The Bluestocking

(Wicked Wallflowers #4)

Christi Caldwell

Edwin Warwick, Marquess of Maddock/Gertrude Killoran

My Rating: 5/5 stars

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 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?

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!

~ Rose

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The Bluestocking by Christi Caldwell:

Amazon US / Amazon UK  / Barnes & Noble / BookBub / Goodreads

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