Edwin Warren, the Marquess of Maddock, is known as the “Mad Marquess” by society. Seven years ago, his world fell apart. Crime lord Mac Diggory kidnapped his beloved four year old son, August, and set fire to his home, killing his wife and their unborn child. The guilt and grief was too much to bear, and Edwin withdrew from society completely. Many suspected that he had a part in his wife’s death. Three years ago, he learned that his son may still be alive, and the investigation led directly to Broderick Killoran and his “adopted” siblings, former members of Diggory’s street gang. His son, August, now eleven years old and called Stephen, is part of the group. Edwin’s rage causes him to confront Broderick, vowing to destroy him and his businesses, and to see him hanged. Broderick’s pleas of innocence that he was unaware of Stephen’s identity, and that he thought the boy an orphan fall on deaf ears. (That compelling story is told in the previous book, THE GOVERNESS.) Edwin finally comes to agreement with Broderick that he will send August/Stephen home and never have contact with him again.

Gertrude Killoran is the biological daughter of criminal Mac Diggory, though she chooses to go by the last name of her adopted family. Her now deceased father was a cruel man, whose only use for children was to have them commit crimes for him. When Gertrude didn’t meet his expectations, he beat her severely, causing a permanent injury that now makes her think of herself as crippled. Her role in the street gang was reduced to that of a teacher, and even after her father’s death, she is somewhat of an outsider with her adopted siblings, though they love and protect her. Gertrude’s heart is breaking for Stephen, who is trying to be brave as he returns to a kind of life he doesn’t remember. At the last minute, Gertrude impulsively jumps in the carriage with him, determined to accompany him and stay with him until he somewhat adjusts. After all, the agreement between Edwin and Broderick didn’t specifically mention her.

Edwin is enraged to see Gertrude with his son, and even more astonished that she has the gall to think that she’ll stay in his household, albeit temporarily. After all, she is the very daughter of the man responsible for all of his anguish. Still, her calm arguments, and Stephen’s fear and uneasiness beneath his swagger and bravado, convince Edwin to agree to her staying just until they find a suitable governess.

Almost immediately, Gertrude’s intelligence and calmness, and her obvious love for Stephen begins to have an effect on Edwin. He hasn’t really had any kindness or genuine human contact for years, and he soaks up Gertrude’s care like a sponge. Though he continues his blustering, it gradually winds down, as he struggles with how to connect with the little boy he loved so dearly, who doesn’t remember him, and has spent more time away from him than with him. Suddenly, he’s feeling something else he hasn’t in a very long time – desire.

Edwin was painted as a true villain in the previous book, and it’s a testament to Christi Caldwell’s skill as an author that he is so thoroughly transformed. In fact, he was not a villain, but a victim. A vivid picture emerges of him as a father that is guaranteed to break your heart. His supposed madness was truly his way of coping with his loss. Watching him slowly evolve back into the man he used to be, capable of love and forgiveness is breathtaking.

Gertrude has a selflessness and strength that is amazing. She knew that she was not Stephen’s most beloved sibling, yet she chose to put herself at Edwin’s mercy in order to comfort the angry and heartbroken boy. She isn’t afraid to explore her love for the enigmatic marquess, though it will no doubt end in heartache.

THE BLUESTOCKING is as much Stephen’s story as it is Gertrude’s and Edwin’s. Slowly, Stephen and Edwin start to connect, and the first time Stephen calls him father is guaranteed to bring a tear to your eye. Stephen’s young life has been filled with trauma, change, and danger. The glimpses of him getting to be a little boy and enjoy simple things are truly heartwarming. The romance between Gertrude and Edwin is warm and genuine, yet seems doomed because he’s a noble and she’s an illegitimate former criminal. Both of them will be tested, as they face further danger from an unknown enemy, as well as their own emotions and fears. Though I’ve mentioned the previous book, THE GOVERNESS, it’s not necessary to have read it in order to fully enjoy this book, though I highly recommend it. THE BLUESTOCKING has wonderful and complex characters, a unique storyline, a breathtaking romance, and danger. Finally, forgiveness and redemption lead to love and what I’m sure will be a lasting happiness. This beautifully written story is guaranteed to capture your emotions and your heart.

This is the 4th book in the Wicked Wallflowers Series. It can be read as a standalone, but so much better if you read all the books in the series. Every book in the series has been amazing and better than the previous book! The 3rd book gives the readers a peek at Lord Maddock (also known as the “Mad Marquess”) and all the anger and grief he has had in losing his wife and children. Then Stephen, his son was found to be living with the Killoran family after being kidnapped. Stephen is returned to his father but isn’t happy about the changes in his life. Gertrude was the sister that the Killoran family tried to protect, but she came into her own in this story. I was so excited to finally read her story and I was not disappointed. This was my favorite book in the series. The three characters made the reader experience so many emotions; fear, regrets, hope, grief, and anger. It was an amazing story of enemies putting the past behind them, forgiving and going forward.

From first paragraph to last this book had me captivated. Every character was depicted with relatable feelings. Hopes, fears, desires, regrets, all written in ways that you feel as you read. The changes the characters go through are realistically shown so you can believe in the transition from enemies to friends.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily reviewed it and the comments are my own.

I have been waiting for Gertrude's story ever since I met her character and saw so much of myself in her! I loved how quiet her character was, how she snuck into the reader's heart gradually over the course of the first three books in the series. Once I heard she was getting her own book, and who she was going to be paired with, I knew this would end up being my favorite of the bunch! A gruff, "mad" hero and an underestimated, bookish heroine? Sign me up!

Gertrude Killoran has always been the sibling in the shadows. Partially blind after being beaten by her father as a young girl, she was given the task of raising the children rather than being in danger out on the streets, and her siblings have always perceived her as the weakest of the bunch. When her adopted brother, Stephen, is summoned to live with his natural father, Edwin, the rumored-to-be-mad Marquess of Maddock, Gertrude can't bear leaving him to fend for himself. She cuts a deal with the Marquess - she will serve as Stephen's governess for two weeks while his father searches for a more suitable candidate. In the meantime, she will stay out of his way and keep Stephen contained. But the best laid plans never always remain that way, and soon Gertrude and Edwin are finding themselves in each other's company often. As they learn more about each other, they realize that things are not always as they appear. Grief can often appear as madness, and a person's family does not always define them.

I'll start out by saying the humor in this book was fantastic! Yes, there was a lot of dark moments and sad elements, but I loved how the author brought in the natural comedy that comes when someone becomes a parent for the first time (or in this case, reunites many years later and has no clue how to handle an older child). The reasoning behind the separation of Edwin and Stephen was horrible, and having read the previous books, I have felt so much sympathy for the situation. But once I began to see the truth behind Edwin's actions and heard his memories of Stephen as a toddler, my heart broke for him. I was rooting for him and Gertrude so early on, and I knew that Gertrude was the perfect person to help him see the truth and help him climb out of the hole he had dug in his grief. Gertrude was a strong person who was seriously underestimated by everyone around her. When I saw her come out of her shell in order to help Edwin and Stephen, I was cheering for her out loud! Laughter is often the best medicine, and I could see that each time Gertrude made Edwin smile. And Stephen! That boy was hysterical towards the end of the book. Some of my favorite lines were his commentary of the relationship between Gertrude and Edwin.

As always, Christi Caldwell has written a incredibly deep, powerfully moving book that will stay with me for a long time. I can't wait to see what she writes next!

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!

Just when I don't think she can possibly get any better, Ms. Caldwell continues to do just that with each and every book. The Bluestocking #4 in her Wicked Wallflower series is my new favorite book of her's. Per usual, I just couldn't put it down. I sobbed throughout this book. For all 3 main characters. Gertrude, Edwin, and Stephan. Words cannot express how much I loved this book.

I feel like I have been waiting for this book forever! Which I know is a very bold statement, but from the moment I started The Bluestocking, it was that "at last" feeling that is hard to describe, but there is part of a sentence that moved me more than I can say

"...and let go of the last shred of hatred that had held him ensnared.
He was free.'

The Bluestocking is about 3 broken people, and while the love story is only "technically" about 2 of them, it truly is a 3 person tale. There is Lord Edwin; the villain of the peace, but a man devastated by the murder of his wife, the kidnap of his young son, and the publicly vilified. Then there is Gertrude Killoran, the daughter of the man who stole children, and put them to work in his den of thieves, but Gertrude had not had an easy life, or a pain free one, and was often dismissed as a useful member of the family, even after her tormentor of a father had been killed, her loving family babied her. But know Gertrude knew what she had to do, and she was going to make sure she did what was necessary in order to protect her family. And finally Stephan, who was raised by the Killoren's and has no idea how he is supposed to act in a world that is so foreign to what he knows, but Stephen has his own sense of justice, which means that he cannot be left on his own, and The Bluestocking is about when these two worlds collide!

There has always been something about Christi Caldwell’s writing that has brought me peace…and tears as well, but mainly that sense of peace. Her books are like old friends, even the newly released ones. And while I’m suffering from historical romance fatigue, that will never stop me from picking up this authors books. Why? Because her books are fresh, because she doesn’t shy away from giving her characters disabilities, something that many of her peers will shy away from, and she doesn’t just skim over them, but delves deep, as only a mother with a special child can, and that is what makes Christi Caldwell a truly outstanding author.

The Bluestocking
Another fantastic read by Christi Caldwell. This is a story of redemption and how easy it is to underestimate the true value of a person. Gertrude is the forgotten Killoran, oh they love her but do not believe she has the skills & strength of her sisters. We find out however that when everyone else believes that all hope is lost she displays fortitude & a will of iron. Edwin is who the Ton has labeled the Mad Marquess, he lost himself in his grief & anger and has forgotten how to live. Now they have come together to help Stephen find his way in his new life. Slowly as they get to know one another they realise that the preconceptions they had were wrong. These two scarred people find friendship and ultimately love. Of course it’s not all plain sailing as you would expect but that is what makes Christi’s stories so enjoyable, no one wants easy. Great love is fought for and won. This whole series has been brilliant and I can’t recommend it enough.

Yeah for Christi Caldwell! This is one of my favorite series. Two scarred heroes getting their happily ever after. Gertrude is considered the weakest link of the gang. Now she stands up and surprises everyone. Maddock has kept himself hidden for years until she barges in and forces him into the light. This is a magnificent story of redemption and grace. The author is as always magnificent in her storytelling.

The Bluestocking by Christi Caldwell is book 4 in the Wicked Wallflowers Series. This is the story of Gertrude Killoran and Edwin Warwick, Marquess of Maddock. I have read the previous books (and Loved them!!) which I think helped with my enjoyment of this book and series since there is a underlining story going on but with that said I do feel you can easily make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Edwin's wife, son and unborn child died in a fire that left him mad and of course very upset. The town whispered that he was to blame and started calling him the 'Mad Marquess' which he added to that by drinking and letting his anger take over. Broderick Killoran and his 'siblings' have survived the harsh streets along with being taken into street gang run by Mac Diggory where they most all were abused or touched by Diggory's harshness.
Gertrude is the eldest 'Killoran' Sister who has always been thought to be weaker and kept protected. Stephen was the youngest of the 'adopted' siblings. When it is learned that Edwind's son actually was kidnapped and didn't die in the fire by Diggory but is now living with Broderick Edwin wants his son. Edwin blames Broderick and all the Killoran siblings for his son being taken and kept from him. Edwin deals with Broderick saying he is taking his son and no one from Killoran is to contact them or he will seek his revenge.
Gertrude of course can't let Stephen just go on his very own with the 'Mad Marquess' who Stephen doesn't really remember him, so she sneaks into the carriage to go with them.
Of course this sets off their story line that for me took me on an emotional roller coaster ride. Which is the reason Ms. Caldwell is one of my Top Ten Favorite Authors. Ms. Caldwell brings you into their story building up your emotions so that when the characters hurt you hurt, when they are happy you are happy and so on. In addition to that her books are one you will not be able to put down because you can stop mind story and you need to see what is going to happen next in their story. I would recommend this book along with any books written by this author!
Loved it!

Gertrude 💖Edwin

Another brilliantly written story by this author. She has been tempting readers with the mad Marquess and the mystery surrounding his bitterness, anger and drive for revenge. A captivating tale that raises many unanswered questions about the Killoran family, especially Stephen, the son they are accused of stealing from Lord Edwin Maddock. Loved Edwin, but the real star is an intelligent, smart, and caring bluestocking, a member of the Killoran family, who is so underestimated and unrecognized by all. She will become the unseen force and true hope for the answers and solutions needed to right wrongs and begin a healing for so many of the individuals involved.

Gertrude Killoran is an amazing heroine, and the way Christi Caldwell reveals the many qualities and levels of her character is beautiful. When this strong, fierce Lord and quiet yet stubborn lady meet, a whirlwind of emotions and long hidden secrets emerge and make for a very excellent love story, tense and veiled at times and uplifting and gentle at other times. That’s one of the many draws of this very talented writer as the journey of her flawed characters is never easy and more than a little rocky before the outcome is known.

Filled with highly charged personalities and tearfully tender emotions, I strongly recommend “The Bluestocking”. I received an arc for my honest opinion which is given here, but I also purchase for my own collection.

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, is due to return to live with his true father Edwin Warwick, the Marquis of Maddock, and she’ll be damned if she relinquishes the boy to the man reviled throughout London as the Mad Marquis. Still haunted by a deadly tragedy that left him publicly despised, Edwin holds only hatred for the Killorans, the people he believes kidnapped his son. 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.
Each time I read a book by the author I don’t believe it will be as good as the last one & each time it's either as good if not better. I've loved every book in the series & this book could well be my favourite so far. Extremely well written, wonderful characters & a truly lovely story. It wasn’t the gut wrenching story like some of the other stories but whilst it did take me on a gamut of emotions my overall feeling was of the joy of the relationships between Edwin & Gertrude & Edwin & Stephen. The way those relationships developed & moved from dark to light was masterful & made for a captivating, engrossing & enthralling read. This is one of the loveliest books I’ve read in quite a while & I’ve no hesitation in highly recommending it.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I confess I had the previous book in this series but it was lost on its release day because too many books popped up in my kindle at the same time.
But as I was lucky to have been able to receive an ARC for this one book even if I preordered it, i can’t pass it now.
So here it is my first meeting with the Killorans and the Mad Marquess. So everything was new to me.
It was a slow burning story, and while it could have been an angsty and filled with bitterness tale, it was in fact a recital of redemption, forgiveness and faith in the other.
This awesome love story between three persons life has wounded is a fable narrating how they come to care and love another.
It is no love triangle, just how a father robbed of his family gets a second chance and wins his son’s affection with the help of the woman accounted of being part of his kidnapping and on the way finds more than he bargained for.
Gertrude is the kind of heroine as I love them, along the plot she finds her voice and stands for her. Sure I thought her weak at the beginning but as the time unfolds and her past is revealed, I came to see past the facade she has built around her, she fights and faces her fears. And despite the life she has lived, the things she has done, suffered or seen, she keeps her eyes wide open and sees the good where others would pass without a glance, even if it is jaded, she still has an innocence nothing could shatter.
Edwin could have become mad as he is called after everything was stolen from him, as it was more than his family, it was also his place among the ton and his sanity when meddling in society. He has moved as a recluse, so much he is unable to talk or chatter with others, he can just state the obvious or blurts what’s on his mind.
Then there is Stephen the lost son, a too fast grown up kid who twice was robbed of his life and family, he won’t face this third battle without a struggle, in the meantime he hurts Edwin and Gertrude but it is also to protect himself.
I loved how slowly Gertrude became essential to Edwin, how the more he gets to know her, the more she becomes magnificent in his eyes. Gertrude with her gentleness and her skilled sense of observation get Edwin to follow her and leave his cave where he stayed hidden for years and confront his fears of the crowd, the crowd of his peers.
I found no fault in this tale, even their mistakes and stubbornness as they made them will result in the cementing of their love for another, all three.
A lovely story of people who will go from enemies to friends then lovers.

I will now have to read the previous one in this series now!

I have SO many feelings about this book and I don't even know where to begin. This books can work as a standalone, but it would be a disservice to it not to read all the previous ones that lead into it. From the series, we've learned to love all the Killorans, and to understand the tragic pasts and suffering that have led to their lives and their mistakes. I expected to love and defend Gertrude fiercely (and I do) but I didn't expect to land myself so strongly on Edwin's corner for this book.
The conflict between them seems insurmountable. It really does. Albeit unknowingly, her family is responsible of his pain and suffering and there is an angry little boy caught in the middle. And yet Christi does a magnificent job navigating all of those feelings and validating both character's perspectives. Even when there is a fallout, there are no rights or wrongs. I appreciate that the hero was as wounded as the heroine and his feelings were validated and justified as well. I really admire how craftily the author is able to give us a happy ending to a love story that seemed doomed from the start.
And Stephen is just a delightful, multidimensional little boy that gets to have his entire family back.

Once again, a wonderful love story from an author that doesn't disappoint!

Christi Caldwell does an amazing job of bringing enemies together to find a common ground in the love of a young boy. When Edwin, the Marquess of Maddock (AKA the Mad Marquess) finally is getting his young son back he also got an unexpected surprise. Not only did the boy arrive he also was accompanied by his sister Gertrude Killoran. She worms her way into the house by convincing him that she would help get Stephen acclimated to his new surrounding. As she did that, she also began to worm her way into Edwin's heart - helping him overcoe his anger and guilt and forge a relationship with the boy he hadn't seen since he had been kidnapped as a toddler.
Be prepared for a tar-jerker. This book starts off with sad tears but ends with tears of happiness as Edwin not only forma a relatioship with Gertrude but is able to relate to his son.
I received an advanced copy of this book.

These two learn that love and hate are two sides of the same coin.

Overlooked and under-appreciated even by her own siblings, Gertrude Killoran is seen as weak for her partial blindness and her motherly tendencies and willingness to show compassion. Her adopted brother of the streets, Stephen, has been found and reclaimed by his true father, a man known as the Mad Marquess, who has been threatening Gertrude's brother, Broderick, for his inadvertent role in Stephen's initial kidnapping.

Lord Edwin, the Marquess of Maddock, is haunted by the deadly fire that claimed the lives of his wife and unborn child and the resulted in the kidnapping of his son. Now reviled by the ton as a mad murderer, Edwin hides away from the world and has all but forgotten how to interact with people at all. He's determined to keep his son away from the hated Killorans from now on, until Gertrude muddles his plans by forcing her way into the marquess' household along with Stephen and stubbornly refusing to leave. Edwin thinks he's finally found someone more insane than he is but, in the interest of what is best for Stephen, he reluctantly agrees to allow Gertrude to remain and help him select a suitable governess for Stephen. She is only meant to stay for a fortnight per their bargain, but the more time Edwin spends with Gertrude, the more he admires her and his hatred of her morphs into understanding, healing and eventually even deeper feelings and Edwin begins to want her to stay.

I've loved this series and each successive hero becomes a new favorite for me. The Mad Marquess has been a villain in other installments of this series and I was so looking forward to his story. I'm a sucker for a tortured hero and Edwin certainly delivered: after a hate filled marriage that ended in tragedy and led to him being even more widely hated and shunned, he was a broken man filled with fear, rage and hatred. Gentle, deceptively strong Gertrude was perfect for him and just what he needed to bring him back into the light.

I devoured this book and couldn't put it down, but at the same time I kept wanting to slow myself down to savor it. I'll definitely be rereading. I can't say enough good thinks about this book! It was fabulous!

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

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 Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

There is just no other way to say it "I loved this story"!! I have waited for Gertrude's chance for her own freedom and maybe, happiness. I you have followed the series, you know that Stephen/August was the son of Edwin Warwick, Marquess of Maddock, was kidnapped from his home several years ago. Stephen's mother and his unborn sibling died in the intentionally set fire while his father was not at home. Edwin searches, hires investigators and finally finds his son living with the Killoran's. He blames them for setting the fire, stealing his son - the hate running deep and he can't wait to get Stephen/August away from their hold on him.

There are so many emotions in book and it seemed like I was teary eyed a lot of the time. You have Edwin who was blamed, blackballed from society and nicknamed The Mad Marquess - he has become mostly a hermit and knows he will never be able to love or trust anyone again after a terrible marriage, horrible in-laws and the loss of the unborn child and mostly his son.

Stephen grew up in St. Giles where he learned the art of pick pocketing, gambling and living at the gambling hell the Killoran's owned. Now at 11 years old, but is much older from growing up on the streets and being in an adult world, they want to take him away from the only family he has ever known, the Killoran's. Can a boy from St Giles make it in society and can he ever accept his true father?

Gertrude is kind, tender, quiet and rescues homeless animals - right now she has a number of cats and 1 white mouse. She is the oldest, is almost blind in one eye and if she was ever given the chance was outspoken and stronger that any of her sisters. She oversees the younger siblings and when Stephen comes to the family as a new orphaned little brother, she tutors him and is basically his mother figure.

Stephen must return to Edwin's home and Gertrude accompanies him but the fact that he doesn't want to leave his Killoran family was causing tremendous problems- when they arrive at Edwin's Gertrude has decided she will not leave Stephen and will stay until a proper governess/tutor is found for him. Edwin fights her but in the end he knows that she is the answer to help bring Stephen to accept him and society.

The hate Edwin feels for Gertrude's father Mac Diggory, who gave the order to kidnapped Stephen, runs deep and he therefore gives his hate on to his daughter, Gertrude and the Killoran's. This is a very emotional read with sad, happy, fun and romantic times. I was gifted this ARC and I am so happy I can tell you how wonderful Christi Caldwell's story and characters are - I will remember this book for a long time.

Stephen is the child that was kidnapped from the Mad Marquess, Edwin. Gertrude is the daughter of the man who did. When Stephen is returned to Edwin, Gertrude accompanies him. Thus begins an involved and intriguing tale of a women coming into her own, a man coming back into the light, and a bond developing between a father and son. Christi Caldwell is the author that can twist your heart into a knot! While this is a stand alone book, having read the others in the series makes it even more meaningful and wonderful!
I received an ARC of this book.

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.