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.

No one ever knows who they will end up with. Whether it be a long lost friend, someone you have been around for ages, someone you would never have met except for cosmic intervention, or someone whom you should never pine for, no matter what get involved with. 
In this novel Ms. Caldwell manages to bring together characters, plot, and amazing storytelling to bring a novel alive. You know a story is masterfully written when the plot could be placed in any number of eras and yet still connect to the reader. Quite honestly, this story did not have to be a historical romance. It could have been contemporary and still sucked me in, to the point that I ignored a graduation party. 
The characters motivations are so easy to relate to because I have made the same mistakes, agreements, and changes in my life that they both did. And yet, this story still managed to surprise me as I turned each page. 
Gertrude is all about family, loyalty, and protecting those she cares about even if it means her own happiness. I think majority of people will claim to have that very same mixture. But, Gertrude's growth was remarkable and made me love her just as much as her family. I was rooting for her and Lord Edwin throughout the story because despite their horrendous pasts they have kept to the root of their being. As such I fell in love with their story. I think you will to if you give it a try. 
~A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection.

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.

The Bluestocking ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️by Christi Caldwell

This is story is a love triangle,  but not the usual kind we hear. It is a love between sister and brother and father and son.

Gertrude was the eldest Killoran sister, she had been blinded in one eye by her father. Her family often under estimated her abilities and she was charged with taking care of her siblings. When Stephen was brought to their so called home, he was only five and cried for his family. Gertrude became his mother and he grew to accept his life.

It was five years back when his real mother died in a fire and he was thought kidnapped.  His father Lord Edwin Warwick, the Marquess of Maddock searched tirelessly for his son. He was ostracized by friends and family because he did not protect his pregnant wife and child.

When negotiations are made and Stephen is located, Gertrude takes him to his father’s.
Gertrude refuses to leave Stephen with this stranger.  So here is the love triangle I spoke of. 

With the power of the pen Christi Caldwell tears your heart out for them. Edwin deserves happiness and so does Gertrude but how? How can there be happiness for the three. 

I have been a fan of Ms Caldwell for years and she always manages to bring her characters to life and the read to their knees. I loved this book.

This is the first book I read from this author. I like to read the whole series , the reason I mention that is because I rate books based on my enjoyment and not as a genre critic.
I loved that the hb was not the typical beautiful high society lady. The HB was was unique. There were some references to incidents that happened in the previous books that added some confusion but most of the book is enjoyable as a standalone.
I loved that she was outspoken and as the tittle suggests very well read. I enjoyed that their relationship grew slowly and wasn’t insta love. The whole cats thing was so cute .

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I was so glad that I finally got to read Gertrude’s story. I was so in love with it. I just couldn’t put it down. The story was well done and I loved that Gertrude finally got her happy ending. Looking for more in the series soon!

I have read and loved Christi's books but this one really tugged on my heart strings.
Gertrude has had a horrific life until she took Stephen under her wing. He was kidnapped from the Marquess Edwin Warwick seven years ago, but Stephen doesn't remember this.
Gertrude has cared for him and taught him since.
Edwin believed Stephen was dead when he lost his wife and unborn child in the fire. He then became known as the Mad Marquess..
Gertrude goes with Stephan to be returned to his Father and asks to stay so she can help with his transition to his new life.
She then works her way into his heart because Edwin sees how much she loves Stephan.
He has a difficult time accepting her at first because of who her family is, but time is what it takes for her to show him how much she truly cares for Stephan and him.
I loved this story and highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and volunteered to review it. All comments are mine.

Do you ever finish a book and wonder why you allow the author to put you through the emotional turmoil they do? Why you willingly read a story knowing it may rip your heart out and leave you agonizing whether the hero and heroine will have their HEA? For me it’s because it’s Christi Caldwell. I enter every book knowing she’ll quickly get her emotional hooks in me with a story that is impossible to forget, leaving me in heart-wrenching, happy ending tears. That’s why I read her. She rips my heart out every single time, and at the end of each book, I’d gladly do it all again. 

	If you’ve followed this series, you know that it’s been discovered that Stephen was not a young orphan brought into the Diggory gang, but the son of a marquess, kidnapped from the folds of the peerage. Now he must return to his father who thought he was dead. For seven years, Stephen has been with Broderick Killoran and his “sisters”. The only family he remembers. He’s no longer the innocent, happy toddler he was but an angry and jaded child who wants no part of a life he can’t recall. To ease his transition to his rightful place, Gertrude, the sister who has taught and cared for him, decides to accompany him and convince Edwin Warwick, the Marquess of Maddock to allow her to stay with his son. 
	Edwin has spent the last seven years tortured by the memories and rumors around the loss of his family. Bitter and broken, he’d become the madman everyone thought him to be. Now, face to face with his son who is now a stranger to him, he’s at a loss. And to have the daughter of the man who stole everything from him requesting to accompany his son is more than he can bear. Knowing to send her away would only further damage this new beginning with his son, Edwin relinquishes and allows Gertrude to stay temporarily. 
	In the days that follow, Gertrude and Edwin set aside their resentments in the best interest of Stephen. And in so doing, they begin to see each other in a different light. In working together for the sake of Stephen, an unlikely bond is forged. Gertrude saw that Edwin wasn’t mad but a devoted father so riddled with the pain of losing his family that he’d come to believe what was said about him. The fact he even allowed her to stay showed he had compassion in him. She’d never known that kind of devotion and she was captivated by him. With him, she was beginning to feel a level of closeness she’d not even known with her siblings. Edwin was impressed with Gertrude’s bravery and spirit. No one had ever stood up to him before. She was very capable with Stephen. The way she could anticipate his needs and moods spoke to her devotion to his son. In getting to know her, Edwin came to realize he’d never considered that she too had been a victim of Mac Diggory. She was not the monster he’d thought her to be, but a young woman whose family had made a mistake. He’d thought these last seven years that he was a man incapable of feeling anything. But he was beginning to feel for Gertrude, and to imagine a life he’d never thought to know. 
	This entire series has sucked me in with its intensity and deep emotion. But this story, with its tender relationships between characters, is definitely the best. I empathized so much with Edwin. I couldn’t blame him for his hate and resentment after having his whole life ripped from his hands. He carried so much guilt over that loss. Stephen was no longer the child he’d lost, yet in spite of Stephen’s animosity toward him, Edwin still loved and wanted him. I ached for the thrill he felt just having his son speak to him, even if it was only to sing the praises of the Killorans. Watching that bond between the two starting to rekindle was touching. 
	The bond between Gertrude and Stephen was just as moving. She’d thought him closer to her sisters, but when she was the one to stay with him, their bond only strengthened. I wept when he was able to let his guard down with Gertrude and express his fears. 
	The relationship between Edwin and Gertrude was the most thrilling though. Gertrude didn’t judge or blame Edwin. She understood his pain. With her quiet strength of spirit she challenged him to reclaim his life. She made him want to be a father again and to be a better man. She made him feel worthy of that. Gertrude had always hovered on the outside with her family, feeling that she wasn’t as strong or as valuable because of her disability. She felt pitied and like she was treated with kid gloves. And because of that, she never challenged them or expressed her opinions. But with Edwin, she was able to give her opinion. He listened and often agreed. He looked to her to be his partner in making the best choices for Stephen. Through Edwin’s eyes, Gertrude saw her own worth. 
	If you’ve not read other books in this series, I recommend you read them first. While this could be read as a stand- alone, I can’t imagine reading it without knowing the history of all that these characters have endured and overcome. In reading this beautiful and deeply emotional series, you’ll not just believe love exists, you’ll believe in the power of love and its ability to survive and to heal. A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team selection.

I loved Gertrude and Edwin's story!!

Gertrude demands that she be able to stay with Edwin when her adopted brother (his son) is return to him. Edwin fights it, but finally agrees. Gertrude just wants to make sure that her brother gets settled in and knowing that she will forever be separated from him, wants to spend as much time with him as possible.

Edwin finally has his son back and he couldn't be happier about it, except that the daughter of the man that kidnapped him has worked her way into his life. As much as he wants to hate Gertrude, their is just something about her that speaks to him. Can he ever get passed who her family is?

I've been waiting for Gertrude to get her HEA for what feels like forever and Caldwell didn't disappoint!! I'm so glad to see her finally come into her own and shine within her family!

While just as beautifully written as all the previous books in this series, "The Bluestocking" has a bit slower and has a much more sad feeling to it.  The heartbreak that Edwin has felt for so long, all the guilt and blame and horrific prejudices that society lays on Gertrude and her family combine in this installment.  It is not a light and happy story to read.  

Still, Ms. Caldwell works her magic and through all the sad, a beautiful relationship grows - two, actually.  Because, as Edwin's heart is slowly being softened (and that is NOT an easy task!) so too is his relationship with his son taking root.  Kudos to Ms. Chase for penning a story that can break a heart and give one hope all at the same time!