Two damaged hearts learn there’s a fine line between love and hate in a Wicked Wallflowers novel from USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell.Gertrude, the eldest Killoran sister, has spent a lifetime being underestimated—especially by her own family. She may seem as vulnerable as a kitten, but given the chance, she can be as fierce as a tiger. Her adopted brother, Stephen, has just been … Stephen, has just been snatched back by his true father, and she’ll be damned if she relinquishes the boy to the man reviled throughout London as the Mad Marquess.
Still haunted by a deadly tragedy that left him publicly despised, Lord Edwin holds only hatred for the Killorans—the people he believes kidnapped his son. And not one of them will ever see the boy again. But when Gertrude forces her way into the household and stubbornly insists that she remain as Stephen’s governess, Edwin believes he may have found someone madder than himself.
With every moment he shares with the tenderhearted Gertrude, Edwin’s anger softens into admiration…and more. Is it possible that the woman he loathed may be the only person who can heal his broken soul?
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Finally, the Mad Marquess gets his HEA and I’m absolutely thrilled with Gertrude and Stephen as well. They all had their own growth to manage and issues with which they had to come to terms. I usually have to read this author’s work in increments because it is so intensely emotional and gripping. I love that this one wasn’t that way – I read it straight through. Yes, it was every bit as emotional as the other books, but it was a beautiful emotional rather than the gut-wrenching kind.
In the last book, The Governess, the Mad Marquess was going after Broderick Killoran full tilt. He blamed Broderick for the kidnapping of his son and the deaths of his wife and unborn child seven years ago. To avoid hanging, Broderick and his street-sisters all had to agree to never again see Stephen again 0nce they returned him to the Mad Marquess – they couldn’t even accompany him on the coach ride to the Marquess’ home.
Gertrude Killoran has always been the outsider among her street-siblings – she belonged and was loved equally, but she was also on the outside. She was the weak one who was overlooked while others made decisions for her. She can’t do that anymore – she cannot allow an apprehensive and upset Stephen to make that long and lonely trek from the Devil’s Den to his father’s home. So, at the last minute, she slips into the coach and they begin the stressful ride. Along the way, she talks seriously with Stephen and realizes that she cannot leave him to adjust to his new circumstances alone. She’ll do the impossible! She’ll convince the man who despises everything about her and her siblings to allow her to live in his home until Stephen is settled with a suitable governess.
Edwin Warwick, Marquess of Maddock, isn’t really mad but he has every reason to be! He has suffered unspeakable horrors in his life – his home was burned, his wife and unborn child died, and his son August died as well. Then, he learned that August hadn’t died, he had been kidnapped and taken into the street gang run by Mac Diggory. In that seven years, Edwin had been accused of murder, shunned by the ton, and called a madman. He embraced being a madman, he stopped going out in public, drank prodigiously, and stayed angry all the time while nurturing his hate for the remaining members of Diggory’s gang – the Killorans. Now, there is one of those vile, despicable creatures standing in his foyer – and she’s refusing to leave.
With his son standing there, ready to bolt and run, what can he say to the woman? He drags her into his library so he can rant at her in private – but – imagine that – she doesn’t cower from him or show any fear. She stands up to him and makes reasonable arguments for why he should change his mind and let her stay until Stephen is settled and a suitable governess is hired.
I absolutely loved their journey – and it was a journey of three. Stephen had to grow to trust Edwin in order to be happy in his new home and circumstances. Edwin had to learn to be a father again and to trust that Gertrude was helping him and Stephen adjust to each other. Gertrude had to learn to trust Edwin with Stephen and to trust that he wouldn’t go back on his word and harm Broderick or her sisters.
I am in deep admiration for how the author handled all of this book, but especially the final chapters. Her writing is excellent, the characters are deep and well developed and the romance is truly swoon-worthy! Now, I can’t wait for the next book in the series, The Spitfire, featuring Clara Waters and the Earl of Waterson, coming out in September.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Co
The tie that binds.
Lord Edwin is filled with hate and revenge. Getting his son back is all he wants. The lady that arrives with his son isn’t suppose to be with him, but she has a way of changing his mind about getting her to leave. Only she can bring the father and the son back together. An emotional read that involves a lot of trust and the power of love.
THE BLUESTOCKING (Wicked Wallflowers Book 4) by Christi Caldwell is the historical romance I have been waiting for in this series. The Mad Marquess is about to meet his match in more ways than one and it comes from an unlikely source. This romance is a part of the Wallflowers series and the romance plot can standalone, but there is a background storyline in all of the books that I feel makes these books even more enjoyable if they are read in order of publication.
Lord Edwin Warwick is known as the Mad Marquess to all in the ton. He is accused in whispers of having started the fire that killed his wife, son and unborn child. He discovers his son, Stephen was not killed in the fire, but kidnapped.
Stephen is taken in by Broderick Killoran and his band of ‘siblings’ that have survived as a gang in the worst part of London. They were all abused by the man, MacDiggory who ran the family and had Stephen kidnapped. MacDiggory is now dead and Stephen is about to be returned to his true father and returned to his place in refined society. Edwin demands that none of Stephen’s current ‘family’ may come with him to his new home or ever visit him again.
Gertrude Killoran has taken care of Stephen since he joined the family. She refuses to follow the orders of the Marquess and send Stephen to a new, unfamiliar place and life without her supervision. She pushes her way into the Marquess’ home and refuses to let him bully her. She will be Stephen’s governess no matter Edwin’s dislike.
As the days progress, both Gertrude and Edwin learn about the misconceptions both harbor in regards to the other. Can these two find a way to deal with their mistrust and pain and learn to trust the other with their hearts?
Gertrude and Edwin come alive in this book! Ms. Caldwell’s writing once again had me feeling every emotion on each page of this romance. Gertrude came out of the shadows and blossomed in this book as she found her own strength and found the power to help Edwin and Stephen heal as well. I loved Edwin’s love for his son and cried during the scenes from their pasts. This is one of those books and series that immerse you in the past and characters so that when you put the book down, you have to take a minute to reorient yourself.
I can highly recommend this addition to the series. Keep the tissues handy and get ready to go on an emotional roller coaster ride to this HEA!
The Bluestocking is actually the first book I’ve had the pleasure of reading from Ms. Caldwell. Although this book is fourth in the series, I didn’t feel like I was lost while reading when it referred to previous characters and storylines, and it could easily be read as a standalone. But after reading this story and truly being impressed with Ms. Caldwell’s writing style and loving the characters, I do plan on going back and reading the entire series! So happy to have finally read Ms. Caldwell’s work and can’t wait to catch up with her backlist!
Edwin Warwick the Marquess of Maddock is considered a madman by the ton. He was accused of murdering his wife and unborn child. It’s later found out that his oldest son didn’t actually perish in the fire that killed his wife, but was in fact kidnapped and has been living with a street gang.
Gertrude Killoran had been known as the weak Killoran in her family. Blinded in one eye she was relegated to the caretaker of the younger boys and girls in the gang. Feelings of guilt and fear of not protecting her younger siblings, fuels her to accompany Stephen on his journey back to the home he was kidnapped from seven years ago.
I absolutely loved this story. My heart broke for all Gertrude, Edwin and Stephen had endured. So much pain and suffering, and so much to overcome for these three to be able to find peace and happiness. Ms. Caldwell’s writing is exquisite and the storyline along with the characters was enthralling. Gertrude was a wonderful character. She’s riddled with self-doubt in her abilities, but yet when the time came she was a rock for Stephen, helping ease his way back to a life that was stolen from him. I loved her interactions with Edwin and how she gradually helps him to break free from the past and bond with his son. As for Edwin, what this man went through… It would be understandable if he had gone insane. Extreme guilt and sorrow has surrounded him for seven years and he’s at a loss of how to live again. His hatred for the Killoran’s and their part in his family’s death and son’s kidnapping is understandable. The fact he was able to overcome it with Gertrude’s help and for the love of his son speaks volumes of what a good man he truly was.
This story was so much more than a romance story. It was a story of hatred, guilt, pain, fear, acceptance, understanding, forgiveness, hope and yes, love. Love not just between a man and woman, but between a brother and a sister, between a father and a son, between a family. Such a beautiful story that proves love can conquer all! Not enough stars to give out for such an exceptional piece of work! Highly recommend!
Sometimes you read a story and a character just captures your heart. Gertrude is this person for me. She is such a kind, thoughtful, insightful woman. She had a brutal childhood, and as an adult her ability to care and love is phenomenal. It’s like the worse things that could happen to a person brought out all the goodness in her. Then we meet Edwin, who though an arrogant young man…as an adult he’s also been through hell. He is lost, broken and filled with anger. The story is about Edwin getting his kidnapped son Stephen (August) back…from the family that killed his wife and unborn child. Just saying this is difficult…imagine what will happen. I don’t want to spoil this story because really, it’s a story that will touch your soul. Truly one of Christi Caldwell’s best…a story that will stay with me forever. Enjoy.
Quite different to other books of this type and lots of information about different books.
A truly beautiful story of a young woman’s determination not to give in to the cruelty and horrors of an awful childhood and life in early 19th century England. Here there are no laws to prevent the exploitation of children and cruelty, no help for the desperate poverty and bullies who rule the slums. Gertrude is the eldest of the Diggory girls and the gentlest. Left blind in one eye from a beating by the evil Mac Diggory, Gertrude is put in charge of caring for the young children in the gang and savior of stray cats and even a mouse! On the day her brother Stephen is to leave the Devil’s Den to take his rightful place with his true father, Edwin, Marquess of Maddock (Diggory stole him from his home when he was 4 and set fire to the house, killing his mother and unborn child), Gertrude is determined to go with him to care for this difficult transition – against Edwin’s orders! From the moment Gertrude enters his home, Edwin’s world is turned upside down. 7 years of grief, self-blame and an outcast from family and the ton, he truly earned his nickname “The Mad Marquess”. Very slowly, day by day, incident by incident, the layers of doubt, hate, anger are pealed away by Gertrude’s very presence and the loving and loyal person she is. She understands love and loyalty that she shares with her gang-family, but due to her disability always felt on the outside, allowing her siblings to make her decisions. Now she is in charge making her own decisions she was always capable of and making sure her brother was safe and will come to terms with the deep love Edwin has always had for his son. She proves to Edwin he can begin again and start with forgiveness and not letting the past dictate the present and future. A very emotional journey of growth, self-worth, guilt, trust, loyalty and deep love not only between Edwin and Gertrude, but the love of family, and the key to love which is mercy and forgiveness! EXCELLENT!!
I am going to make this short and sweet. Fabulous story and fabulous characters. My favorite story of this series. This story shows that we are all imperfect in certain ways but we can overcome. Love, love, love.
I love this series. Each book has been so enjoyable.
enjoyed the book greatly
I actually didn’t finish it which is rare for me. Perhaps it would have made more sense if it had read the other books in the series. I just couldn’t get past the earl letting the thief into the house regardless what his son wanted. Couldn’t understand why her father also apparently a notorious criminal had daughter who were ‘coming out’ into society. It should come with a recommendation to read the other books in the series first
Really good but a bit slow in a few areas. But definitely worth the read!
The author does such a good job of convincing the reader of Edwin’s hatred for Gertrude’s family, thereby her, that his subsequent romantic interest in her (in the space of a few days) defies belief.
The Bluestocking is an enemies-to-lovers Regency, and it’s both tearjerking and heartwarming. (There are also CATS, so you know I’m in). Gertrude and Edwin’s story is that of two truly broken souls who initially go at each other, until love and understanding softens them. I liked Gertrude, as the outwardly “weak” woman who nevertheless stands up for what she believes in. Edwin is so well done as a bruised and untrusting man who’s been through hell but still has a path to happiness. Caldwell always portrays emotion with a deft hand.
Hate can blind a person, but love can open their eyes and heart again if they will let it in. It’s like a shockwave the moment these two meet and I knew they were going to be a favorite couple of mine. Even Stephen saw what was between them and approved so you know it was meant to be. Every time they revealed something about themselves to each other it made me love them more and more. I was holding my breath when his brother in law started filling his head and I feared what would happen. But I was taken by surprise with how things played out!
I loved seeing Stephen go from the angry boy he was to the boy I knew was inside him. He made me smile with how protective he was of her. I hope he will get his own story when he’s older. I wasn’t sure where he and Edwin were going in the end until they arrived and definitely didn’t see what happened next coming!
Gertrude has always been the quiet one, but her fierce side comes out in this one. She set out to do what she knew was best for Stephen and she wasn’t going to back down. I loved every time she went to him about something because she commanded the room. She was always surprising him and understood him for than he did himself.
Edwin has let hate and fear control his life since that fire, but something about Gertrude chipped away at that stone heart of his. He melted by heart and became my next book boyfriend with his memories of nights with Stephen. His love was stronger than hate and he wasn’t going to let anyone tell him otherwise. I loved what he did to try and win her over.
This is one of my all time favorite books!
Copy provided for an honest and voluntary review.
The Bluestocking by Christi Caldwell
The Wicked Wallflowers Series Book Four
The time has come for Stephen to go to his real home. A home that he’d been stolen from. A home that had been set on fire, killing a woman and her unborn baby and driving a man to the point of being called the Mad Marquess.
Gertrude Killoran had practically raised Stephen. The man who sired her was an evil man, but having his blood in her veins had people hating her and her family as well. Especially the Marquess of Maddock. But no matter what he felt toward her, she refused to leave Stephen alone with this man—and for the first time in her life, Gertrude found the courage and refused to take no for an answer.
Edwin Ludlow Phineas Shadrack Warwick, the Marquess of Maddock thought he must truly be a madman to allow anyone related to Diggory in his home. But, his son was now a stranger to him and he knew he needed this woman’s help. No matter how much he hated her.
Gertrude is the last unmarried sister of the Killoran clan. Blinded in one eye, she has been able to disappear into the background. Her soft-spoken words and calm…and yet, her fierce protectiveness when needed, soon have Edwin rethinking what he thought he knew about her. I love all these stories, but I really enjoyed this one as it has both Gertrude’s story and Stephen having to adjust to a new life.
**Sexual content
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/2014/08/christi-caldwell-book-list.html
I have read this whole series, and this might be my favorite. As she was blinded by her horror of a father when she was younger, the family always protected her. Now that they discover that their youngest brother is actually the stolen son of the man known as the Mad Marquess, she makes sure she does everything she can to stay in his life – even going against the man who hates her whole family and wouln’t think twice have them killed. So although he has every reason to hate her, sometimes we discover things are not what they seem unless you walk in someone else’s shoes – and as they start to see each other for who they truly are, healing and love can happen in the strangest places.
My first from author Christi Caldwell, but definitely not my last!
I loved the two main characters Ms. Caldwell gave us in The Bluestocking. They both came into the story with mountains of issues to work through. Edwin’s had a horrific 7+ years, with his wife and unborn child killed and his firstborn kidnapped (Stephen/August–originally he was assumed dead, in this book he’s just moving back in with his father) much of the blame for which was somehow laid at his feet by society and his in-laws. Gert’s just had an overall miserable time of it–born to a horrible man and a life of crime, constantly underestimated and overlooked even by the relatives that love her. There were so many things working against the two of them even getting together in the first place (the fact that Gert’s family has been raising Stephen is a big obstacle), let alone reaching an HEA–but somehow, Ms. Caldwell managed to pull it off.
I loved so many things about this book–seeing the love between Gertrude and Stephen in action as she tries to help him acclimate to his new/old life; watching Stephen and Edwin begin to bond (especially when they were joining forces against Gert, LOL), witnessing Gert as she begins to come into herself and come out of her shell, and being there when Edwin lets go of his guilt and hate and begins to live again–OMG, this book has all the feels. And that’s not even taking into account the romance, which was a slow burning marvel of a relationship…
Yeah, I’m going to be reading more of her books soon.
I have to be honest, though–I did feel a tad bit lost for the first couple of chapters, since this book (#4) is the first that I’ve read in the Wicked Wallflowers series, which follows Gertrude’s family, the Killorans. All of Gert’s siblings–Stephen especially, of course, but the others as well–also have active roles in this story, which is fantastic; I’d love to get to know them better. However, the beginning of this book occurs right after and is heavily influenced by some of the events from the other books–which I hadn’t read yet–and getting up to speed took some effort. So while it’s possible to read this one alone and enjoy it, I really think it’s better to have read the others in the series first to avoid the “Wait, what??? feeling I had for much of the beginning.
On the plus side, I have 4 new books in my TBR, counting book 5 (due out in September)!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I have been looking forward to Gertrude’s story since the series started and I was so happy to see it released. I loved the story & was worried how it would all turn out considering the obstacles but Christi Caldwell always does a great job for her characters and it was a lovely read.
I loved it….