Neither was truly living. With each other’s help, they learned love wasn’t about control. It was about supporting each other through the struggles life throws at you.
As in all the books from this series, this story is intense and deeply emotional. I love the way Christi Caldwell keeps readers from dissolving into tears by adding lighter, more humorous moments. Henry’s mother was one character that made me chuckle. The spin she could put on events to keep them from appearing scandalous was amusing. The banter and teasing between Clara and Henry was delightful. Their true personalities sparkled when together and it made them even more loveable to me. They were completely different people when together.
The entire disparity between Clara’s and Henry’s classes would have seemed insurmountable had it not been for how beautifully Ms Caldwell gifted me with glimpses of both sides. Henry had never given thought to his privilege or the lack of privilege others had. He’d rather distrusted the working class. Clara opened his eyes to the narrow view he’d held of the world. And he did the same for her. She’d painted all the nobility with the same brush. And as she became hardened by all she’d endured, she’d grown to paint all men with the same brush as well. But Henry didn’t treat her as other men had. He didn’t throw her past in her face. And he didn’t expect her to use her body as repayment for his help. Through him, Clara saw that there were men of honor, convictions, and integrity.
If you’ve followed this series, you will be thrilled with this last installment. And if you’ve not read the series yet, what are you waiting for? This entire series is about as close to pure romance perfection as you can get.

Clara doesn't know if she should get involved when she sees a man being beaten up, but she ends up chasing the ruffians away and caring for him at her place. She doesn't have time to take care of the man as she is trying to get her business up and running. But she knows that nothing good can come from a nobleman dying on her, so she does her best to see to his care. He soon leaves and he is but a memory until she is evicted from her place of business. When she learns that the person responsible for the eviction is none other that the nobleman she nursed back to health, she decides that she hasn't seen the last of him yet.

Henry thinks he has awaken to an angel when he sees Clara. But soon learns that the spitfire is definitely no angel! When he is well enough to travel home, he gets back to his well ordered life. But he can't seem to get Clara out of his mind. When she barges into his home, demanding answers, he is even more intrigued.

Can this former madam and current MP find their HEA when their lives are so different?

I loved Clara and Henry's story! Clara had been disappointed in so many people and events throughout her life that she wasn't going to sit down and let Henry take her future. I loved her drive that pushed her to fight for what she wanted in life. She didn't let her circumstances defeat her. I also really liked Henry. After he let out the starch in his collar, he became a fun loving guy and perfect for Clara!

I have loved this series so much and am sad to see it is over, but Caldwell's upcoming series is tied to it so hopefully we will continue to see our favorite characters!

Hooray! Brava, Congratulations! In The SpitfireI have finally read a book where the woman has the past as a courtesan/madam while the hero is NOT a man-ho. I repeat, not a man-ho. Let’s see what else, well he is the requisite close to ten years older than the heroine, but this time he’s actually in his forties and she is in her thirties. She is determined to make her own way out from underneath her past, no man need apply. He is determined to make life better and safer for the lower classes without having the faintest idea of what their lives are really like.
Henry March, Lord Waterson is stabbed and almost beaten to death in London’s St Giles slum. He is rescued by Clara Winters, the aforementioned fallen woman. Clara is involved in an endeavor with Reggie Broderick to open a music hall, The Muses, that in no way will resemble a sinful establishment. Instead it will offer a chance for women to lead a respectable life.
Taking care of a lord and realizing he could die while under Clara’s care is not a part of her life’s plan. But Clara’s heart is as big as her plans and she can not leave him to die.
Waterson is known as Lord Proper, a stuffy, uninteresting man. He cares only for his family and his duties as a member of parliament. He leads a proper stultifying life, everything in is place, a place for everything. Clara Winters definitely does not have a place in his life, even though he is beyond grateful to her for saving his life.
Henry repays Clara by signing a cease and desist letter for shutting down Clara’s dream, the Muses. Signing the letter was part of a house of cards that Henry constructed to get support for starting a national police force. He didn’t know it was Clara’s establishment. However it turns out that Henry can embrace “honor, be damned” and betray Clara again, while falling in love with her. Neat trick.
I’ve spent a lot of time writing about Clara and Henry. Caldwell is an accomplished writer, and her characters are one of her main strengths. She loves writing about the dark side of English society as evidenced by the Wicked Wallflower series of which The Spitfire is the final book, a very satisfying ending.
The Spitfire also demonstrates Caldwell’s freshness and originality. My one caveat, Clara is too quick to forgive Henry’s betrayal. I guess if someone takes a bullet for you…oh come on, there is almost always a bullet or fever or both in a HR.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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A wonderful end to this series that I've mostly enjoyed.

The story of Clara and Henry is original and an absolute delight. I loved that we had a hero who was 42 and a heroine who was 33. Bravo!

Christi Caldwell is one of my favourite authors and I was not disappointed with this instalment of the Wicked Wallflowers series. It was great to read the story of Clara Winters who had had a very difficult start in life but emerged with grit, determination and a passionate drive to fulfil her dreams. As the development of her music hall comes to its end she comes across two thugs attacking Henry March, a Parliamentary reformer. As she nurses him back to life, she has to rethink her long held distrust of men. Henry too, re-evaluates his decisions and starts to find life outside duty and parliament.

I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review. All comments are my own.

This newest installment of Caldwell's series following the Killorans warmed the hell out of my heart when I particularly needed warming: I read it in a big binge after getting off my shift on a crisis line that ended with a call intended to make me uncomfortable, and this was just the thing to take my mind off of it!

We've met the book's heroine, Clara, before in the Killoran series, but we got to know her better in the last book, The Governess. A former sex worker turned brothel madam turned independent business woman, Clara has always been very clear that she wants something of her own, that a man has not given her. She wants to make a difference for women who have been forced by circumstances into sex work by giving them the opportunity to work at her music hall, which is entirely above board. That is, until Henry March, the Earl of Waterson (and the man she herself saved from near death at the hands of street toughs), has her music hall shut down for being "improper", despite not actually believing it IS improper.

'Between the demands of his political career, which he hopes to use for the greater good, and his concern for his family, Henry thankfully isn't the stodgy misogynist his actions might make him out to be, for which I was pretty grateful! In the end, The Spitfire is a really lovely story of a man in a rigidly proper society completely accepting and not at all judging the woman he admires for her resilience and ability to thrive no matter what. The support Clara receives, and Caldwell's lack of judgment for her past in sex work is a beautiful thing, and one I'm glad is getting more and more traction in the world of romance novels!! I highly recommend it!

This is a surprise indeed, I expected another jaded prostitute story but this one has got class. Clara is truly a fiery and bold one, a spitfire indeed, I like her. Henry has come a long way since Clara saved his life, and he refused to go back to the old ways. Their love for each other went through a few pitfalls but they triumph in the end. A worthy read with memorable characters like Sarah and Henry whose love encompasses all past and present.

**Will be posted on my blog on 8/24/19 at http://pastmidnight.home.blog**

Thank you to Montlake Romance and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this eArc.

I love Christi Caldwell. She has a large body of work but her most recent series is one of my favorites. The Spitfire, is book number five in the Wicked Wallflowers series and I really enjoyed it!

Clara Winters used to be a courtesan but she left that life and now is in the middle of building her dream: a music hall. But one night she crosses paths with a nobleman, Henry March, who is a powerhouse in Parliament. She saves his life, in turn, his business in parliament has caused some complications for Clara achieving her dreams.

This seemed at first like the nobleman gets rescued by a woman, opposites attract trope but there is an interesting element to this story: Henry March. He’s as stuffy and starchy as they come, just so strait-laced! His life is so centered on his job at Parliament, he recites laws in his head to focus! Henry doesn’t tease, doesn’t have much enjoyment outside of work, doesn’t really have any friends but when he and Clara are together – the sparks. Oh the sparks! I liked watching Clara light him up, so to speak. 😅 They were just so different in personality I love how their attraction grows.

I love Clara as a character. We learn about how her life took a turn for the worse when she had no one to protect her. She’s strong, she’s outspoken and passionate. Henry is passionate as well, about his family and his work.

Now I loved Clara and Henry’s interactions in this story and they have a very steamy scene together…but the ending seemed rush. But I’ve read enough of this author’s work to know that yes, sometimes her book endings are rushed, which is frustrating because it can feel abrupt. But honestly, I loved watching Clara tease Henry so much, it was an enjoyable read for me. If you are reading this series, I think you will enjoy this latest installment very much.

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Caldwell is known for her writing of classy, slow burn historical romances this was no exception. She brings us right into the action with Henry's attack and rescue. We are taken on an adventure as Clara nurses him back to health while sharing her life and hopes with him despite her misgivings about his nobility. He demonstrats his understanding of the needs of the lower class and rises to the task of righting wrongs in spite of the consequences. The romance is light but the journey is well travelled.

This is a great about two people from different places in society who come together and discover the true meaning of love. Clara and Henry each have their own agenda but by the end each have compromised. Clara is literally a little spitfire who upends Henry’s well organized life. Loved the story, it is well written, entertaining and holds your interest. I would highly recommend it as a great read.

Henry March, the Earl of Waterson, was trying to put order into things at St. Giles was attacked by three men. Henry knew as he was fighting to stay awake that he probably would not live to see everything he had worked so hard for by bringing order and justice to St. Giles; of course Henry didn’t know that someone had seen him beaten and was trying to ignore everything that was going on. Miss. Clara Winters, had seen Henry attacked was just trying to go on her merry way but through the goodness of her heart could not stand to see Henry die. So Clara takes him to her home and nurses him back to health. As Henry gets better he wonders who this angel really is that saved him but knows that he must get back to his life. As Henry leaves he promises never to forget whoever she is. Clara is actually a former madam attempting to build a music hall. There is lots of problems the biggest one being Henry the person she saved. Now it is an all out war to get what she wants the music hall but her heart isn’t playing fair because it also wants Henry too. Is it possible to have both?
What a wonderful story of the slums and ton clashing from two unlikely characters that fight for everything including love! The story despite being part of a series can stand alone. The story just moves with an ease even with so many things happening and the author just takes you on journey isn’t altogether pleasant especially through some horrible tragic things but told with some care. The descriptions are carefully told with some accuracy that the author really paid attention to detail. The verbal banter is engaging and the sexual tension are high but able to hold us until the very end. Even the cover is so beautifully done that it truly is just a masterpiece to look at and love that much more. Clara is just the perfect description of a spitfire; she’s feisty, strong, caring and compassionate that of course she is easy to love so yes there was a little girl crush on her too. Henry despite being a lord, proper and stuffy is more than all that. He’s also loyal, loves his family, swoon worthy and is great as a book boyfriend can it get any better? It’s sad to see the end but this book is one to enjoy and a definite reread!

3.75 stars. I normally love Christi Caldwell books and was excited to receive an ARC of this book. I thought it was well-written, as always. However, a romance between a former madam and an MP/lord was too unbelievable for me. I don’t want to give away anything and drop spoilers but I will say that their HEA left me with many questions. How are they going to deal with his mother? Society’s scorn? Will he lose his job? The fact that there was no epilogue also left me feeling unsatisfied as I would have liked to see how their lives ended up and had some of my questions answered. I really wanted to like this story but felt it was too unrealistic for the time period it took place.

This is book five and the final in Christi Caldwell’s fabulous Wicked Wallflowers series. These stories have been set in St. Giles the darker, grittier side of the east end of London, notorious for its criminal element. All the women have been bold and brave, who have been knocked down by life only to rise up stronger and more determined, none more so than our heroine Clara. We first met her in the Scoundrel’s Honour and then again in the Governess. Our hero Henry has also appeared in previous books first in to Love a Lord and more recently in the Lady Who Loved Him. This is what I love about Christi’s books, seemingly secondary characters speak to her and they find theirs stories told. You don’t need to have read the previous books the hero & heroine were in to know them. What makes this truly brilliant is that they have flaws and have been altered by what life has thrown at them. I love that they are older with experience of the world. Circumstances throw them together, the choices they make bring their worlds colliding together and ultimately love forces them to make choices. This whole series has been fantastic but this story has been my favourite, perhaps because they are older and world wise. I as a reader love flawed characters who have struggled but ultimately find true love and happiness. It would be easy to have a neat and tidy story but I love the drama, intrigue and imperfect characters Christ Caldwell writes about. Her heroines and heroes are real and believable. I cannot recommend her books enough.

Some deeply developed characters, but I found myself skipping pages of content that seemed awfully repetitive.

Readers who have enjoyed this series so far will be happy with the Clara's story.

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the next book in the Wicked Wallflowers series. Clara Is an ex-madam who rescues an earl. I did enjoy the story and the romance that occurs. Henry was an earl who was almost killed on the way home. Clara and Henry learn from each other and grow. This was an enjoyable addition to the series.