The Hellion and the Hero
by Emily Sullivan
A League of Scoundrels - Book 3
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: August 23, 2022
Reviewed by PJ
Lady Georgiana Arlington has always done what’s best for her family—even when it meant marrying a man she didn't love to save her father. Her husband’s death has left her stronger and bolder—a hellion, some would even say. When a mysterious enemy jeopardizes her livelihood and reputation, there’s only one person she can trust to help her uncover the threat: the same man she left heartbroken years ago.
Captain Henry Harris is no longer the penniless fortune hunter he was when they first met. Now a decorated naval hero, he could have his choice of women, but no other woman has Georgie’s allure, nor the tenacity he can’t help but admire. Assisting Lady Arlington will put both his body and his heart in danger—and yet, he can’t resist a second chance with the one woman he’s never been able to forget.
PJ's Thoughts:
A widow, ready to live life on her own terms following the end of a controlling marriage of duty. A former naval officer/spy, burdened by PTSD and the guilt of living a lie. A second chance to claim the kind of love neither thought was meant for them. Is it any wonder I devoured this book like a warm cookie straight from the oven?
Emily Sullivan continues to reel me in with her intriguing plots, relatable characters, well-crafted suspense, and heart-tugging - and sizzling - romance. Georgiana and Henry are both complex, well-developed characters who engaged me both emotionally and intellectually. I love how Sullivan's heroines are of their time but still pushing against their societal boundaries. I couldn't help but cheer for Georgiana to best those determined to stop her efforts to change England's employment landscape.
My heart ached for Henry and all that he had endured. He's a caring man, uncomfortable with his celebrity, who captured my heart. I was with Georgie and Henry every step of the way as they navigated the initial awkwardness of their reunion, along with the long-held bitterness and mistrust between them - feelings that slowly gave way to rekindled attraction, understanding, forgiveness, and more. The "more" including amorous moments in both a carriage and a bathtub. Color me exquisitely satisfied!
With a slow-burn, sensual romance, a mystery that kept me guessing right up to the reveal, a richly-depicted secondary cast that helped move the story forward, and a hard-won happily ever after, Emily Sullivan's The Hellion and the Hero kept me happily engaged from beginning to end. This book stands well on its own but for an added layer of understanding of the main couple I recommend reading book two, The Rebel and the Rake first.
Have you read Emily Sullivan yet?
Do you enjoy historical heroines who push boundaries?
It has to be uncomfortable in real life but, I admit it, I'm a pushover for a good carriage love scene. What's your love scene catnip?
One randomly chosen person posting a comment before 11:00 PM, September 1 will receive print copies of The Rebel and the Rake and The Hellion and the Hero.
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I haven't read much historical romance lately, but have been listening to some that have rekindled my interest. This one sounds like my kind of book. While a carriage love scene always sounds so daring, I am partial to the "sneaking away during some big ball" type of scene. Great review! Off to read more about Emily Sullivan!
ReplyDeleteThis novel sounds captivating and unforgettable. Love scenes which involve lovely garden settings. I haven't read this author's books as yet but intend to.
ReplyDeleteEmily Sullivan is a new author for me. Heroines with spunk appeal to me. Carriage love scenes sound exciting and real adventure.
ReplyDeleteI’ve only read the first book in this series so far, but this sounds like a great addition to the series and I’m bumping it up my to-be-read list!
ReplyDeletethis is the first I've heard of Emily Sullivan - sounds like the kind of story I enjoy. I love heroines that do things a bit differently.
ReplyDeleteI have never read any of her books but I like how you said a warm cookie from the oven
ReplyDeleteAs a veteran myself, I enjoy stories where Hero or heroine's patience and love can help a PTSD-afflicted partner to overcome their nightmares. I have not read Emily Sullivan before; now she's on my want-to-read list!
ReplyDeleteMs Sullivan is a not an author I've read yet. This sounds like a terrific story. I like heroines who are strong and intelligent and powerful women. I am not fond of heroines who in their time frame act and speak like someone from 2022. Yes, a carriage love scene is terrific,,,,no back seat,,,,but I guess they had to deal with what was available. I like it when a gentleman convinces a young lady to go to a garden during a ball and things take a warm direction. I have enjoyed many stories which include help for someone with PTSD. That is a favorite of mine...to know somone is getting help. And no matter the time there were people who had faced terrible situations. Thanks for the review and the introduction to this book.
ReplyDeleteI love a second chance romance! Having ridden in a carriage, I give a side-eye to those amorous-moments-in-a-carriage scenes. :) My personal catnip is when the hero and heroine find themselves in a folly or other garden feature during a house party. I like strong heroines, but agree with Annette n says, not heroines who speak like someone from 2022.
ReplyDeleteI read the first book in the series and somehow missed the second and have added both to my TBR list.
I have not read her books, but plan to now! I do love a heroine who knows what she wants.
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting to pick up an Emily Sullivan book and this one sounds just like my jam! And I do love a well sprung carriage scene!
ReplyDeleteI haven’t had the chance to read Emily Sullivan’s writing yet, but it sounds like I need to add her to my TBR! And I definitely like heroines who are a bit bold, a little different! Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDelete—flchen1
I haven't read any Emily Sullivan books -- yet. I've heard a lot of great things about her though! I adore historical heroines who push the boundaries.
ReplyDeleteEmily Sullivan is a new to me author.
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy stories where the heroine pushes the boundaries society has erected to keep women "in their place." I know women tested those boundaries, don't we always?, but there were limits to what they could get away with. The story should deal with that realistically.
No real love scene preference. It just has to fit into the story at the right time and for a good reason. I have read too many books where the scenes were thrown in seemingly because the author couldn't think of anything else to write..
I have never even heard of Emily Sullivan before, PJ, but this story sounds right up my alley. Thanks for the review and for bringing me new authors and stories to savor and enjoy!
ReplyDeleteSounds wonderful! I have not read Emily Sullivan.
ReplyDeleteI love heroine’s who are independent and intelligent. I like them to go after what they want.
Amorous scenes: the bath tub sounds romantic with candles etc
A picnic in a secluded area outdoors or a gazebo
Carriage maybe a bit bumpy but private
Winter hunting lodge
Library after midnight
So many options
I love historical romances! I recently finished 2 of Suzanne Enoch’s stories.
Have a fantastic holiday weekend!