USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell pits a fiercely independent beauty against a devilish investigator.
Set apart by her ethereal beauty and fearless demeanor, Ophelia Killoran has always been a mystery to those around her—and a woman they underestimated. No one would guess that she spends her nights protecting the street urchins of St. Giles. Ophelia knows what horrors these children … horrors these children face. As a young girl, she faced those horrors herself, and she would have died…if not for the orphan boy who saved her life.
A notorious investigator, Connor Steele never expected to encounter Ophelia Killoran on his latest case. It has been years since he sacrificed himself for her. Now, she hires orphans from the street to work in her brother’s gaming hell. But where does she find the children…and what are her intentions?
Ophelia and Connor are at odds. After all, Connor now serves the nobility, and that is a class of people Ophelia knows firsthand not to trust. But if they can set aside their misgivings and work together, they may discover that their purposes—and their hearts—are perfectly aligned.
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I’ve been a long time fan of Christi Caldwell. She hits another one out of the park. The story line has been done before but not with such intriguingly damaged individuals. This is book #2 in the Wicked Wallflowers series. Although, if I’m not mistaken, some of the secondary characters may be found in an earlier series by Ms. Caldwell.
Warning, there is reference to various assault situations, as one would expect when writing a romance around the class distinctions of Regency England and the darker side of the streets. Children abandoned or orphaned to struggle against hunger and deprivation but who grow with a core of steel and honor of their own making always make for inspirational story lines.
In this case, the emotional connection between the H/h took a while to cement, but still, if you like Christi’s books, you won’t be disappointed.
There are plenty of twists, some you see coming, others might surprise you. I always try to identify the turns before they happen — a writer’s quirk perhaps?
With growing up on the streets could be dangerous let alone having food to eat, clothes to wear and a safe place to rest. In this book Christi Caldwell has gone beyond what could be described in her other books, she has excelled in expressing the fear, the reflections and the utter feeling that their is absolutely no one you can trust.
In meeting Ophelia and Conner you find that they are living on the streets of London, even though Conner is running by his-self, Ophelia has been living with her so called father, a leader of thieves, a very mean man that took care to make sure that the children in his “family” did what he said or there were consequences Conner had escaped but was being hunted by Ophelia’s father which Ophelia would let him go whenever she saw him and take the result for doing so.
now, as many years has past, Ophelia’s father is dead and her “brothers” and “sisters” now run the gaming rooms of the streets where they help other homeless kids find jobs and give them a place to sleep.
Now, her older brother wants to help clean their lives by making them exceptable to society by marrying into it. Ophelia is against it because she had a past that no one knows except her that she can’t and won’t except any man as a husband. Then you have Conner that was adopted by a lord and was sent to school to now be a Private Investigator.
Ophelia and Conner meet up and the games begin on which one will fall first, but what keeps them apart till the end will have you scared, mad, and even having you cry by the end of the book.
In Vixen, Ophelia is a vixen she had to be, to make it on the streets as she and her family has had too. Conner had to use his wits to stay ahead of those that were trying to discredit him from his background, which these two characters were made for each other.
Christi Caldwell to me has really really brought all the emotion that a wonderful talented writer can do, bring the reader into her book with all the strategy of a leader in getting people too fall in love with reading by catching the reader at the beginning, lead in to the plot, get the characters to keep being on track to lead into the ending with culmination of all paths to the happy ending . Love this series….The Wicked Wallflowers
What an intense, emotional read. Christi’s writing of Ophelia and Connor’s heartbreaking journey into love is incredibly affecting and had me in tears at various parts of the book, especially at the end. This story of their back and forth in saving each other is well-written and delves deeply into class differences in Regency England. Cameos by characters from previous and future books enrich the story, while not taking away the spotlight from Ophelia and Connor.
I received The Vixen by Christi Caldwell from Net Galley in exchange for a fair review. It is the second book of her Wicked Wallflowers series and while it can be read as a standalone, Cleo’s story is pretty great as well.
Ophelia Killoran is a women that most underestimate often. But at night, she spends her nights protecting the children on the streets of St Giles. As a young girl, she faced the same horrors and was saved by an orphan boy who shows back up in her life.
Connor Steele paid a debt and gave his life for Ophelia years ago. Now, an investigator, he is looking for another boy taken from his home who might be living on the streets now. When he comes face to face with Ophelia again after years of living a lavish life, he is struck by her fierce independence and struggles with an attraction that can never be.
Can i just say I wasn’t sure I would like Ophelia as a heroine. But from the first chapter, I was caught. Her fierce independence, willingness to help children, and her own past that now haunts her, drew me in. Tears hovered in my eyes almost the whole book. Caldwell herself stated that Ophelia wrote her own story at the end and it shows. The heart and soul that went into this story simmers throughout. I read Christi Caldwell all the time: most of the time I enjoy her stories, sometimes they are ok. And sometimes, the story touches you and you can’t help but feel for all parties. This is that story. It’s a reread for me! #TheVixen #NetGalley
Christi Caldwell continues to write books that touch my heart as no other author. When I read one of her books, I always say that it is her best yet. I then open the pages of her next one and wonder how she continues to captivate me from the first words, make me laugh, make me cry, but most of all connect so deeply with the characters. This book is no exception .
I experienced all of these emotions and more. Ophelia is a character that will long be remembered. She has taken a personal situation that could have ruined her and made life much better for others. Connor has also changed his life from his early beginnings. Times and situations have changed both of them over the years. Christi proves that love, no matter how many hours, days and years between past meetings, can be powerful and forever.
This book will remain with me for quite some time.
I received an ARC of this book. The choice to read and review it was mine.
Vixen Review
Christi Caldwell is at it again!
** SPOILER ALERT **
She picks two world weary, broken characters who have seen more of life at a tender age. Each’s experience altering their world view in a drastically diametrical way and pitting one against the other forever.
Ophelia is a street rat. Diggory’s spawn. Born in a world of cruelty and deprived of a dignity of even a name. She’s seen the depravity of all men – from her sire to the men of the ton. She will be no man’s wife! Dedicating her life to rescue little girls of St. Giles from the horrors that have visited her in childhood, she is happy to with her lot and life at Hell and Sin.
Connor is a former street rag. A boy from the dreaded Diggory’s gang. He made a run for it while he had a chance. Luck favours the brave, doesn’t it? Rescued by a kind member of the ton he now has a life of comfort. But he remembers the horror of his childhood. And vows never to have a child go through the same hardships if he can help it. And to do this he must take on the hated members of Diggory’s gang who now run Hell and Sin.
Bound by so many similarities and goals but torn apart by their childhood resentments and being unknown of the life the other had led, this couple constantly find each other at cross purposes. From the word go – you can NOT help cry for them. Truly – This couple, more than others, deserve their hard won happily ever after.
Christi’s brilliance as a writer is such that while you turn into the champions of the H and h, the secondary characters have a life of their own.
In this tale for example – you see a really domineering side of Broderick Killoran. At times I wanted to clout him on his head for being so obtuse to what his sisters really want! But that makes the wait for Broderick’s tale all the more tantalising as you just know Christi is going to wring him out dry before letting him have his HEA. I simply cannot wait for that to happen.
Back to The Vixen, this tale is especially dark. From child rape to theft to the story of a stolen heir of the ton – there are many more heartbreaking instances in this story which will want you to put the book down and go for a long solitary walk all the while brooding over the story.
Again, her heroines are her USP and The Vixen is no different. In the world of regency where women are mere wallflowers each of Christi’s heroines are the masters of their minds and destiny. And you simply cant help but cheer them on their journey.
A very well written addition to the CaldWorld. Albeit a very dark story too.
For me, this story was like a snowball rolling down a hill. At the beginning, I liked Ophelia and Connor. The farther down the hill, the more their story pulled me in, heart and mind. The last third of the story had me riveted, in tears, biting my nails, and turning pages. Thank you for a wonderful story that went from the baser side of people to the honest, loyal, and goodness in others. I loved how Connor taught Ophelia to change how she looked at herself as well as others in order to let go of the past. Ophelia’s mind showed her how to survive and to help others survive, but could not see past her fears to open her heart completely. I highly recommend this story.
I received an ARC of this story through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.
This is Ophelia and Connor’s story. No one knows that Ophelia puts herself in danger to help orphans living on the street. She lived through those horrors when she was younger, and she works hard to ensure that no child goes through what she went through. Connor is a top notch investigator who encountered Ophelia years ago, and he doubts that she has good intentions towards the children. Conner serves the nobility, and Ophelia does not trust the nobility. When the two of them encounter each other again things get very interesting.
I absolutely loved this story. It was so well-written with a complex plot. Add to that very interesting characters and you have a winner. I got drawn into the story very quickly and found myself on the edge of my seat as the story went forward. I became so emotionally involved with the characters that at one point I cried, because Christi writes on a realistic level that people can relate to. This is a heartwarming story that has drama, emotion and love. It totally won my heart and I highly recommend it.
The Vixen is the second book in the Wicked Wallflower series by Christi Caldwell, I don’t think I’m ever going to get over this book!
The Vixen isn’t a fast paced book, it’s a book full of little details that make this book become more alive and somehow manages to find a place in your heart.
Now rather than tell you all about the story, I’m just going to share my thoughts just one character and that is Ophelia Killoran. Ophelia has had the worst kind if childhood, the pain that this young women has suffered truly goes beyond the pale! But Ophelia is a fighter, a protector, and righter of wrongs and she is determined to give everyone choices, even if they were denied to her.
I think out of the whole book and all of the characters, Ophelia’s character truly stands out! Her spirit and sass is ever-present, whether she is facing an Earl or the hangman’s noose, she’s determined to do things her way! And you cannot help but love her for that.
By the end of The Vixen I was surrounded by Kleenex, with a red blotchy face, and a heart full of love and a brain about to short-circuit!
The side effects of reading The Vixen include:
*Feeling angry
*Crying like your life is over
*Cheering so loudly that your husband and cats look at you like you have lost your mind.
*Upon completion, stare in to space completely exhausted!
Don’t contact your doctor, you are just entering the Christi Caldwell Book Hangover, you will be fine by the time the next book is released!
All kidding aside, The Vixen is an amazing book! And a definite must-read! Which is why I give it 5 stars
Stories by Christi Caldwell embody the historical romance genre. Filled with characters, that due to her descriptions, become part of your heart and engage your emotions through the story. Although you can read this book without having read the first one, I encourage you to do so. Opehia Killoran and her sisters have been raised from the streets and have seen and experienced more than anyone should. You see Ophelia has almost a secret life caring and protecting the helpless street children of St Giles. She was once one of them and knows exactly what they are going through to survive. If not for an an orphan boy who saved her, she would not be alive today. Connor Steele, was that boy and now years later, as an investigator serving the nobility, he comes into contact with Ophelia. Of course, fate has brought them together again but can Connor and Ophelia now come together with Connor being raised by a Lord after his days on the streets? There are so many emotions in this story that it will make you cry, but also feel the love. Cannot wait for the next installment in this series.
Christi Caldwell delves into the darkest corners of life to create something wonderful. The Vixen is a tale of hope in the moments of despair. Ophelia is a woman of courage. She beat the odds with a little help from her phantom guardian angel. Once a girl without a home, she is now a protector of the underdog. Her heart guides her into uncharted territory when her long lost warrior reappears as the man that can orchestrate her undoing. Connor and Ophelia are romance at it’s finest. Captivating, inspiring, unforgettable.
The Vixen:
Another fantastic story from the queen of regency, ChristiCaldwell. Ophelia & Connor’s story takes you on a journey from when they are kids surviving on the harsh streets of London, who save each other and where debts are paid. To when the investigation into a missing child brings them together as adults. To say you are put through an emotional wringer is no understatement. Both are shocked to see each other & what each have become in adulthood. Ophelia, middle sister to Devils Den proprietor Broderick Killoran, who ventures into the dark, dangerous streets at night to rescue vulnerable children. Connor, who was adopted by a powerful Earl & become a respected investigator. He is hired by a lord to look into his sons disappearance, long ago thought killed in a fire that claimed his mother blamed on the Lord. Though his investigation he crosses paths with Ophelia who is pushed into society by her brother to make a match with a man of station. They each find long ago feeling for one another are brought to the surface, they fall in love. Connor’s adopted father who does not approve of Ophelia. This is the most emotionally charged part of the book, Ophelia in prison saying goodbye preparing to die. If you want to know how it ends please read this fantastic story, be prepared to use a box of Kleenex though!I cannot recommend this book enough, just when I think Christi can’t get better she delivers another amazing story. Remember love always prevails.
Set apart by her ethereal beauty and fearless demeanour, Ophelia Killoran has always been a mystery to those around her No one would guess that she spends her nights protecting the street urchins of St. Giles. Ophelia knows what horrors these children face. As a young girl, she faced those horrors herself, and she would have died if not for the orphan boy who saved her life.
A notorious investigator, Connor Steele never expected to encounter Ophelia Killoran on his latest case. It has been years since he sacrificed himself for her. Now, she hires orphans from the street to work in her brother’s gaming hell. Ophelia and Connor are at odds. After all, Connor now serves the nobility, and that is a class of people Ophelia knows firsthand not to trust.
Another engrossing, enthralling read which flows effortlessly & takes you from the gutters of St Giles to Mayfair & beyond. The characters are superbly drawn, Connor & Ophelia are both haunted by their past & are perfect for each other. I was taken on a gamut of emotions & by the last 15% I was in bits. I usually like a book to have an epilogue but this book didn’t need one. I hope a certain widow has her story, she certainly deserves one
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
An enjoyable, fast moving story that engages the reader. Far-fetched with characters speaking in atrocious cockney and yet strangely compelling. Once I was into the story I couldn’t put it down until it was finished even though that was the early hours of the morning! I’ve not read the previous book in this series and assume that is why I was lost on how a family of pickpockets came to be educated, given elocution lessons, wear fine silks, run a gaming hell, be semi-accepted in the ton and yet be living in a dangerous area of London. I would therefore recommend reading book 1 before this.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Powerful and Emotional
Only one other book has affected me so strongly, and that too was written by this author. Christi Caldwell puts her heart and soul into the world and characters she creates. The emotion is real, the characters believable, and her stories fresh and unique. As you read her words, it’s so easy to visualize the scenes playing out before you, and you are drawn into their world, hearing their voices, and feeling each and every emotion. And in “The Vixen”, so much emotion!
Connor Steele and Ophelia Killoran are like no other couple. As children they struggled through their fears on the streets of St. Giles, their paths crossing briefly, and each time one reaching out in a single gesture rescuing the other. The final time, his sacrifice, saving her. And then… “he was there, always, buried in her mind”.
They meet again as adults, each carrying with them hidden memories of the monsters and secrets of their past. Connor, rescued by the Earl of Mar and now one of London’s top investigators, is determined to rid London of the evil and brutality he has known and seen. Ophelia, a child of the evil Mac Diggory, has survived the fear and pain of living under his power, and now a strong, beautiful woman, she strives to save other children from the streets. They’re alike in many ways due to what they experienced in their young lives. Upon meeting again and as the bond grows, they will need to overcome guilt they carry, doubts of who they’ve become, and learn to trust each other.
Ophelia and Connor’s story was heart wrenching and beautiful. A story of love between a man and a woman, as well as a strong powerful love of family, I can’t put into words how exceptional this book is, and highly recommend it. Brilliant!
Connor Steele and Ophelia Killoran story is book 2 in the Wicked Walliflowers Series, has so much raw emotion to it and their love story will be with me for a long time. I have never had a story affect me so emotionally has their story has. Connor and Ophelia knew each other has children on the mean streets of St. Giles. Connor was lucky enough to be saved by a rich nobleman and get off the streets have a chance. Ophelia and her sisters and brothers are not so lucky they are raised by a horrible man Mac Diggory. Connor and Ophelia meet again has adults and we learn so much more about them and their lives and all they went through. We also learn more about Ophelia family and catch up other loved characters we met from book 1 in the Wicked Walliflowers series and the Sinful Brides Series. Christi Caldwell put her heart soul into this book because I have never has a book put me though so many emotions before and I felt them in my gut. I cried, my heart broke, I yelled and was surprised if a author can bring out so many emotions in you they are a gifted writer and that describes Christi Caldwell to a tee. Wow just a amazing book and ride, Christi Caldwell out did herself with The Vixen most definitely a 5 star read I loved it.
The Vixen by Christi Caldwell is now one of my favorite books. Caldwell’s writing style, and her ability to tap into every emotion known to a woman, which let’s be honest is a lot, is a wonderful gift to her readers. At one point, I found myself sobbing, and a few chapters later, I had a grin spread from ear to ear. This isn’t a book that you want to speed read through. This is a book that you need to take your time and savor every word and every emotion that Caldwell invokes. These characters are so well written and are so real that you become a part of their journey. One thing that I love about the Caldwell universe is that there are no perfect characters. They have all had life experiences and are flawed as a result.
The Vixen is book 2 in the Wicked Wallflowers series and brings us back to the Killoran family. Ophelia Killoran is a beautiful spitfire, whose experiences of being born to Mac Diggory and growing up on the streets have left her deeply scarred. Her experiences with the nobility have also left her with a deep resentment and hatred toward the nobility. Connor O’Roarke was able to escape Diggory and the streets and now lives among the nobility as a respected investigator. Connor and Ophelia knew each other as children and find themselves face to face as adults when Connor shows up at the Devil’s Den investigating a missing child from the nobility. Let’s just say when these two meet again as adults, sparks fly. Once Killoran forces Ophelia to enter the ton to find a titled husband, she and Connor discover that there may be more to their relationship than their childhood. You don’t want to miss the journey that Caldwell takes these two on to teach them that the world is not always black and white.
If this book isn’t already on your to-read list, I recommend you add it and move it straight to the top. You won’t be disappointed.
Two very broken people finding their way to love. Connor and Opehelia find love through so much pain and tragedy. Interesting read but slow sometimes.
I held my breath, I cried, I cheered, and I screamed throughout this story and loved every bit of it! You will need your tissues and if like me a fur baby nearby with all the intense emotions in this story. I was hooked from the start and every page pulled me deeper. Their story is such a powerful one with so many things against them, but love wins over some of the worst things out there. I loved that they always had a connection even though they didn’t see eye to eye. The investigation of his took a turn I did not see coming and there were more twists and turns I didn’t see coming at all. There were characters that I was set on loving and disliking that true colors came to light and changed my opinions of them so much. I was completely shocked by what happened near the end and wanted to scream, but absolutely loved the twist of how that turned out. I was left with serious book hangover and wanting more.
Ophelia is not a jewel she is an angel that does what she must to save the children on the streets. She is one of the few heroines to pull at my heart more than the hero. I cried and held my breath with the flashes of her memories and why she saved kids the way she did. Even with her tough front, she put out there I loved her right away because she would do anything for others.
Connor never let go of his roots and helped those that needed. His full story broke my heart, but he pushed forward with his mission and made a difference. He won me over from the start with how he sacrificed himself and how he saw others. I cried from him when his father did what he did and hoped it would turn out for the better. He was amazing and what she needed as much as he needed her.
Christi Caldwell continues to amaze!
Ophelia Killoran – the tough street rat with a will to survive and no love for the peerage.
Connor Steele – the orphan who got away from the streets and given a better life.
Their lives took different paths, but fate has thrown them together again.
Ms. Caldwell puts a depth to her characters that is unparallel. The Vixen is no exception. As she peeled away the layers of Ophelia and opened Connor’s eyes to reality, my heart ached. And the prison palm reading….I BAWLED! I don’t think a scene has ever affected me as much as this one. Throw in a few surprises, extraordinary secondary characters and you have a 5+ read.
I can’t wait to see how Ms. Caldwell tops this one.