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The Governess by Christi Caldwell
My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Spice Level: 💋💋💋


Regina (Reggie) Spark has loved Broderick Killoran, the resourceful and protective proprietor of the Devil’s Den, ever since he saved her from the streets and made her his right hand at the notorious gaming hell. For just as long, Reggie has never admitted her true feelings for him. Nor has she revealed her spirited ambitions—to buck convention and expectations and open a music hall.
While Broderick built his gaming empire with ruthless cunning, his loyalty to his employees is boundless. So when he learns of Reggie’s plan to leave his side and take charge of her own future, the betrayal cuts Broderick to the core. He responds as he would to any business rival…with swift retribution.
Instead of wilting, the savvy Reggie rebounds with a fury that shocks Broderick and stirs a desire he’s been holding in reserve for only ladies of nobility. But as their seductive battle of wills ignites under the harsh spotlight of the London Season, secrets are exposed as well—ones that could be ruinous in decent society but invaluable for the heart.

Three of my favorite tropes in one! friends to lovers, rags to riches, and my all-time favorite a redeemed bad boy. These two will keep you on the edge of your seat with the back and forth and you wonder if they will kiss or not. They are two stubborn people going to battle and neither one wants to open up. I loved when Reggie’s secret came out and how Brodrick reacted. My heart almost dropped when he went to the opera because I thought he was going to listen to his sister.
Reggie will not let her secret ruin the family or let Brodrick control her life. I loved her from the start because she won’t give up or run from anything. She had a heart of gold and slowly everyone saw why she was trying to leave.
Brodrick melts my heart. We’ve gotten to know him a bit from the other books, but this time his story really comes out. He is stubborn to the core, but when kissed her that first time I knew his walls were coming down. I loved when he told his story.
Little Stephen breaks my heart in this one. He is struggling so much and taking it out on everyone at every chance. I loved seeing more of his story and hope he one day gets his own book.
