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Defender of the Realm…and His Wary Heart… Only a Hero Will Do (The Heart of a Hero Book 2) by @alan


Title: Only a Hero Will Do (The Heart of a Hero Book 2)

Author: Alanna Lucas

Genre: Historical Romance - Regency, Fantasy, Superheroes

Book Blurb:

Defender of the realm…and his wary heart…

Captain Grant Alexander is an enigma in London society. Dashing and handsome, he coldly eschews marriage. But the ton knows nothing of his role in the Legion: to bring Typhon, the traitor who seeks to destroy the British monarchy, to justice.

When Grant is thrown together with fellow Legion member Elizabeth Atwell, he’s instantly beguiled yet exasperated by this beautiful viscount’s daughter. She has little interest in combing the marriage mart for a well-bred, well-heeled husband, but is adept at code-breaking and handling a bow and arrow. She also refuses to do as she is told, insisting she accompany Grant on his mission.

As Typhon continues to evade capture and dark forces are at work, Grant realizes he must act, not only to protect the realm but Elizabeth too…not to mention his heart, which is in danger of thawing every time she comes close…

My Review:

Lady Elizabeth Atwell is well known among the Ton for her beauty and yet she hides a secret: she’s a member of the Legion, England’s spy network, and has a gift for code-breaking. She’s quick with a bow and arrow, not to mention helps bring down traitors who wish to bring down the British monarchy. She’s independent and doesn’t take no for an answer as Captain Grant soon realizes.

Captain Grant Alexander is a dashing, mysterious man who refuses to be tied down. Many women have paraded in front of him yet none have captured his attention. That is, until he meets Lady Elizabeth. A viscount’s daughter and a fellow member of the Legion, Grant knows she’s hands-off. Yet his heart refuses to listen to that and surges ahead. He tries to protect her yet she goes off on her own, thrusting head-first into danger. They bicker and spar which riles Grant’s anger as well as his passion. Can he keep his hands off of her or is she his matched partner, both in life and love?

I loved this book so much! It’s classic historical regency romance (which is one of my favorite genres) with spy/superhero undertones. Filled with plenty of action and intrigue, Only A Hero Will Do sweeps the reader away. The chemistry between Elizabeth and Grant is off the charts which propelled the plot into the stratosphere. Extremely well-written and I read it in two sittings. Lucas has an amazing gift for plunging the reader into the past through intricate details (clothes, circumstances, historical people, modes of transportation, societal manners, etc.) that is unmatched.

This is book two of a delightful series where each author reimagines their favorite superhero in Regency England. I won’t tell you who Lucas chose but the clues are woven in the story. I can’t wait to read more in this original series.

Favorite Character/Quote: Elizabeth. She’s a viscount’s daughter, not a care in the world, yet she loves working for the Legion. She has a gift for spying and decoding puzzles and messages. She’s got strength in spades and I was totally rooting for her throughout the story. Sure, she can handle herself but at the end of the day, she pines (like the rest of us) for a hero, her hero. A great role model for women.

My Rating: 5+ stars

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Author Biography:

Alanna Lucas grew up in Southern California, but always dreamed of distant lands and bygone eras. From an early age she took interest in art, history, and travel, and enjoys incorporating those diversions into her writing. However, she believes that true love is the greatest source of inspiration and is always an adventure.

Alanna makes her home in California where she spends her time writing historical romances, dreaming of her next travel destination, spending time with family, and staying up too late indulging in her favourite past time, reading.

Social Media Links:

Author Page on Amazon:

Reviewed by: Mrs. N

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