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Hero's Redemption
London, 1817Devon, the Earl of Malton, is a hero for his deeds at the Battle of Waterloo. But he suffers terrible nightmares, and drinks himself to sleep most nights. A habit he vows to break when he awakes one morning to find a woman sharing his bed, no memory of how she got there, and her angry brother at his door.Cathleen is mortified when her wastrel brother and his greedy wife propose a blackmail scheme involving the earl, but as a penniless war widow she's at their mercy. She goes along with the plan and sneaks into Devon's bed one night, and ends up comforting him through a night terror.Charmed by her beauty and kindness, Devon determines that rather than pay the blackmail, he will offer his hand in marriage to Cathleen. Although she is deeply attracted to the stoic earl, Cathleen cannot understand why Devon would want to marry her. What she doesn't know is that Devon owes her a debt that can never fully be repaid...34,000 words1st place in the International Digital Awards for Historical Short.Other Regency romances by Georgie Courtesan's Book of Secrets - now available for pre-order amzn.to/1lrOwBrEngagement of ConvenienceRescued from RuinLady's WagerOther period novels by Georgie RelationsMask of the Gladiator(war, soldiers, Regency, England, PTSD, Waterloo)
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2013
12 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Georgie Lee
83 books119 followersA lifelong history buff, award winning author Georgie Lee hasn’t given up hope that she will one day inherit a title and a manor house. Until then, she fulfills her dreams of lords, ladies and a season in London through her stories. When not writing, she can be found reading non-fiction history or watching any movie with a costume and an accent. Please visit www.georgie-lee.com to learn more about Georgie and her books.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 22, 2016
I gave this a C- at AAR, so that's 2.5 stars
I’ve sometimes reviewed a full-length novel that I’ve felt would have worked better as a novella because the storyline didn’t contain enough plot and the novel felt as though half of it was padding. In Hero’s Redemption, I felt the reverse was the case.
There are several plot strands to story and all of them suffered from being underdeveloped. Devon, Lord Malton rescues Cathleen Selton from the clutches of her slatternly, grasping relatives by marrying her. But her nasty cousin Lionel and his equally unpleasant wife, Martha, had expected to blackmail Devon into keeping quiet about the fact that Cathleen had spent the night (innocently) in his bed. Needless to say, the marriage foils their plan so instead, they come up with one to murder Devon and appropriate Cathleen’s widows’ portion.
That’s the story in a nutshell, but added in are the fact that Devon, a decorated war hero, is tortured with guilt at the fact that a fellow soldier died saving Devon’s life; and that this soldier turns out to be none other than Cathleen’s late husband. So initially, he proposes to her out of guilt and as a way to make some sort of reparation for the fact that her husband died saving him.
Of course, Cathleen does not know the real reason Devon proposed to her, and even though he knows he should tell her, and in fact plans to do so, he keeps putting it off until she hears it from someone else. I suppose the fact that this is a novella means that this setback in their relationship was actually dealt with quite quickly rather than being dragged out, which is certainly a plus point.
But there is a lot on the negative side which outweighs it. The characters are not fully developed, the fact of Devon’s PTSD is not fully addressed, and Lionel and Martha read like pantomime villains. We are told that Devon finds Cathleen’s voice soothing and that she helps to pull him out of his nightmares – both waking and asleep – and settle him, but that’s hardly a long-term cure (and I use the word “cure” loosely) for PTSD!
Also – I didn’t really want to read about grubby, greedy Lionel and Martha having sex, thank you very much! The word-count was limited as it was, and could have been better spent on developing the romance between Cathleen and Devon which seemed to spring forth fully formed. There was no real getting to know each other – they went from strangers to being in love so quickly, I had to track back to make sure I hadn’t missed something.
To sum up, then, I thought the premise of Hero’s Redemption wasn’t at all bad, but it read like the bare bones of a novel, rather than a complete and, ultimately, satisfying novella.
I’ve sometimes reviewed a full-length novel that I’ve felt would have worked better as a novella because the storyline didn’t contain enough plot and the novel felt as though half of it was padding. In Hero’s Redemption, I felt the reverse was the case.
There are several plot strands to story and all of them suffered from being underdeveloped. Devon, Lord Malton rescues Cathleen Selton from the clutches of her slatternly, grasping relatives by marrying her. But her nasty cousin Lionel and his equally unpleasant wife, Martha, had expected to blackmail Devon into keeping quiet about the fact that Cathleen had spent the night (innocently) in his bed. Needless to say, the marriage foils their plan so instead, they come up with one to murder Devon and appropriate Cathleen’s widows’ portion.
That’s the story in a nutshell, but added in are the fact that Devon, a decorated war hero, is tortured with guilt at the fact that a fellow soldier died saving Devon’s life; and that this soldier turns out to be none other than Cathleen’s late husband. So initially, he proposes to her out of guilt and as a way to make some sort of reparation for the fact that her husband died saving him.
Of course, Cathleen does not know the real reason Devon proposed to her, and even though he knows he should tell her, and in fact plans to do so, he keeps putting it off until she hears it from someone else. I suppose the fact that this is a novella means that this setback in their relationship was actually dealt with quite quickly rather than being dragged out, which is certainly a plus point.
But there is a lot on the negative side which outweighs it. The characters are not fully developed, the fact of Devon’s PTSD is not fully addressed, and Lionel and Martha read like pantomime villains. We are told that Devon finds Cathleen’s voice soothing and that she helps to pull him out of his nightmares – both waking and asleep – and settle him, but that’s hardly a long-term cure (and I use the word “cure” loosely) for PTSD!
Also – I didn’t really want to read about grubby, greedy Lionel and Martha having sex, thank you very much! The word-count was limited as it was, and could have been better spent on developing the romance between Cathleen and Devon which seemed to spring forth fully formed. There was no real getting to know each other – they went from strangers to being in love so quickly, I had to track back to make sure I hadn’t missed something.
To sum up, then, I thought the premise of Hero’s Redemption wasn’t at all bad, but it read like the bare bones of a novel, rather than a complete and, ultimately, satisfying novella.
September 12, 2013
I was lucky to hear Georgie read from this during a Lady Jane Salon. Her enthusiasm for her story and the cliffhanger at the end of her reading, left me anxious to finish reading the novella. I'm so glad I did.
Even though, I'm not really into historicals, I really liked this one. Georgie Lee has a great talent of creating short works with a fast paced story line and believable characters.
I thought the heroine, Cathleen, to be strong, brave, and compassionate. The hero, Devon, charmingly sincere and proper. I liked the supporting characters as well, even the crotchety Lady Malton.
Plus just enough history for the historical buff, but not so much that it feels weighed down for non-buffs. I'd highly recommend Hero's Redemption.
Even though, I'm not really into historicals, I really liked this one. Georgie Lee has a great talent of creating short works with a fast paced story line and believable characters.
I thought the heroine, Cathleen, to be strong, brave, and compassionate. The hero, Devon, charmingly sincere and proper. I liked the supporting characters as well, even the crotchety Lady Malton.
Plus just enough history for the historical buff, but not so much that it feels weighed down for non-buffs. I'd highly recommend Hero's Redemption.
July 4, 2013
Not only didn't I like this book, there's really too little book to even dislike. Hero's Redemption of like a novel written in shorthand--all the scenes that would explain the story are missing.
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August 29, 2013
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...
Hero's Redemption by Georgie Lee was essentially a sweet story between two people who have seen their share of hardship and pain. I definitely liked the storyline, as a hero with PTSD is one of my favorite themes. I can say the same about the author’s writing though this was my first story by her. What I didn’t like was how rushed and incomplete the story felt when I finished it.
Devon has been scarred both inside out in the war with France. He has been suffering from PTSD since his return and it’s getting worse day by day. Devon is miserable in general, more so because he’s wrecked with guilt of not being able to save the life of the man who saved his own. This man, Thomas Selton didn’t know him when he died saving him. Returning to London hasn’t been of any help. No one understands Devon’s pain, his guilt and misery. I was especially saddened by his mother’s treatment, who showed not a little motherly instinct, instead reminding Devon of what a disappointment he has been since his return just because he’s not merry enough to attend the balls and act as if nothing ever happened!
One day, when Devon is too drunk, he’s kidnapped by a baronet named Lucien and his evil wife Martha. As he’s plagued by PTSD at night, Devon remembers a woman’s voice soothing him, lulling him to peaceful sleep, maybe for the first time in his life after the war. The next day, he’s dupe into thinking that he has compromised a lady named Cathleen, who’s also Lucien’s half-sister. Lucien and Martha are as shady as they come and the news of their gambling debt is known throughout London. The baronet demands some satisfaction from Devon and oddly enough, it’s not marriage but financial settlement. Devon knew them enough to know all these were planned. He’s even suspicious of Cathleen, but then, he remembers how she soothed him. Devon’s instinct tells him trust in her, yet indecision plagues him; can he actually trust her, ever?
Cathleen is desperate to leave her half-brother’s house, getting away from his nefarious machinations. Since her widowhood, she’d been reduced to live by scraps, until Lucien and Martha showed her their ‘kindness’ and took her in. And now they’ve involved her in their schemes. Cathleen can’t take it, more so when she sees suspicion in Devon’s eyes. She knows all about him as he has been deemed as a hero for his role in the war. Her husband had also died in that war and Cathleen wants his esteem. She comes up with a plan to open up herbal medicine shop, in the hopes that Devon will help her get away. But when they meet at a ball next, Devon doesn’t care for Cathleen’s plan. He’s still at war with his emotions. On one hand, he wants her and her cool calmness that soothes him. He needs that feeling in his unruly life. On the other, he’s not ready to trust her because of her family. I was scared that this will become a big issue between them later on, and to some extent, it did. After Devon’s denial of help, Cathleen is hurt, feeling desperate. But she won’t beg. As she is leaving, Devon asks Cathleen her full name. When she gives it to him, Devon is speechless because Cathleen is Thomas Selton’s widow!
After that Devon had no other compunctions in asking for her hand. He didn’t really see it as a ‘duty’. He wanted her without a doubt, and this felt like the right thing to do. Lucien is shell shocked by the offer of marriage and really unhappy, so is Martha. Devon savors this reaction from them. Cathleen is also shocked but accepts Devon’s offer of marriage even before her mind could process what’s happening. She later thinks this is for the best; even though this won’t be a love marriage like her first, she’ll have all kinds of support she needs. Someday, she may even come to love Devon.
Cathleen is welcomed by Devon’s sister Elizabeth, though his mother, as usual, denies accepting this marriage. Devon now has a new guilt, of not telling Cathleen about Thomas. He’s scared of losing her, of seeing hatred in her eyes. I felt for him, poor guy. They journey to Devon’s country estate to get married ASAP. The first few days of their marriage goes rather well. Both are very happy because they found that they get along much better than any of them ever though. And they like being with each-other, making love, talking etc. Cathleen could see the kindness in Devon, and the fact that he genuinely cares for her. And as I saw it, Devon was more than halfway in love with her.
In London, Martha is planning and controlling Lucien (as she always does) to do something drastic and rob Cathleen off of her happiness... Not surprising, considering I knew they’d make further trouble.
The trust issue does become a little frustrating at the later point of the story. Devon didn’t like it if Cathleen was being a little discrete about something, and he’d go and think she might be plotting behind his back with her brother and SIL, when he knew deep inside Cathleen is not like them at all. I’m glad that the author didn’t drag this on though. I hate it when there are such grave misunderstandings in the plotline and the characters suffer in misery because of that.
When the truth of Thomas is finally revealed, Cathleen is incensed. I can sympathize with her on the point that Devon should’ve told her before marriage. But it was also apparent that she wouldn’t have married him if she knew already knew. Devon would’ve told her, really... I loved the way he so calmly explains to her - ‘when the past wouldn’t matter to them anymore.’ Weird was how one moment she was contemplating leaving Devon even after their talk, couldn’t stand to be near him but on the next, coming to the realization that she loves him enough to forgive him. And et voila, she’s not angry at him anymore! This didn’t feel right to me, just how soon she flipped from anger to recognition in their journey home from a ball.
So overall, I felt that this should’ve been a full-length novel, or at the least, a few more chapters. I would’ve loved a little more exploration of Cathleen and Devon’s relationship. Then it certainly wouldn’t feel so rushed. 3.75 stars.
This ARC was provided to me by Carina Press via netgalley which didn’t influence my review and rating in any way.
Hero's Redemption by Georgie Lee was essentially a sweet story between two people who have seen their share of hardship and pain. I definitely liked the storyline, as a hero with PTSD is one of my favorite themes. I can say the same about the author’s writing though this was my first story by her. What I didn’t like was how rushed and incomplete the story felt when I finished it.
Devon has been scarred both inside out in the war with France. He has been suffering from PTSD since his return and it’s getting worse day by day. Devon is miserable in general, more so because he’s wrecked with guilt of not being able to save the life of the man who saved his own. This man, Thomas Selton didn’t know him when he died saving him. Returning to London hasn’t been of any help. No one understands Devon’s pain, his guilt and misery. I was especially saddened by his mother’s treatment, who showed not a little motherly instinct, instead reminding Devon of what a disappointment he has been since his return just because he’s not merry enough to attend the balls and act as if nothing ever happened!
One day, when Devon is too drunk, he’s kidnapped by a baronet named Lucien and his evil wife Martha. As he’s plagued by PTSD at night, Devon remembers a woman’s voice soothing him, lulling him to peaceful sleep, maybe for the first time in his life after the war. The next day, he’s dupe into thinking that he has compromised a lady named Cathleen, who’s also Lucien’s half-sister. Lucien and Martha are as shady as they come and the news of their gambling debt is known throughout London. The baronet demands some satisfaction from Devon and oddly enough, it’s not marriage but financial settlement. Devon knew them enough to know all these were planned. He’s even suspicious of Cathleen, but then, he remembers how she soothed him. Devon’s instinct tells him trust in her, yet indecision plagues him; can he actually trust her, ever?
Cathleen is desperate to leave her half-brother’s house, getting away from his nefarious machinations. Since her widowhood, she’d been reduced to live by scraps, until Lucien and Martha showed her their ‘kindness’ and took her in. And now they’ve involved her in their schemes. Cathleen can’t take it, more so when she sees suspicion in Devon’s eyes. She knows all about him as he has been deemed as a hero for his role in the war. Her husband had also died in that war and Cathleen wants his esteem. She comes up with a plan to open up herbal medicine shop, in the hopes that Devon will help her get away. But when they meet at a ball next, Devon doesn’t care for Cathleen’s plan. He’s still at war with his emotions. On one hand, he wants her and her cool calmness that soothes him. He needs that feeling in his unruly life. On the other, he’s not ready to trust her because of her family. I was scared that this will become a big issue between them later on, and to some extent, it did. After Devon’s denial of help, Cathleen is hurt, feeling desperate. But she won’t beg. As she is leaving, Devon asks Cathleen her full name. When she gives it to him, Devon is speechless because Cathleen is Thomas Selton’s widow!
After that Devon had no other compunctions in asking for her hand. He didn’t really see it as a ‘duty’. He wanted her without a doubt, and this felt like the right thing to do. Lucien is shell shocked by the offer of marriage and really unhappy, so is Martha. Devon savors this reaction from them. Cathleen is also shocked but accepts Devon’s offer of marriage even before her mind could process what’s happening. She later thinks this is for the best; even though this won’t be a love marriage like her first, she’ll have all kinds of support she needs. Someday, she may even come to love Devon.
Cathleen is welcomed by Devon’s sister Elizabeth, though his mother, as usual, denies accepting this marriage. Devon now has a new guilt, of not telling Cathleen about Thomas. He’s scared of losing her, of seeing hatred in her eyes. I felt for him, poor guy. They journey to Devon’s country estate to get married ASAP. The first few days of their marriage goes rather well. Both are very happy because they found that they get along much better than any of them ever though. And they like being with each-other, making love, talking etc. Cathleen could see the kindness in Devon, and the fact that he genuinely cares for her. And as I saw it, Devon was more than halfway in love with her.
In London, Martha is planning and controlling Lucien (as she always does) to do something drastic and rob Cathleen off of her happiness... Not surprising, considering I knew they’d make further trouble.
The trust issue does become a little frustrating at the later point of the story. Devon didn’t like it if Cathleen was being a little discrete about something, and he’d go and think she might be plotting behind his back with her brother and SIL, when he knew deep inside Cathleen is not like them at all. I’m glad that the author didn’t drag this on though. I hate it when there are such grave misunderstandings in the plotline and the characters suffer in misery because of that.
When the truth of Thomas is finally revealed, Cathleen is incensed. I can sympathize with her on the point that Devon should’ve told her before marriage. But it was also apparent that she wouldn’t have married him if she knew already knew. Devon would’ve told her, really... I loved the way he so calmly explains to her - ‘when the past wouldn’t matter to them anymore.’ Weird was how one moment she was contemplating leaving Devon even after their talk, couldn’t stand to be near him but on the next, coming to the realization that she loves him enough to forgive him. And et voila, she’s not angry at him anymore! This didn’t feel right to me, just how soon she flipped from anger to recognition in their journey home from a ball.
So overall, I felt that this should’ve been a full-length novel, or at the least, a few more chapters. I would’ve loved a little more exploration of Cathleen and Devon’s relationship. Then it certainly wouldn’t feel so rushed. 3.75 stars.
This ARC was provided to me by Carina Press via netgalley which didn’t influence my review and rating in any way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2014
(Original post at Doing Some Reading)
True to its title this was a sweet and quick read. It has a war tortured hero and a broken widowed heroine, filled with pain, love, and forgiveness. The story was fast paced and got down to the jest of the story and plot and the characters were very likable.
The hero, Devon, is a war hero who has drown himself in the cups for the past two years since his return and well, he has what we call PTSD. He feels guilty for surviving the war and for the fallen hero who saved his life during the process. His mother doesn’t understand him and think he just needs to calm down and move on. His friends from college doesn’t understand why he came back a changed man, for they didn’t buy a commission into the army to make something of their lives and only downs in drink and women. Tortured every night with dreams of his guilty survival he his restless and only wish to be done with life.
I love this dude. He has a tortured soul and can’t seem to move on with his guilt for surviving and leaving his soldiers for dead on the field and most definitely the captain who saved his life. He has trust issues because no one seems to understand his guilt and what he has gone and seen during the war and he also isn’t willing to retell its horror. The only other person he has confide in is his sister who I adore. He’s a dashing hero with a heart of gold locked away in a tormented body built with rage, scar, memories, demons and pain.
Cathleen is a widow and has been living with her half brother and his wife since the death of her army husband two years ago. Although she has been married to him for five years they manage to not bear any children. Having no relation of any sort on her husband’s side of the family she has been left with little to no money. When Devon enters her life she was willing to ask for his help to start a new life away from her treacherous brother.
Cathleen is a pure soul and although she’s an easy target for prey she has a huge heart to try to help others in need, even if she herself is also in need of help. She’s easily liked and her intentions are understandable and pure. She was sensible and didn’t act like a naive genteel, and most definitely pron to drama. I love her strength, just keeping herself up and holding on in her circumstances was just…amazing. Losing a husband and having nothing to her name must be frightening and to add Devon in the mix. Wow, she was great with him and his demons and I adore her for it.
Although this was a novella and a really short story it had a lot of background story and characters development that I am happy to have gotten in such a short read. The characters were made for each other and were a perfect couple to fight and move towards the future and start fresh. Though the wanted more, I was happy with how it ended would love to read more from this author.
This eARc was provided by Netgallery and the publishers at Carina Press.
True to its title this was a sweet and quick read. It has a war tortured hero and a broken widowed heroine, filled with pain, love, and forgiveness. The story was fast paced and got down to the jest of the story and plot and the characters were very likable.
The hero, Devon, is a war hero who has drown himself in the cups for the past two years since his return and well, he has what we call PTSD. He feels guilty for surviving the war and for the fallen hero who saved his life during the process. His mother doesn’t understand him and think he just needs to calm down and move on. His friends from college doesn’t understand why he came back a changed man, for they didn’t buy a commission into the army to make something of their lives and only downs in drink and women. Tortured every night with dreams of his guilty survival he his restless and only wish to be done with life.
I love this dude. He has a tortured soul and can’t seem to move on with his guilt for surviving and leaving his soldiers for dead on the field and most definitely the captain who saved his life. He has trust issues because no one seems to understand his guilt and what he has gone and seen during the war and he also isn’t willing to retell its horror. The only other person he has confide in is his sister who I adore. He’s a dashing hero with a heart of gold locked away in a tormented body built with rage, scar, memories, demons and pain.
Cathleen is a widow and has been living with her half brother and his wife since the death of her army husband two years ago. Although she has been married to him for five years they manage to not bear any children. Having no relation of any sort on her husband’s side of the family she has been left with little to no money. When Devon enters her life she was willing to ask for his help to start a new life away from her treacherous brother.
Cathleen is a pure soul and although she’s an easy target for prey she has a huge heart to try to help others in need, even if she herself is also in need of help. She’s easily liked and her intentions are understandable and pure. She was sensible and didn’t act like a naive genteel, and most definitely pron to drama. I love her strength, just keeping herself up and holding on in her circumstances was just…amazing. Losing a husband and having nothing to her name must be frightening and to add Devon in the mix. Wow, she was great with him and his demons and I adore her for it.
Although this was a novella and a really short story it had a lot of background story and characters development that I am happy to have gotten in such a short read. The characters were made for each other and were a perfect couple to fight and move towards the future and start fresh. Though the wanted more, I was happy with how it ended would love to read more from this author.
This eARc was provided by Netgallery and the publishers at Carina Press.
August 15, 2014
Devon wakes up to find himself in bed with a beautiful woman, but rather than enjoying a night of scandal, he has been the victim of a blackmail plot. Cathleen had no wish to be part of her brother's blackmail scheme, but she also had no way out. Now she finds that the man whose bed she shared may be her way out of a bad situation. When he offers to marry her rather than pay her brother, she is hardly going to refuse, but she has no idea why he would offer such an arrangement. He is keeping a secret, but Cathleen isn't telling Devon everything either...
So I might be a bit (a lot) in love with Devon. He's an actually caring hero. I know so many of ya'll love the antagonistic heroes and the storylines filled with arguments with the heroine, but give me a hero who is broken but still genuinely cares and I'm all: *swoon* I also loved that quite quickly into their relationship, he announces that he wants her help in running the estate - radical! His secret, though, is a big one - Cathleen's husband died saving his life.
The beginning of the build up of Devon and Cathleen's romance comes from her comforting him over his war trauma, so she is just as caring as he is. Her secret is somewhat less sinister, as she believes herself to be infertile and believes he would not have married her if he'd known. She's quite an interesting heroine. Prior to marrying Devon, she wanted to start a shop to sell medicinal treatments as a way to get by. She has been through a lot in her own way and craves the safety Devon is only too willing to give.
It's their mutual deception, though, that creates a hiccup in what might have been a simple romance. Not only are they both keeping secrets, but the blackmail taint to the beginning of the relationship has also left Devon struggling to trust Cathleen.
We've also got a little intrigue plot, as Cathleen's brother and his wife do not let her out of their grasp so easily and they are just waiting to destroy her happiness.
I really enjoyed Hero's Redemption. It's definitely short, and a little part of me would have liked the characters to have been fleshed out a little more (I think there would have been room for this, given how much happened in the plot). However, sometimes all I want is a short historical romance hit and it can be difficult to find good historical romance novellas. Read in under two hours, Hero's Redemption had everything I could want - a hero and heroine with troubled pasts, love with care and respect, but with enough trauma and deception to cause conflict, and a nice little intrigue plot. Yes, I will be reading more Georgie Lee!
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More reviews at: http://www.readingromance.com
So I might be a bit (a lot) in love with Devon. He's an actually caring hero. I know so many of ya'll love the antagonistic heroes and the storylines filled with arguments with the heroine, but give me a hero who is broken but still genuinely cares and I'm all: *swoon* I also loved that quite quickly into their relationship, he announces that he wants her help in running the estate - radical! His secret, though, is a big one - Cathleen's husband died saving his life.
The beginning of the build up of Devon and Cathleen's romance comes from her comforting him over his war trauma, so she is just as caring as he is. Her secret is somewhat less sinister, as she believes herself to be infertile and believes he would not have married her if he'd known. She's quite an interesting heroine. Prior to marrying Devon, she wanted to start a shop to sell medicinal treatments as a way to get by. She has been through a lot in her own way and craves the safety Devon is only too willing to give.
It's their mutual deception, though, that creates a hiccup in what might have been a simple romance. Not only are they both keeping secrets, but the blackmail taint to the beginning of the relationship has also left Devon struggling to trust Cathleen.
We've also got a little intrigue plot, as Cathleen's brother and his wife do not let her out of their grasp so easily and they are just waiting to destroy her happiness.
I really enjoyed Hero's Redemption. It's definitely short, and a little part of me would have liked the characters to have been fleshed out a little more (I think there would have been room for this, given how much happened in the plot). However, sometimes all I want is a short historical romance hit and it can be difficult to find good historical romance novellas. Read in under two hours, Hero's Redemption had everything I could want - a hero and heroine with troubled pasts, love with care and respect, but with enough trauma and deception to cause conflict, and a nice little intrigue plot. Yes, I will be reading more Georgie Lee!
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More reviews at: http://www.readingromance.com
August 20, 2013
This story suffers from novella-itis. The premise is interesting, but the development suffers due to the story length. Too many scenes are wrapped up quickly or happen off page. And the last chapter reads more like an epilogue that wraps everything up in an easy and shiny bow. Is it bad? No. It was a fairly enjoyable read. But it wasn’t as good as it could have been.
Devon is a soldier suffering gravely from his service at the battle of Waterloo. The fighting tore him up, both physically and emotionally. His leg was injured and still pains him to this day; but far worse than that are the dreams and memories that haunt him. Though he saved countless lives, all he can think about was the young captain who put himself in harm’s way and died saving his life.
Cathleen is a good woman, but widowhood has forced her to depend on her wastrel brother for survival. So when he forces her into a scheme to blackmail Devon, she has little choice but to participate. The setup forces her into bed with a drunk and drugged Devon to create the illusion they were intimate. But when he cries out in the night, she is compelled to comfort him. For that, and other reasons that come out over the course of the story, Devon decides to marry her instead of paying her brother off.
Now if you’re thinking the entire relationship is based on Cathleen’s lie, don’t. She tells him the truth right off the bat. But he keeps a whopper of a secret from her. He lies, but at the same time, constantly mistrusts her intentions. I understand why, but it felt kind of thin. A few things did, really. The villains –Cathleen’s brother and wife– were cookie-cutter bad guys. The sex scenes started good and ended quickly. Everything moved really quickly. And that last chapter I mentioned just made me roll my eyes.
But, I did like Devon. His character was developed enough that we could see he is a good man. And Cathleen is the steady and healing hand he so desperately needs. They fit together. The best parts of the story are in their falling in love –and filling in the missing pieces the other one needs.
All in all, it was an ok read. But it could have been better.
Rating: C
*ARC Provided by Carina Press via NetGalley
Devon is a soldier suffering gravely from his service at the battle of Waterloo. The fighting tore him up, both physically and emotionally. His leg was injured and still pains him to this day; but far worse than that are the dreams and memories that haunt him. Though he saved countless lives, all he can think about was the young captain who put himself in harm’s way and died saving his life.
Cathleen is a good woman, but widowhood has forced her to depend on her wastrel brother for survival. So when he forces her into a scheme to blackmail Devon, she has little choice but to participate. The setup forces her into bed with a drunk and drugged Devon to create the illusion they were intimate. But when he cries out in the night, she is compelled to comfort him. For that, and other reasons that come out over the course of the story, Devon decides to marry her instead of paying her brother off.
Now if you’re thinking the entire relationship is based on Cathleen’s lie, don’t. She tells him the truth right off the bat. But he keeps a whopper of a secret from her. He lies, but at the same time, constantly mistrusts her intentions. I understand why, but it felt kind of thin. A few things did, really. The villains –Cathleen’s brother and wife– were cookie-cutter bad guys. The sex scenes started good and ended quickly. Everything moved really quickly. And that last chapter I mentioned just made me roll my eyes.
But, I did like Devon. His character was developed enough that we could see he is a good man. And Cathleen is the steady and healing hand he so desperately needs. They fit together. The best parts of the story are in their falling in love –and filling in the missing pieces the other one needs.
All in all, it was an ok read. But it could have been better.
Rating: C
*ARC Provided by Carina Press via NetGalley
July 5, 2013
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Hero’s Redemption has a nice plot but generally just didn’t work for me as well as it could have.
Devon is physically and mentally scarred from his time at war and is unable to sleep at night due to nightmares until one morning when he wakes up in the arms of an unknown woman, after having a peaceful night sleep. He realises that he is being scammed by the woman and her family but comes to realise that she is as much a victim as he is and that he owes her more than she could ever realise.
Hero’s Redemption had a lot going for it. There were so many interesting aspects to the plot like Devon’s nightmares, drinking, his link to Cathleen’s dead husband and her ability to bare children, but it was all ruined by the length. This is a novella and there was not enough room for these things to be addressed. It felt rushed and some things were never really explained or expanded on at all.
This lead to the characters having no personality, both Cathleen and Devon are hard to like because you are not given the time to get to know them. This was especially an issue where the romance was concerned. At the half way point there wasn’t any romance but by the end they were in love, that is ok for an average length novel but in a novella it is rushed.
Hero’s Redemption is stifled by its length, there is too much going on and not enough room for it all which is a real shame as this had potential.
The publisher provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Hero’s Redemption has a nice plot but generally just didn’t work for me as well as it could have.
Devon is physically and mentally scarred from his time at war and is unable to sleep at night due to nightmares until one morning when he wakes up in the arms of an unknown woman, after having a peaceful night sleep. He realises that he is being scammed by the woman and her family but comes to realise that she is as much a victim as he is and that he owes her more than she could ever realise.
Hero’s Redemption had a lot going for it. There were so many interesting aspects to the plot like Devon’s nightmares, drinking, his link to Cathleen’s dead husband and her ability to bare children, but it was all ruined by the length. This is a novella and there was not enough room for these things to be addressed. It felt rushed and some things were never really explained or expanded on at all.
This lead to the characters having no personality, both Cathleen and Devon are hard to like because you are not given the time to get to know them. This was especially an issue where the romance was concerned. At the half way point there wasn’t any romance but by the end they were in love, that is ok for an average length novel but in a novella it is rushed.
Hero’s Redemption is stifled by its length, there is too much going on and not enough room for it all which is a real shame as this had potential.
The publisher provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
July 6, 2013
Cute, short, sweet, and a wonderful historical romance novella. Hero's Redemption was a lovely romance about moving on and falling in love.
Cathleen was a sweet heroine. She just came off as a genuinely nice person, so she was easy to like. I really appreciate that she wasn't prone to dramatics. When she found out the truth about that "debt" of Devon's, she doesn't fly off the handle. She was calm and reacted like a normal person. She was a lovely character.
Devon was wonderful, as well. He was a sweet man, plagued by guilt over something he didn't have control over. I really liked him. He was a sweet, gentlemanly, perfect hero. What's not to like?
The romance was well done. It was very sweet. Cathleen and Devon were absolutely adorable together. I especially loved that Cathleen was the one person who could calm Devon when he was having nightmares. I just thought that was cute. And there was definitely some spice to go around. Both of them were experienced and weren't shy about getting what they wanted. They were a perfect couple.
The plot was fast paced. Despite the fact that this was a novella, there was still a fair amount of character development and backstory. There were thrills as Cathleen tried to thwart her awful brother. And the ending was perfect.
Hero's Redemption was a lovely novella that I really enjoyed. If you want a light, short, and sweet read, this is your book.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Carina Press for a copy!
Cathleen was a sweet heroine. She just came off as a genuinely nice person, so she was easy to like. I really appreciate that she wasn't prone to dramatics. When she found out the truth about that "debt" of Devon's, she doesn't fly off the handle. She was calm and reacted like a normal person. She was a lovely character.
Devon was wonderful, as well. He was a sweet man, plagued by guilt over something he didn't have control over. I really liked him. He was a sweet, gentlemanly, perfect hero. What's not to like?
The romance was well done. It was very sweet. Cathleen and Devon were absolutely adorable together. I especially loved that Cathleen was the one person who could calm Devon when he was having nightmares. I just thought that was cute. And there was definitely some spice to go around. Both of them were experienced and weren't shy about getting what they wanted. They were a perfect couple.
The plot was fast paced. Despite the fact that this was a novella, there was still a fair amount of character development and backstory. There were thrills as Cathleen tried to thwart her awful brother. And the ending was perfect.
Hero's Redemption was a lovely novella that I really enjoyed. If you want a light, short, and sweet read, this is your book.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Carina Press for a copy!
August 15, 2013
War is hell for those who were left behind or those who had to fight to survive, yet the aftermath can be pretty harrowing too. Hero’s Redemption shows readers a romance between two wounded souls who share a tragic event out of the Napoleonic War, but also strive to put their pain behind them to find new love.
When Lord Malton wakes up in a bedroom not his own he is quick to realize that he has been duped by his drinking companion Sir Lucien and ensnared in an extortion plot. The apparent accomplice to his plan is the young woman who shared Devon’s bed the night before and managed to calm him through a nightmare from his time at war. Walking away from the schemers, Devon is surprised to be cornered by the same woman the following evening with the truth that he was set-up and that she needs his help to escape her brother Lucien’s household. When they formally introduce themselves, Devon is shocked to know the woman is the widow of a soldier who sacrificed his life so that Devon would live.
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/0...
When Lord Malton wakes up in a bedroom not his own he is quick to realize that he has been duped by his drinking companion Sir Lucien and ensnared in an extortion plot. The apparent accomplice to his plan is the young woman who shared Devon’s bed the night before and managed to calm him through a nightmare from his time at war. Walking away from the schemers, Devon is surprised to be cornered by the same woman the following evening with the truth that he was set-up and that she needs his help to escape her brother Lucien’s household. When they formally introduce themselves, Devon is shocked to know the woman is the widow of a soldier who sacrificed his life so that Devon would live.
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/0...
July 28, 2013
Great novella when you're in the mood for a fantastic historical romance but short on time.
Yes, the PTSD thing has been played out in historical romances before, but I love it and you can't change my mind :P
The thought of being able to help a hero through a trauma appeals to me. The heroines don't have to be bad-asses with a swords or pistols; They just have offer support, love, and understanding. If the heroine can come through the journey with some issues of her own resolved it makes it that much sweeter :) Hero's Redemption gave me all of those things and I loved it. There was a pretty big coincidence that was a little hard to believe, but who am I to question fate. lol
In all; a great read for historical romance lovers. You get all of the intrigue, romance, and redemption of a full length novel compacted down for people that need a quicker read. And unlike some novellas I didn't feel like I missed a thing :)
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyparanormalromance....
Yes, the PTSD thing has been played out in historical romances before, but I love it and you can't change my mind :P
The thought of being able to help a hero through a trauma appeals to me. The heroines don't have to be bad-asses with a swords or pistols; They just have offer support, love, and understanding. If the heroine can come through the journey with some issues of her own resolved it makes it that much sweeter :) Hero's Redemption gave me all of those things and I loved it. There was a pretty big coincidence that was a little hard to believe, but who am I to question fate. lol
In all; a great read for historical romance lovers. You get all of the intrigue, romance, and redemption of a full length novel compacted down for people that need a quicker read. And unlike some novellas I didn't feel like I missed a thing :)
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyparanormalromance....
July 11, 2013
'The others expected old Devon to return from Waterloo, accept the mantle of hero and parade it through town. They could barely fathom or tolerate the brooding man who'd come back in his place, refusing to be honored, unable to see the lives he'd saved, only the one man whose life he couldn't.'
This interesting novella focuses on some of the most heartbreaking aspects of social life during and after the Napoleonic wars, namely, the rehabilitation of the soldiers and the mental state of those effected by it, versus what seems like an unsympathetic reaction on the part of society.
The main characters, scarred from the wars in their own way, attempt to muddle through, while a fear of being completely accepted by the other almost holds them back. With each character around them representing different facets of society.
This novella delighted me to no end. Interesting characters, heart-wrenching moments and and thought provoking ideas of society back then, and today.
This interesting novella focuses on some of the most heartbreaking aspects of social life during and after the Napoleonic wars, namely, the rehabilitation of the soldiers and the mental state of those effected by it, versus what seems like an unsympathetic reaction on the part of society.
The main characters, scarred from the wars in their own way, attempt to muddle through, while a fear of being completely accepted by the other almost holds them back. With each character around them representing different facets of society.
This novella delighted me to no end. Interesting characters, heart-wrenching moments and and thought provoking ideas of society back then, and today.
September 23, 2013
This was my favorite Regency of the summer and I’m looking forward to reading her next Regency that comes out October of 2013. Hero’s Redemption is a fresh look into the era that shows the capacity to love in spite of it all. I enjoyed the characters chemistry and how they dealt with those tough situations that we continue to deal with even today. We have a battle scarred hero and a widow caught in a situation that leaves trust on the side of lacking for both of them. As the two journeys through their adventure we look forward to see how they will conquer what life throws at them.
April 11, 2017
This novella left me wanting for nothing. Great story, wonderfully rounded main and secondary characters and a rich tapestry of Regency England carried it through to a satisfying ending. Perfect way to spend a couple of hours!
Merged review:
Fully packed novella!
This novella left me wanting for nothing. Great story, wonderfully rounded main and secondary characters and a rich tapestry of Regency England carried it through to a satisfying ending. Perfect way to spend a couple of hours!
Merged review:
Fully packed novella!
This novella left me wanting for nothing. Great story, wonderfully rounded main and secondary characters and a rich tapestry of Regency England carried it through to a satisfying ending. Perfect way to spend a couple of hours!
June 4, 2015
Will his nightmares ever end?
With the help of God and the widow Cathleen Shelton, the Earl of Malton, Devon would be redeemed, especially after finding out that the man who saved his life in France was her husband! After waking up her bed due to the scandal her step brother and sister in law tried to run on him, he decided to marry her to atone and help her get away from her larcenous relatives! He had found peace in her arms that night, eventually finding love, how can he tell her her husband died saving his life? Love will find a way!
With the help of God and the widow Cathleen Shelton, the Earl of Malton, Devon would be redeemed, especially after finding out that the man who saved his life in France was her husband! After waking up her bed due to the scandal her step brother and sister in law tried to run on him, he decided to marry her to atone and help her get away from her larcenous relatives! He had found peace in her arms that night, eventually finding love, how can he tell her her husband died saving his life? Love will find a way!
May 18, 2016
For a short story, this was quite good. I liked the characterization of the hero and heroine the best, but plot and pace were good too.
The heroine was someone that truly needed saving from her despicable family and I was so glad that the hero had been the one that was doing the saving.
If you're in a hurry but need a short and sweet "shot of a romance", check this one out.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
The heroine was someone that truly needed saving from her despicable family and I was so glad that the hero had been the one that was doing the saving.
If you're in a hurry but need a short and sweet "shot of a romance", check this one out.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
August 5, 2013
Grade: C-
The truth would not destory them. He wouldn’t let it.
One of those “not painful, but not much there” stories – the lack of relationship-building made for a pretty boring read, and the over-the-top villains turned an angsty setup into a bit of superficial fluff.
The truth would not destory them. He wouldn’t let it.
One of those “not painful, but not much there” stories – the lack of relationship-building made for a pretty boring read, and the over-the-top villains turned an angsty setup into a bit of superficial fluff.
January 5, 2015
I loved this book! Cathleen and Devon are the perfect heroine and hero. Follow their journey towards love as they encounter a journey across the ocean from England to America. They are attacked by pirates, have to survive her aunt & uncle's scheming, and sort through their own misunderstanding with each other before finding true love. A great book to read if you love romance!
December 31, 2016
So I know it's a novella so I have to expect reduced character development and a shortened time frame for falling in love, but still. Like, I understand why he fell in love with her, but other than him rescuing her and the sex being good, I'm not sure why she fell in love with him. There just wasn't enough time devoted to their relationship.
August 18, 2013
This novella had promise -- an interesting premise, good characters, dastardly villains, etc. -- but its execution felt a bit truncated. I would have enjoyed the story a lot more if these promising elements had been better developed, but I still liked the story, overall.
March 29, 2015
I wonder if I read a different book than everyone else. It was a novella and it read like one. I believe it could have been better full-length, but I didn't get a sense anything super important was missing.
February 10, 2014
What a wonderful loving story.
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