The Storybook Hero

Intrepid Heroines #2

by Andrea Pickens

Once upon a voyage to Russia, Octavia found herself in the same boat—literally—with Alexander Sheffield, a man she hoped never to see again. But once the cold brought them together, Octavia began to warm up to the idea that Alexander was a hero when it came to unravelling Russian secrets—and unlocking her heart.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Regency, Historical, Historical Fiction, Traditional Regency, Russia

252 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2002

About the author

Andrea Pickens is a pseudonym for an author who has also written as Cara Elliott for Grand Central and Andrea Penrose for Kensington and NAL. Her historical mysteries and romantic novels are set in Regency England, an era that has fascinated her ever since she picked up a copy of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

A graduate of Yale, she has won numerous writing awards, including two Daphne Du Maurier Awards for historical mystery, the Golden Leaf, and she’s been a three-time finalist for the prestigious RITA Award. Her books have been translated into nine different languages.

Reviews

[Cheesecake · Rating 4 out of 5]

.
Octavia and Alex don't do anything by halves.
I would have given the book 5 stars but it annoyed me how much time they spent apart. Still, it was necessary to the story so I guess I can't complain.

Both MCs end up in Russia just as Napoleon's forces are marching on Moscow. Octavia is there to be a governess to an orphaned girl, Emma. Alex is there to rescue another orphan, Nicholas, distantly related to his family. They first meet on the ship travelling to Russia and then later running for their lives to St. Petersburg, perilously close to the French army.

Alex was dealt a raw deal by his father and has wallowed in wine and women since then. But when his uncle comes looking for someone to rescue little Nicholas, he is the only one in the family willing to take the risk.
He is a handsome devil, but Octavia isn't moved by his beauty. She is a strong woman and used to having to rely on her own wits to survive her own jerky relatives. He isn't used to women not fawning over his charming self.
But I don't want to paint this story as black and white. For such a short novel, the characters have a lot of depth. Alex in particular was an interesting combination of heartsick hero and irreverent rogue. The kids see him as a hero, but he is plagued with self doubt after years of being treated like shit by his brothers.
The descriptions of the Russian landscape etc, give the novel a lot of atmosphere.

Safety is all good and it's a PG read He has bedded lots of light skirts over the last few years, but there's no details given. There's no OW stuff in the book at all. Octavia sees herself as an old maid, but she's only mid twenties. Alex is 28.

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Old-school regency m/f with lots of adventure, a Russian setting, and a fun romance.

[vaneeta naik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book " The Storybook Hero " by Andrea Pickens is the 3rd book in this series, though i have not read the previous two books in this series ,this book is a standalone . ii loved the book & am looking forward to read the previous 2 books ...Andrea has put all the elements dat make a book successful like the governess-lord romance, while trying to escape from Russia saving Emma and Nicholas (two orphans), blizzards, enemy forces invading Russia .. there is a bit of action , humour, drama ,Sizzling chemistry... overall a very interesting & different Regency Romance...

The governess, Miss Octavia Hadley,is a smart, intelligent ,bold, strong ,independent women when dealt with bad ,unseen circumstances takes her destiny in her own hands to survive & live her life...she is very sharp & solves the problems quite effectively . Alexander Sheffield is considered a rake and a wastrel by his family. Lord Alex Sheffield has been on a ten-year drunk and womanizing tear through ton . He harbors an incredible guilt and it guides his actions. His life gains purpose though when his uncle asks him to travel to Russia to retrieve their thirteen year old cousin ...

The actual story starts from here...Stranded in war-torn Russia, hounded by the advancing army of Napoleon and hampered by blizzard-like conditions, Octavia & Alex overcome the marauders, soldiers, the howling Russian winter , assassins ,fall in love ,grow closer. Alex finds himself being someone’s hero and it fills his life with joy and determination. Octavia is charmed despite herself. She is prickly to be sure but she also accepts Alex’s faults and she has insight to his wounded heart. I loved Octavia's character in comparison to Alex as his character comes across as pathetic, weak,foolish, alcoholic...

I would definitely recommend this book as it is a different Regency Romance with lots of adventure ...a very captivating read ... The start was a bit boring but den the story picked up after a few chapters ...it was fast paced ... very well developed plot ... Andrea Pickens is a very good writer & story teller ...

"I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review."

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed every moment of this fast-paced and exciting romance as Alex and Octavia race across Russia with their young charges, evading thugs, Cossacks, and Bonaparte's army. Having met on the ship sailing to Russia, Octavia is less than impressed by the rascal Alex Leigh, even though she does have a certain sympathy for his plight. When Alex comes to Octavia and her young charge's rescue when they are being threatened by dangerous thugs, Octavia has no option other than to team up with him and escape in his borrowed sled. The small party have to depend on one another to survive and each plays an important part in confronting danger and staying alive. Despite the danger, there is wit and humor to keep one smiling throughout and I heaved a grateful sigh when they were all reunited in the closing chapter. I received a copy of this entertaining novel as a gift through BookSprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Nightwitch · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would have been a perfectly adequate - even decent - regency romance novel had it been set in England. Alas, it was set in Russia. During Napoleon's invasion. So our dissipated nobleman hero has swanned off to Russia to rescue a young relative from greedy, grasping distant relations, while our spirited, book-reading heroine has gone to Russia to be a governess, and they both end up fleeing across the country with their respective preadolescent charges in tow. How lucky that they have both picked up enough Russian to be able to communicate fluently and without any difficulty whatsoever with the local peasantry, that there are plenty of well-populated inns (albeit frequently populated by rowdies who Offer Insult to Miss Hadley or are in fact in search of Young Nicky to murder him on behalf of his relations), and as soon as they run into French deserters they have merely to speak French to convince them to behave with kindness and gallantry. The high nobility think nothing of boarding a ship from the UK to Russia to rescue stranded relations. (I guess there's no blockade in this version of history?) Russia and the, you know, ongoing invasion play no role whatsoever in anything that is happening in the book.

As a romance it's just kind of whatever. There's a little bit too much of the heroine talking about books, the children are a little too precocious (and precious), the hero spends a lot of time thinking that the heroine is not like other women he's known (although as we're also told basically the only other women he's known are prostitutes and family members, so I'm not sure that's much of a compliment). The dialogue is occasionally a little too pseudo-historical. That said, all of these are not uncommon issues with regency romances of this era, and there are some moments of really engaging characterization going on. It's enough to make me wish that the author really had just set this in England instead of trying to shoehorn in Russia, because doing the latter just leads to comparisons to other books which did it significantly better (e.g. Flight from the Eagle (Eagles, #1), whose plot - dashing hero fleeing across Russia with the dowdy heroine in tow during Napoleon's invasion - is roughly similar).

[Fanosse23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Storybook Hero is the second book in Andrea Pickens’ Intrepid Heroines series, but it works perfectly as a standalone. This historical romance stands apart from the norm, taking readers to Russia and weaving together adventure, history, survival, humor, and romance. Pickens excels at bringing her characters and their circumstances vividly to life.

The story follows Octavia Hadley, a governess sent to Russia, and Alex Leigh, a man on a secret mission to rescue his cousin. Alex seeks redemption for past choices, though he may not yet realize it. Their first meeting is tense yet impactful, and though they part ways, their paths cross again under dramatic circumstances.

Octavia’s resolve is tested when Napoleon’s army marches into Moscow, forcing her to protect herself and her young charge. Meanwhile, Alex reappears and saves her from a perilous situation. Together, they embark on a treacherous journey to escape the French army, each caring for the children they are determined to protect. Amidst the danger, their passion ignites, complicating their mission and deepening their connection.

The historical elements added richness to the story, immersing me in the wilds of Russia, fraught with danger yet filled with moments of warmth and love. The children were a touching addition, and Octavia and Alex’s dedication to protecting them was truly heartwarming. Alex’s emotional journey and Octavia’s strength were compelling, making their eventual happiness all the more satisfying.

Andrea Pickens has crafted an entertaining and engaging tale that blends romance, history, and adventure beautifully. I recommend this story for anyone who enjoys historical romance with a twist.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Octavia Hadley has been banished to the wilds of Russia as a governess. Alex Leigh hasn’t exactly been banished to Russia, but, as the black sheep of the family, he has been voluntold to rescue a young cousin who is facing grave danger. The two meet on the rough crossing to Russia, but their encounter is…uncomfortable. After going their separate ways, Octavia never expects to see Alex again, but he appears at an opportune moment and they decide to join forces as they race to escape the invading French Army, blood-thirsty villains, and protect their respective charges, both of whom are just 12 years old.

This story was non-stop and very difficult to put down. I enjoyed the relationship between Octavia and Alex (particularly their mutual love of literature) and the novelty of running for their lives in the middle of a Russian winter. The two are resourceful and capable. The children are definitely part of the story and add an innocence to the story that might otherwise be stress-inducing.

“The Storybook Hero” is the second in Andrea Pickens’ “Intrepid Heroines” series, but is a standalone book. This book is a re-release.

This story is great for readers who enjoy Regency Romances and adventure stories.

I received an advance review copy for free from Oliver Heber Books via Booksprout, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have Octavia Hadley governess extraordinaire released from her last position. Her last post consisted of a gentleman groping hands which were attached to her cousins husband!
The wretch got her a post all the way in Russia as revenge!
Octavia speaks Greek, Latin and some Russian!
She is paired with a young 12 year old and they become friends in this cold isolated tundra soon to be invaded by the French!
We have Lord Alex Leigh considered a wastrel and womanizer by his family! Alex has guilt over his older brother dying and his family blaming for over a decade! He has acted out in pain and depression! He is handsome and intelligent and delights in saying shocking things!
When his uncle requests someone to go and rescue his nephew Alex is the least likely to not only succeed or try as it is a suicide mission on the middle of war!
He and Octavia meet and she sees beneath his rough exterior and his glib ways! But as a governess and a “tutor” the odds of them meeting again are 1/1000! Except they do and they outwit murdering relatives, camping in the woods and stealing a sled! If they survive with 2 children in tow they might mess around and fall in love! He is definitely a book boyfriend for sure! Bravo.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deborah Durand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brave Hearts 💕

It is my misfortune that I have not read more books penned by this author. Pickens indirectly compares the MMC to the heroes found in the literary figures of which Octavia’s new charge, Emma, likes to read. Alexander Leigh has been plagued with guilt since the death of his older brother whom he adored. He has risen to the task of rescuing a young relative Nicholas from the murderous machinations of his Russian uncle. On board the same vessel to Russia is Octavia who has been cast out of her position to be governess to a young orphan Emma.
Readers will be held in suspense the entire novel. The novel is filled with tragedies, poignant moments, adventures in the biting Russian winter landscape, and the most appealing, brave and sympathetic hero and heroine. Enjoy this beautifully crafted romance in which we relish Alexander’s ability to face adversity despite the gravitational pull of guilt which has plagued him most of his life and to realize that he’s worthy of happiness with the woman who was brave enough to accept the flawed “storybook hero”.
I will reread this novel again…it is that compelling. Kudos to Pickens. This one is a keeper, and a 5 star gem 💎. I have received an ARC from OHB and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.

[Virginia Tican · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Good solid read without the usual annoying pas~de~deux between male~female battle of the sexes and if ever there are such encounters they are relatable, real and sometimes funny. This is a journey (in more ways than one) of redemption and of finding one's self for Alex and finally knowing the Truth about Jack's death for both William and Thomas. In the midst of that Russian winter that defeated Napoleon's advancing army, emerged a hero, the once hedonistic youngest son of a Marquess, Alexander Sheffield. This is actually a fun and entertaining read. Though there are some editing flaws like in:
Chapter 1 ~ 'tad' used in present day context whereas its 1877 Victorian etymology means 'small or young child'.. 'where' instead of 'were'.. 'regal' instead of 'regale'..
Chapter 7 ~ 'Are we there yet?'.. contemporary use
Chapter 13? ~ 'missus' twice instead of 'missish'.. not sure which chapter, though

P. S. ~ "I received this book from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review."

[Charmaine Fernando · Rating 5 out of 5]

Octavia Hadley has been banished to the wilds of Russia where she is assigned to take charge of an orphaned twelve-year-old girl following the abandonment of her English diplomat guardian when the French invade Russia. Octavia, who speaks Greek, Latin and Russia, must get her twelve-year-old charge to safety. She proceeds to charge ahead, while keeping her wits about her.
At the same time, outcast Lord Alex Leigh is tasked to travel to Russia by his uncle to rescue his nephew. He has no choice but to comply and it is here, in this frozen tundra that Alex and Octavia meet, join forces and work beautifully together to get both children and them to safety.

The details Andrea Pickens provides has you engrossed in the story and able to imagine the scene in vivid detail. It also leaves you begging for more and unable to put the book down till you know what happens in the end. A wonderfully brilliant story that I thoroughly enjoyed till its satisfactory ending.

I received an ARC from Booksprout and submit my review voluntarily.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Octavia and Alex meet on a ship on their way to Russia. Octavia to take a job as governess to a diplomat’s ward, and Alex to rescue his young cousin from an unscrupulous uncle. This is not the best time to be caught in Russia. Napoleon has decided to take over. Octavia and Emma are on the run all alone when they meet up with Alex and Nicolas. With danger closing in, they must work together and depend on each other to make it to safety. Octavia and Alex are protective and resourceful. Nicolas and Emma are adorably precocious. Whether they want to admit it or not, Alex and Octavia are falling for each other. They reach their destination, but are separated. This is an entertaining, fast-paced story with adventure, danger, family issues (a lot of them), some humor, a somewhat tense romance, and a lovely happy ending engineered by some determined sisters-in-law.
I received an ARC if this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Susan Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have given this book 4 stars but once our group of 4 returned to St. Petersburg, the book (in my opinion) took an unfortunate turn. And the ending was too abrupt.

Our heroine (Octavia) is spunky, brave, intelligent and independent. She travels to Russia to become a governess for a 12 yr old girl. On the way over she meets our inebriated hero (Alex) who is on his way to rescue his 12 yr old nephew from a maternal uncle with nepharious intents.

Both end up fleeing Napoleon's invasion and meeting up once more.

Alex has spent the last 10 yrs fighting his own demons. Guilt over his brother's death and the subsequent ostracization from his family (all unwarranted) turned him from a scholar to a reprobate.

The book is filled with adventure, romance and a little to much self-doubt on the parts of our h and H.

The children were a delightful addition to this romance.

[Sven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Octavia and Alex are 2 broken souls. She is abandoned by her relatives and has to make her own way and is banished to Russia to take care of young girl. He is bearing the guilt of surviving while his oldest brother died, and his family never fails to despise him for being a killer (which he is not). The loss of his brother and subsequent actions of the family turns Alex from a smart, studious young man to a drunk and debauchery. He is sent to Russia to extract / save a relative, a young boy. The war is coming their way, and Alex and Octavia are on the run with their ward to safely make their way back to England. The travel adventure reels Alex back from his downward spiral and also gives Octavia a look into his broken soul.

A nicely written book, with more relationship building than romance.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised Alex’s uncle would task him with rescuing his young relative Nicholas in Russia during the middle of a war. Yes he acted like the careless rogue but I didn’t think he would be capable. Octavia has been dealt a bad hand but she quickly cares for and aids in rescuing her new charge Emma from selfish relatives and attackers. She was a bit too stubborn rejecting held and rushing into situations over her head. But she’s also resourceful teaming up with Alex and Nicholas and the four of them rescue each other. But Alex could lose Octavia if he doesn’t get past his lack of self worth and speak up. Alex spends a lot of time during the book drinking excessively so I wondered if he would be able to curb that in the future. There were some innuendoes but this was a kisses only historical romance with suspenseful and funny moments.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second installment of the Intrepid Heroines. It is a captivating historical romance that blends adventure and danger against the backdrop of Napoleon's invasion of Russia. Octavia Hadley is a resourceful and determined heroine who is thrust into a life-or-death struggle as she tries to protect an orphaned girl while escaping the chaos of war. Along the way, she must reluctantly team up with the charming but infuriating Alex Leigh, a fellow Englishman on a desperate mission of his own. The tension between them builds as their perilous journey takes them across treacherous terrain, but the true challenge may be the growing attraction neither of them is prepared for. A thoroughly an engaging read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Stricker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! The female lead and her charge are incomparable. They do not wait one second for someone to step in and save the day. They also are able to play into stereotypes to get by as well. True survivors.

The lead male and his charge are equally formidable. The problem (bc there has to be one) is that neither of them communicate well with the other. Typical.

Love the storyline, the setting, the fierce nature of the characters - until they return home and the damn meddling, interfering, know-it-all family members take over. I would have preferred that for once they figure out how to use their words all by themselves instead of being manipulated.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time reading this authors work. It was different from the usual Regency romances and is well written.
The story takes place in Russia during the start of the Napoleon war. Octavia is a governess who is a strong and independant woman who has faced hardships. Lord Alexander is a womanizer and drunk. They both end up on a ship to Russia with the same intent to save two children. Octavia had hoped to never see Alex again.
Can these two overcome the past, their differences, the harsh blizzard weather, assassins, the up coming war and work together to save the children? And with working together can they overcome the past to start a new future?
I enjoyed this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast paced adventure story with some romance. Olivia is a strong, intelligent lady with forthright views that she is not afraid to express. Olivia has been sent to Russia as a governess by her relations. On her voyage she meets up with Alex, who is thought a wastrel by his older brother, in particular, but is really misunderstood. He is going to Russia to bring back his young cousin. This venture has the Russian winter, villains and the French army with which to contend. Alex’s family are also a group of engaging characters. A most entertaining read. I received a copy from eBooks Discovery and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a Russian adventure which is definitely different for a regency. The hero has taken on the task of bringing back to England a young cousin who is in danger. The heroine has been sent to Russia to be a governess to an orphaned girl who is being looked after by relatives who want her money. They join forces getting their young charges out of Russian in winter while the French are invading the country. I enjoyed the banter between the two main characters and also how they interacted with the children.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable, Historical Romantic Adventure

He is a rogue, and she is a lady, down on her luck. Would love reform the rogue? In this book, Alex and Octavia take us on a wild trek, starting with an ocean voyage, and then, across a frozen Russia. They must run from an invading army, and villains, with murder on their mind. They have two children they must protect, and their task will be a challenging one.

I loved this story. It pulled me in from the very beginning. I recommend it to those who like Regency romance with adventure and suspense. The story stayed with me, long after I finished. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regardless of the name, be it Andrea Pickens or Andrea Penrose, I always love this author's novels as they're entertaining, featuring fleshed out and clever characters, a well researched and vivid historical background.
It's her first historical romance I read and the Georgette Heyer fan in me was elated to read such an entertaining and well plotted story.
Humour, solid background and tightly knitted plot.
Give me more, I want to read more novels like this
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Dragon grl85 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so much fun! I went off on a great adventure to Russia with two amazing people! They have internal hurts to overcome and external hurdles to overcome as well. I loved the two young people, I loved how they use a book to connect and survive in the things they face. Oh! It was such a wonderful adventure and I loved every moment! Please read it! I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.

[Caira Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book! I’ve enjoyed Ms Pickens writing before, and this one did not disappoint. Beautiful, descriptive writings draw you in to the story. The characters are well-developed and deep. This historical aspect is factual. Octavia and Alex’s story is an exciting one and they are trying to get out of Russia ahead of Napoleons Grande Armee. I finished it in a night - couldn’t put it down once started!

I received this book from eBook Discovery in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

[Yvette Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting romance

The tutor and the governess were instantly believable as the managed to save the two children as they traveled toward St Petersburg during the Napoleonic war in Russia. Snow, lack of food, warmth, and clashes with men trying to harm them kept them on their toes.

[Katie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! It has great points for me- a headstrong and smart heroine who seriously underestimates herself, a rakish rogue of a gentleman with a tragic backstory who is also smart as a whip, and RUSSIAN HISTORY.

I received a free copy of this book from eBook Discovery. I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is my honest review.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book-independent, brave heroine encounters a hero in disguise. There is romance but also lots of adventure. The characters are interesting and realistic.

Everything about the book is so enjoyable. I plan to find Book 1 and look forward to future books in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aud · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not read the book of this title in this series...
I did read a book with this title in another series... and if that title is posted here and I know it I will post my review. I did post my review of the story that I did read on Barnes and Noble.. check there.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page, Pickens captivates the reader with her enchanting storytelling and vividly drawn characters. The narrative weaves a perfect blend of romance, adventure, and a touch of humor that makes it impossible to put down.

The protagonist's journey is both heartwarming and inspiring, transporting readers to a world where heroes come alive in the most unexpected ways. Pickens' writing style is engaging and elegant, skillfully crafting a plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats while tugging at their heartstrings.

One of the standout features of this novel is its rich historical context, which adds depth and authenticity to the story. Pickens has a remarkable ability to bring the past to life, making every detail feel meticulously researched and thoughtfully integrated into the story.

Andrea Pickens has penned a truly unforgettable tale that is as inspiring as it is entertaining. This book is a must-read and a testament to the power of love and heroism in all their forms.

[Lavender Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly lovely read with really gorgeous characters, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The worldbuilding is great, the children are adorable, and there is a lot of action and humour. A must read.

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.