While I’m noticing some similarities between books (apparently all men cum in “rippling waves), the characters are unique enough that recurring themes are easily overlooked. I LOVED Cleopatra and Adair’s story! Looks like I’ll be burning through this series too. ( )

Christi Caldwell has an amazing way of writing damaged, wounded characters and making you love, not pity them. She uses everything they have gone through, whether in the ton or the wicked streets of London, to show how strong and resilient they have become. Their past has made them stronger. But they are still willing to be open to love (whether they know it at the beginning of the book or not).
In this book, 2 warring families are looking for ways to blame each other for anything that happens and yet, Cleopatra Killoran and Adair Thorne manage to find love over the hatred they are more comfortable with.
As the story continues, you see how the two have more in common than not and no matter how hard they fight it - they can't help the attraction between them. The tension between the families makes the Happily Ever After all the more satisfying.
I received an advance copy of this book for free. ( )

He glanced up from his task, and that slight movement sent a dark lock tumbling over his brow, lending him a boyish look. “Cleopatra Killoran, I’d wager there isn’t a thing you don’t know how to do.”
And just like that, Cleopatra fell in love. Hopelessly, helplessly, she lost her heart to Adair.

I know this is listed as #1 in the Wicked Wallflowers series, but it did not read that way for me. Adair's brothers are married, there is a lot of talk about the villain that they finally vanquished, and the deal Adair's family made with Cleopatra's brother happened in a previous book. I was kind of lost as to who was who and what had happened, I also was missing caring about a lot of people.

The second half was better than the first for me, everyone gets kind of cleared out so the focus can be on Adair and Cleo. Cleo annoyed the heck out of me with all her running, her go to move when she gets overwhelmed is just to take off and she definitely does it. Adair was a little blah, I've read his character many many many many times. They seemed nice together but didn't trip any triggers for me.

I did like the author's writing and flow, I think not having read the previous series really hurt me here; I'll probably put them on the tbr.

Adair dropped his brow to hers. “Marry me."

We did get this moment, I always enjoy a lovely brow to brow moment :) ( )

The Hellion is an age old tale of love, lust and danger encased in a long standing rivalry. The question is who holds the cards to this ongoing war. The neverending revelations lead to a powerful love affair that could destroy everything in it's path or heal a lifetime of damage that spans generations. Tempestuous, climatic, emotional romance. ( )

The Hellion is the first book in the new Wicked Wallflowers series by Christi Caldwell, and I was so excited to get my hands on this book, I looked like a kid at Christmas.

Now, I want to say that although The Hellion is a part of a new series, it actually has a lots of characters from the Sinful Brides series, and while I will say it's not essential to read that series, I would recommend it, as it gives you a deeper knowledge of the characters.

I really enjoyed the pace of the book, the interwoven storyline, and the chemistry between Adair and Cleo is electric! And though I could sit here and list every single thing I love about each character, what struck me first was Cleo's no-nonsense attitude to people, that had me cheering happily.

These books are not simple and sweet romances, but gritty, fight for everything you have romances, that seem to steal your heart, especially when Cleo is willing to help Adair build a club, despite crossing family lines, and Adair fighting for the one he loves.

In my humble opinion, The Hellion is an amazing start to a new series, and I cannot wait for the next book!

I give The Hellion 5 stars.
( )