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League of Scoundrels #3

The Hellion and the Hero

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They chose duty over love—but fate's handing them a second chance.

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.

327 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 23, 2022

30 people are currently reading
2960 people want to read

About the author

Emily Sullivan

7 books331 followers
Emily Sullivan is an award-winning author of historical romance and mysteries set in the late Victorian period. Her books have received multiple starred reviews from trade journals including Publishers Weekly and Booklist, and have been praised in publications such as Entertainment Weekly, Buzzfeed, Parade, Self, and Bookpage.

She lives in New England with her family, where she enjoys reading about history and writing about rebellious women.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
Profile Image for PlotTrysts.
1,217 reviews476 followers
August 27, 2022
Second-chance romance is not our favorite trope. Somehow, though, the second-chance romance between a disillusioned naval officer cum spy and a widowed viscountess cum social reformer hit every single one of our buttons. Eight years after they met, Henry and Georgiana are thrown back together when someone threatens Georgiana's safety. Her brother hires Henry, now a private investigator, to keep her safe. Oh no, you mean these two hotties who DEFINITELY don't harbor lingering feelings have to be FORCED into PROXIMITY with each other?

On a slightly deeper note, we really love how Sullivan interrogates the social norms of the era while also giving us a sexy, angsty, wonderful love story. Seriously, when is Emily Sullivan going to write a book we don't like? (Hopefully never, please don't stop writing, Emily, we beg you!)

4-Word Summaries:

Laine: Smite the interfering relatives

Meg: Want someone? Take me.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Profile Image for Hannah B..
1,176 reviews2,173 followers
August 24, 2022
✨The sex? Yes. The Rest? No.✨

Update: a few days removed and I literally forgot this entire book so I was very mad for a wee bit and now I feel nothing so I did round up to three because I should remember a two star read for all the wrong reasons lol. Still didn’t like the book, but without my review, I couldn’t tell ya why.

Textually this is probably three stars but for overall “how did this make me feel vibes” it’s a “number three—✌️—my lord.” Jesus. Just the reason for her wedding that crusty sack of shit viscount at the beginning was enough to ruin the book, but what’s revealed at the end just really obliterated anything—the sex—that I had left to like.

I just didn’t enjoy the end and what was revealed. You knew it was already a shitty situation but I just hate villains successfully villaining. The viscount was clearly an ass sandwich but knowing that he won—like I know he died but he died knowing he won—just makes me unhappy and I hate it. Then you found out even more layers to the saucy little situation and !!!!!!!! No one really paid for their sins and I simply do not abide.



Their whole “thing” stemmed from a misunderstanding 8 years ago when she overheard him saying something that was obviously misconstrued. She didn’t ask him why he said those things and just flung herself at a cruel man she knew was revolting and that she shouldn’t marry. Obviously there’s more to that particular story but it was just an unbecoming introduction to the book and it never really recovered my good graces.

A large part of my problem stemmed from the pacing. By 60% I really didn’t know how I got there or what meaningful had happened. So much of the first part was focused on their annoying backstory that just wasn’t interesting or that becoming on either end. Maybe this is a second chance trope pitfall that was very exacerbated here… From the start I just didn’t really like the motivations of either character and while the sex gave a valiant effort, my good opinion once lost was lost forever.



As for the sex, I really do like how the author has explored it over the course of the three books. She’s gotten progressively steamier and I really appreciate it. She writes sex well and it’s hot as shit. The main favs were the face-sitting, the carriage scene, and the bathtub scene.



The threat on her life was there at the beginning and then the end but the book lost track of that plot line for the entire middle. And I didn’t like either MC enough for them to carry the plot in that space. Then by the end, I just didn’t care? There was not motivation for me to really care about the threats we barely spent any time on.

I also really dislike bodyguard tropes when 1. the guarded doesn’t take the threats seriously and endangers people and is reckless and 2. when the bodyguard is flat out bad at bodyguarding because he’s too horny or ashamed because someone made him feel bad at his job. It may have taken a while to get to #2 but we sure did get both scenarios here.



Overall, the second half had more charm—romance wise—and I could’ve seen myself getting swept away if I hadn’t already had my opinion soured by the blah first half. By that point I just kinda wanted to finish the book and be done with it. As it was, I wasn’t invested in the cuteness and I wasn’t invested in them. Then the ending happened and anything close to butterflies I was feeling turned to raging little hornets.

If you’re really into bodyguard tropes, maybe throw on the audiobook while you’re doing another task. It’s not a bad, bad book—it was well written and the bones of something compelling were there—but it wasn’t captivating either and didn’t make me feel all light and bubbly or emo and romantic. Unfortunately for me I read this one physically and had to take it all in and a lot of it angered me.

⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶🌶🌶.25/5

Also what’s with the Kohl’s easter dress section reject on the cover? I love pink but come on.


✨Spoilers below bc I’m so done with this shit✨

The two stars are for how I’m feeling rn after finishing it. I am angry. I am not having a good time. I hate it here. Oh and Aunt Paloma. We can all thank Aunt fucking Paloma for this two star review because fuck her fucking existence. She’s the reason I’m viscerally unwell. And the confrontation was glossed over ROYALLY at the end like what the fuck. That deserves more than a paragraph that was the recounting of events. She needs to be bitchslapped into next Tuesday.



“I should have talked to you that night at the Wrenhews’ ball instead of running off. I made such a terrible mistake when I married the viscount. Not only because I hurt you, but I hurt myself as well. What my father asked of me was wrong. I see that now. But if I had simply stood up to him in the first place and told you the truth, then—”

“Henry stilled her hand. ‘Georgie. Don’t. You can’t take the blame for everything that happened.’“ — Georgie don’t but Hannah fucking DO bc that’s exactly it. I hate it here. Henry may be nice and forgiving but I am not. This quote is from the end but we witnessed all of this at the beginning and I knew enough to know it soured the entire book for me because I just didn’t like either one of them.




Thank you to the publisher for an eArc via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
Profile Image for b.andherbooks.
2,357 reviews1,274 followers
January 10, 2024
Emily Sullivan writes the historicals I want to be reading in 2022. And shoot, second-chance? A widow taking back her life and time? A starchy & buttoned up blushing former-fortune hunter AND former-military captain turned PI? I EAT IT UP.

I really wish they'd make a cohesive look for this series, because I don't think the covers quite capture the setting (Gilded Age) and combined with the "if you like Bridgerton" meaningless comp I think these aren't landing with the readers who will eat them up.

I envisioned darling Lady Georgiana Arlington and Captain Henry Harris has the actors who played Lady Caroline & Dr. Ennis from Poldark (IYKYK) - so keep that in mind as you read.

Georgie appears to be a rich, spoiled, socialite who's living off the wealth of her now dead husband, but she's actually working hard at running various factories with fair wages and safe conditions - bucking society and putting herself at risk of other capitalists and politicians who loathe her "radical" ideas.

Enter PI, former Captain, Henry Harris, hired by Georgie's brother to find out who is sending her threatening letters, following her, and overall making her family Concerned™. Too bad Georgie's brother doesn't know that she and Henry were falling in love during her debut - and both think the other chose pride and money over each other.

I shan't say too much more about the plot, because it really becomes quite a ride (and to Monte Carlo!!) but I adored it and more please.

I will note I was a bit concerned about a potential CW but fortunately that did not happen, and I was happier for it.

Some characters and couples show up in this third book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone.

Thank you to the publisher for the early copy!
Profile Image for nick (the infinite limits of love).
2,120 reviews1,528 followers
March 25, 2022
That's it. I'm an Emily Sullivan fan!

If you're expecting The Hellion and the Hero to be as angsty as the original Persuasion was, you might be a bit let down. I realized very early on that it wasn't going to be as chest-stomping achy as I was expecting it to be, so I quickly altered my expectations. You still definitely some of the Persuasion inspiration in Georgiana & Henry's story, particularly when they pine and ache for each other.

The build-up to their chemistry is excellent, and Emily Sullivan really does make you feel for these characters. They are both gentle souls who have had to shoulder so many responsibilities. The romance is terrific and I was completely satisfied. They could not have been more perfect for each other.

Also, I don't know who needs to know this but there's carriage sex AND bath tub sex! I was thriving!

I'm very picky about historical romance because I have EXPECTATIONS so I'm happy that Emily Sullivan's writing works for me in every way!
Profile Image for Julie - One Book More.
1,325 reviews238 followers
August 16, 2022
I was so excited to read The Hellion and the Hero, especially after meeting the characters in The Rebel and the Rake. Georgiana and Henry have a history, and I was eager to find out what happened between them to tear them apart.

Lady Georgiana Darlington, a widow for nearly two years, has established herself as a respectable and progressive business owner who is more concerned about fair working conditions than her own profit. She has become so successful that she has the opportunity to expand her business venture, much to the dismay of her male competitors. When her life is threatened, Georgiana’s older brother hires Captain Henry Harris, a military hero-turned-private investigator, to protect Georgiana and get to the bottom of the threats. Georgiana and Henry haven’t seen each other in years, and after unknowingly breaking each other’s hearts, they are reluctant to work together. But the more time they spend together, the more they realize that their old feelings are not entirely gone. Can this pair have a second chance at love?

Georgiana spent many unhappy years in a marriage she did not want. Now free from her domineering and much older husband, Georgiana is happy, independent, and doing what she wants for a change. She is such a fantastic protagonist. Smart and compassionate, she makes it her mission to improve the working conditions in her business even when it’s to her own detriment. She is a proud and independent woman who has never forgotten her first love Henry and how he broke her heart so many years ago.

Henry is a serious and stern hero who has become a reputable private investigator. A war hero with a dark secret, Henry had his heart broken by Georgiana when he heard she was marrying someone else. However, he can’t turn down Georgiana’s brother’s offer, even though he will have to face his first love again. Henry’s story is tragic and complicated, and he carries a lot of grief and guilt in his heart.

The story also includes characters from the first two books, though you don’t have to read those to follow this story. That being said, I loved that Sylvia and Rafe have secondary roles in the story. They are such great characters, and I adored their romance in the last book. It was so wonderful to see how their relationship has flourished since the conclusion of their story. They show Henry and Georgiana in so many ways how wonderful their life could be if they just communicated and were honest with each other. However, it’s not that easy, as Henry and Georgiana have been hurt by each other before and are afraid to take that chance again.

Both Georgiana and Henry have secrets, and these, along with miscommunication, manipulative people in their lives, and social pressures, their romance was thwarted almost before it even began. However, as they slowly reconnect, the couple can’t deny the chemistry between them. I’m not always a fan of secrets and miscommunication, but Sullivan does it so well. Both characters have justifiable reasons for keeping things to themselves, and you can understand their reluctance. However, their banter and actions show just how much they care for each other. The sparks between the pair are fantastic, and their slow-building, angst-filled love story is pretty special.

The story also has a bit of intrigue, as Georgiana is the target of someone nefarious, and her life is threatened because of her progressive ideals. There are some interesting twists and a few intense moments as Henry and Georgiana try to figure out who is targeting her and try to avoid danger. The story also brings to light some of the harsher realities for women, the deplorable conditions of the working class, and the unwillingness of factory owners to provide better conditions for their employees. I like that the author sheds light on such interesting and relevant issues and highlights the need for social reform and justice.

I’m loving the League of Scoundrels series and Georgiana and Henry’s love story is a wonderful addition to it. I would definitely recommend the book to readers who like historical romances with a strong, independent heroine and a grumpy yet caring hero. Thanks so much to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Elizabeth McFarland .
668 reviews66 followers
April 28, 2023
This book had some cute moments, but I had a hard time getting into it. I wish I had read it sooner after reading the first two books in the series. I think I might have liked it more if I had.

I did enjoy parts of the book. The sex scenes were very nicely done. The late 19th century time period was fantastic to read about. It was wonderful seeing a woman running a business in that time.

What I didn't enjoy as much was that the romance was very slow moving, and the mystery behind Georgiana's attacker wasn't very interesting. I also hate when issues could be easily resolved if the couple had just had a conversation.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Crystal's Bookish Life.
1,027 reviews1,787 followers
August 23, 2022
Lady Georgiana and Captain Henry met several years ago during the London season and fell in love, but a series of miscommunication torr them apart before they could even really begin to love each other. Georgiana married instead for wealth and Henry became a decorated naval officer.

Years pass and Georgiana's brother hires Henry (who is now a private investigator) to find out who is threatening Georgiana and to protect her.

Second chance, bodyguard romance sounds like everything I need in my life. And this was mostly a delight. But the pacing felt off during the middle, it seemed to drag on with no clear goal for too long.

But I did love the angst of the romance and look forward to reading more from this author!

I received an ARC for review
Profile Image for Elizabeth Everett.
Author 6 books800 followers
May 9, 2022
I have been waiting anxiously for The Hellion and the Hero, the third book in Emily Sullivan’s League of Scoundrels series ever since I encountered the main characters in her second book, The Rebel and the Rake.

This second-chance romance features Lady Georgiana Arlington, who spent years in an unhappy marriage. Since becoming a widow she has reinvented herself as a businesswoman, managing the firm left to her at her husband’s death. Her progressive views on wages and worker safety have made her a pariah among other business owners and when she is threatened, her brother hires a private detective to keep her safe. The bodyguard, Captain Henry Harris, also happens to be her first love.

Henry was wounded while doing undercover work for the British Army and is considered a hero. To Georgiana, he is the man who stole her heart during her debut only to be revealed as a fortune hunter who cared nothing for her as her father was in debt. Now, years later, the two discover that not only is their physical attraction as strong as it was when they first met, but that circumstances during that season were not what they seemed.

Sullivan is quickly making a name for herself as a fantastic historical romance author. Her characters are well-rounded and appealing, her plots are centered in the socio-economic realities of the time, she’s got a quick wit and writes terrific smart heroines – and the sex scenes are outstanding. The Hellion and the Hero is another five star addition to a truly original and entertaining series and I can’t wait to see what Sullivan comes up with next.

Profile Image for busyreadingwithASD⋆.ೃ࿔*:・.
231 reviews78 followers
October 18, 2023
I like a good face-sitting scene with a "that's it" as much as the next person, but like this was supposed to be a Persuasion retelling, so I was hoping for some ANGST. Like Anne & Wentworth level. Or Aline & McKenna level. Or Anna & Lockwood level. Like I just wanted some freaking angst to the point where I have to sit on the toilet while I read because I'll pee from how stressful it is. But in this book, we didn't have any of that -- which is such a shame because if done right, Persuasion retellings can literally ruin me (in a devastatingly good way); however, this book did not have that.

*The cover is giving the Georgian Romantic era of 1800-1830, but the book has a scene where they are in an elevator, so.
Profile Image for fatma.
1,027 reviews1,185 followers
August 23, 2022
As soon as I heard that this was inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion I was on board. Alas, this turned out to be just an okay read for me.

On paper, The Hellion and the Hero has all the right ingredients for a great angsty read: it's a second chance romance, the hero and the heroine met and fell for each other many years prior, and the book begins with them meeting again to investigate some threats that the female lead, Georgiana, has been receiving. Even beyond that, the fact that this is inspired by Persuasion--THE angsty second chance romance that started it all--tells you all that you need to know.

And yet, I just didn't feel like that angst was there. The Hellion and the Hero played out like a pretty run-of-the-mill romance; I didn't dislike anything about it per se, but I also wanted it to evoke more from me. As a romance, it just wasn't emotional enough. I wanted more from the characters: more drama, more development, more conflict. I love second chance romances so much exactly because they make such great setups for angsty, well-developed relationships--and that's why I was kind of disappointed by this one, in the end. It had all the parts of a really solid romance, but they just didn't come together in the story's execution.

All of this makes me sound quite critical of The Hellion and the Hero, but in all honesty I didn't dislike this book; it's certainly not bad in any way. At this point, I would mention some examples of things from the book that I enjoyed--thing is, The Hellion and the Hero just wasn't memorable enough for me to able to do that. There weren't any particular scenes or lines from it that really stood out to me. What I will say about it, then, is that it's a quick read, great if you want a historical romance set in a more unconventional time period (early 1900s London, but also Monte Carlo).

Altogether, I can't help but come away from The Hellion and the Hero feeling disappointed because I know that Emily Sullivan can write angst. I adored A Rogue to Remember, the first book in this series, precisely because it was so deliciously angsty. That being said, I'm definitely going to continue to read anything that Emily Sullivan releases in the future; her writing is really promising, and I'm hoping that I'm able to read another book of hers that makes me feel as much as A Rogue to Remember did.

Thanks so much to Forever for providing me with an e-ARC of this via NetGalley!
Profile Image for Kazen.
1,498 reviews316 followers
April 15, 2022
3.5 (more like 3.75), rounded up

The Hellion and the Hero cements it - Emily Sullivan is a new favorite. Both of these characters have been through tough situations that were largely outside of their control, and watching them come together despite all of that is satisfying and lovely.

I say over and over that I'm not a fan of secrets as a trope, but Sullivan does them right. Her heroines are reluctant to talk about themselves for Actually Good Reasons, and the heroes cannot or will not tell the whole truth due to circumstances outside of their control. They open up to each other as they grow closer, confiding information that is revelatory to characters and readers alike. These reveals are met with compassion and love, no 'how could you, get out of my sight' breakups. Top off the HEA with a little attempted murder and you have a formula that I adore.

In this book Georgiana has good reasons not to talk about her deceased husband - he was awful and she wants to put it behind her. She's managing the factory business she inherited, raising wages and improving conditions, which has drawn ire (and staff) from her competitors. The threats she receives scare her family, who hire Captain Harris to both protect her and identify the culprit. With the forced proximity, as well as some shared history, sparks are sure to fly.

The "little attempted murder" at the end is kinda predictable, but I don't mind. Watching people be open and vulnerable with someone who loves them for who they are? That is utterly my jam, and I can't wait to see what Sullivan does next.

Thanks to Forever for providing a review copy.


Content notes:

Rep: Captain Harris injured his knee while in the Navy and uses a cane. I like the rep - Sullivan never forgets that Harris has a dodgy knee, with it figuring in him climbing stairs and having sex alike.
Profile Image for Christi (christireadsalot).
2,813 reviews1,460 followers
April 24, 2022
The Hellion and the Hero is book 3 in the League of Scoundrels series. The first book in the series, A Rogue to Remember, was one of my favorite reads of 2021 and still remains my favorite in this series. But back to this book…this is a second chance romance between a widowed heroine who is running businesses and making enemies as she pushes for fair wages and safe work conditions for her employees (“such radical ideas”). And a former fortune hunter-turned naval hero-turned private investigator hero who the heroine’s brother hires to look into threats/watch over the heroine.

London, April 1899. Society darling Lady Georgiana Arlington spent years crafting her image as the ideal wife, but since her husband’s death, she has lived mostly for herself while making desperately needed improvements to the garment businesses she inherited from her father (as part of her dowry once). Along the way, Georgiana has made enemies. Captain Henry Harris, a former fortune hunter turned private investigator once claimed to love Georgiana, or the woman beneath her carefully polished veneer. He left London 8 years ago, heartbroken and penniless, but has returned now as a decorated naval hero when he becomes involved in the life of the woman he once loved…

This book is part of a series but could definitely be read as a stand-alone. While do see the couple from the previous book, Rafe and Sylvia, you don’t feel like you missed out on anything when you see them. I just wanted a little bit more from the romance in this book, it wasn’t as angsty as I was wanting for these 2 and there were parts that felt dull to me. The suspense part of the story also didn’t really work for me either, it felt a little light at times and then too obvious of how it would play out. I wanted a little more depth and a little more insight into the characters. Moments I liked: Georgiana’s relationship with her siblings, her brother Reginald Fox is the one who hires Henry for help after she received threats, Henry uses a cane after he injured his leg during a mission gone awry 2 years ago, the flashbacks of their meeting during her first season, their trip to Monte Carlo where a few night of anything goes turns into “what happens in Monte Carlo, stays in Monte Carlo”, bodyguard moments and loads of “my lady” talk.

Thank you to the publisher (Forever) for an e-ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own. The Hellion and the Hero has a publish date of August 23, 2022.
Profile Image for Angela Hates Books.
746 reviews297 followers
May 17, 2022
Very generous three stars.

I like quick paced books. Books you can’t put down, gobble up in a couple days, and go on with your happy life. I don’t like books that take forever and I find myself constantly checking my percentage to see how much is left and will I everrrrr finish?! This book seriously felt like it would never end.

Georgiana and Henry were in love before but because of a big misunderstanding and miscommunication, didn’t end up together eight years ago. But now there’s a threat against Georgiana and Henry is the only man (obvs) who can protect her and find the threat!! Will these two be able to figure out their true feelings?!

This is probably on me, but I couldn’t stand Georgiana. I’m at this place in my reading life where I’m absolutely sick of perfect heroines. An editor told me once that it was important for heroines to do things for the greater good and not just be absorbed in wealth, marriage, etc etc etccccc. And I remember thinking…wait why not? I get that historical times were crazy and the poor were treated like garbage and working conditions were crazy, but I also don’t feel like it’s entirely necessary to have heroines/heroes who are out here trying to rescue the historical world with their modern day theology and processes shoved into their plot lines. It’s just very tired to me. So when Georgiana inherits factories and is making all these changes to benefit her female employees with PTO and better working conditions and healthcare and it’s upsetting all of the male counterparts…idk, it annoyed me 🤣 Like of couurrrrrsssseeeeee she can’t just be a businesswoman, she has to be the perfect businesswoman. She was just too dang noble for me. All of her back and forth with Henry wasn’t really doing it for me either.

And Henry.

Ohhhhh Captain Henry who I’ve already completely forgotten.

He’s not much of a notable hero here besides his use of a cane. I don’t remember him saying anything remarkable or romantic. Or really ever doing anything like that.

Really underwhelmed with this one since I liked the others from this author so much. It was like the slow start of Rafe’s book that just never ended.

This books was gifted to me by the publisher, review is my own.
Profile Image for Kelleen (booms.books).
299 reviews49 followers
March 22, 2022
This started slow but I ended up really liking it! I didn't love it quite as much as the second in the series (The Rebel and the Rake, which I LOVED), but I did quite enjoy it.

In a lot of ways, this feels like an old school romance upgraded with modern day feminism and consent. It's a Victorian second chance, bodyguard romance with a wounded warrior hero (he has a chronic knee injury and uses a cane), a kidnapping, some blackmail, a widow heroine, and some travel by boat. It's tight and sexy an though it took me some time to get invested in these, I found the arc of their story really romantic.

The ending cinched the 4 stars from me. The conclusion of the romance and the mystery were just so satisfying and tied up really nicely.

Thanks to NetGalley and Forever for this ARC.

CW: kidnapping, infertility, war, PTSD, torture (past), death of a husband
Profile Image for Margaret.
3,218 reviews33 followers
August 27, 2022
Captain Henry Harris made a mistake eight years ago as a lieutenant and let the woman he loved slip thru his fingers. Lady Georgiana Wilington listened to lies and married for duty. Eight years later, she is at the end of mourning a husband who made her life miserable. Inheriting two fabric factories from her husband, she's made changes improving the conditions of her factories and wants to buy another one, but is threatened not to sign the contracts. Her brother hires Henry to investigate who is behind the threats. Even though the past still stands between Henry and Georgiana, maybe they can trust each other with the truth. A swoon - worthy hero who deserves a second chance with the woman he loves. A romance full of regrets and passion. 🔥🔥🔥
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Carly.
Author 1 book106 followers
August 29, 2022
I had every instinct that once I picked up the newest book in Sullivan's ongoing series I wouldn't want to put it down, and I was 100% right. I've been looking forward to Georgiana and Henry's story since Rebel and the Rake, and it delivered without a doubt. Second chance romance + widowed heroine who just wants to take her life back + a hero who's never forgotten about her even after going to the end of the world and back. Loved Henry basically taking on Georgiana's investigation to spite her, loved the tension between these two. A little less angsty than I was expecting, but honestly, I vibed with just about everything this book doled out. Also: "take me instead." ENOUGH SAID.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sophie.
1,444 reviews553 followers
August 14, 2022
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

Finding herself widowed was the best thing that could ever happen to Lady Georgiana Arlington. She may have appeared to be the perfect, serene wife to society, but she was hiding the fact that her husband was abusive, and a bully. Reinventing herself as a shrewd businesswoman, she will never be beholden to a man again, and has progressive views on how to run her companies, which have left her with hidden enemies. After the threats come too close to ignore, she has to turn to Captain Henry Harris, a decorated naval hero, now working as a private investigator to protect her. Having to ask for help is bad enough, but when it's the only man she's ever loved, and had to forget in order to marry for money, all this does it stir up old feelings in the pair.

When we met Georgiana and Henry in The Rebel and the Rake, I knew there was a backstory between them, and hoped that the third book in the series would be there story. And Emily did not disappoint with this book. Whereas the pair seemed a little aloof before, we learn so much about them as individuals, and a couple, in The Hellion and the Hero that it makes up for everything. Georgiana is a secretive individual, but with good reason. She had her heart broken: first by Henry, and then by her evil husband, and she can't bring herself to open up old wounds, or talk about the past. Henry is the same too. He has secrets from his time in the military, and the heartbreak he felt over losing Georgiana soured him. It's not an easy start for them, especially as they are thrown together once the threat became too hard to handle at home. Yes, okay, they could have communicated better, and resolved a lot of the issues quicker, but that wouldn't have made for an enjoyable book. I thought everything in The Hellion and the Hero was great, and this has cemented my love for this author. I can't wait for Emily's next book!
Profile Image for Kira.
1,032 reviews32 followers
January 24, 2023
The Hellion and The Hero is the third and final book in League of Scoundrels series by Emily Sullivan.

We met both the leads of this book in the previous one of the series - Lady Georgiana Arlington who was widowed after the viscount's sudden death and Captain Henry Harris, a retired naval spy turned private investigator. The book opens with Georgie's brother hiring Henry to look into the threats received by the lady recently and given their history together, the sparks fly immediately resulting in an atmosphere full of longing and tension.

Georgiana's character was full of determination, bravery, fearlessness and confidence making her a fierce lead and someone to truly admire. Henry also was supportive and understanding though at times succumed to societal pressure. Both of them together were a joy to read about and I greatly enjoyed their time together.

The steamy scenes in this one were absolute *chef's kiss* and since there was so much history between the couple, it became even more fun and enjoyable. I liked that we got to meet Rafe and Sylvia in this one and it was interesting to see them enjoy their married life together.

Reggie was a bit too interfering in this one and it sometimes was unpleasant to read about but since he mostly acted in good faith, I tried to overlook his overbearing nature. I surely cannot ever be in favor of the parents in historical romances and same was the case in this book as well making me despise Georgie's father.

The HEA however made me really happy and satisfied and this was a good ending to the series as a whole.

4 stars.
Profile Image for Meg.
2,068 reviews93 followers
April 19, 2022
1899. Georgiana, Lady Arlington, has spent an industrious two years of widowhood turning two factories into burgeoning enterprises with fair wages and benefits. In the two years since Captain Henry Harris last saw her, he’s grown a reputation for being a hero, splashing across the pages of the gossip sheets with prestige he doesn’t feel he’s earned. Henry and Georgie have a history though; eight years ago, she chose marriage to a viscount for duty to her family over young love for Henry, though neither seemed able to admit it then, or now. Then a threat against Georgiana’s livelihood has her brother asking Captain Harris for help in protecting his sister, including accompanying her on a trip to Monte Carlo.

Emily Sullivan has a talent for progressing her characters through her plot development and character interaction. And her bedroom scenes do not disappoint, in particular when they occur outside of the bedroom, like in carriages and bathtubs. The late Victorian era provides a brilliant background for political maneuverings on the industrial level, through Georgiana’s factories, and on the domestic and international scale, through Henry’s dealings in Turkey, and Rafe’s in Germany. Rising tensions lead to rash actions, and threats against our character’s lives.

Georgie and Henry are the closest friends to the main characters in book two, Sylvia and Rafe, who make an appearance here in book three. You could get away with only reading book two, The Rebel and the Rake, before picking up book three, but then you’ll still want to return to A Rogue to Remember. You have plenty of time to read both though, as this wonderful book is out 8/23.

4.5 stars
Profile Image for Ellie.
884 reviews189 followers
August 19, 2022
Nice second-chance romance but I was underwhelmed as nothing in this story stood out for me.
Nice MCs, great chemistry, solid grumpy - sunshine romance and I wanted to love it more but it is what it is :)

Another great installment in a fun historical romance series though it was not my favourite.

This is a second chance romance where the conflict was based on a misunderstanding almost until the very end. It did create some great angst but also was frustrating at times. The lack of communication and making assumption about the feelings of the other went on for too long and I wanted to shake the MCs and tell to talk to each other already.

I realise it is not that simple and being open and honest about one's feelings can be super hard. On top of that hero is broody and silent and heroine is too proud and independent. Still, love finds a way eventually.

There is a minor suspense plot serving to bring the MCs together. And highly enjoyable siblings and meddling friends. It was all cosy and nice but somehow lacking tension and enough conflict for me.

I want to make special note of the grumpy hero who sincerely admired the heroine for her professional success and risk-taking in her business endeavors. He found his true calling in the end as well and I was very happy for him.

Overall, the story had a a kind of airy, breezy quality, everything resolving quickly, things getting perfect for everyone.

It's a nice, solid romance with a bit of adventure (Monte Carlo and casinos), a bit of suspense, a lot of chemistry and secrets. I went expecting more drama and tension but if you are looking for a more low-key, happy-making historical romance that covers a broader slice of society than just the Ton, this would be perfect for you.

Content notes: disabled hero (knee injury), some violence, abduction and attempted murder
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,253 reviews100 followers
December 7, 2022
Georgiana, Viscountess Arlington, has done her duty to her family even when it meant sacrificing her own happiness and agreeing to a loveless marriage to save her father from the debt he’d accrued. Now blessedly freed from that union by the death of her tyrannical husband, she has emerged stronger and become a savvy businesswoman in her own right, too much so for the liking of some. When she begins to receive anonymous threats, the one man who seems capable of helping happens to be the same man whose heart she broke eight years ago.

Retired Navy Captain Henry Harris has risen above the lowly fortune hunter status he had when he and Georgiana first met eight years ago. Now he is lauded as a hero and could have any lover he chooses, but he has yet to meet anyone who draws him the way Georgie always has. He admires her tenacity and even though helping her now puts him at risk of both physical harm and another heartbreak, he can’t resist the possibility of a second chance with the woman he’s never ceased thinking about.

I’m always a bit leery of the second chance trope just because the time the couple has inevitably missed out on tends to make me sad and be the main thing I focus on. I was especially nervous about this one because I was anticipating it so eagerly. Overall, I was happy with this one; though it also wasn’t everything I’d hoped for in every aspect, I still enjoyed it and was satisfied with how things turned out. What I found off-putting was Georgiana’s flippancy and failure to take threats to her life seriously. I think it was meant to make her seem mature and independent, but for me it just made her seem naïve. She definitely seemed to create quite a few of her own problems, and I was pretty surprised that she was still putting such stock into something she’d heard as a young girl even now as a mature woman. Her role in the misunderstanding that separated her, and Henry eight years previously also got me off on the wrong foot with her so maybe I didn’t give her a fair enough shake. Beyond this my only real issue was with the pacing as I found it to be a bit slow. By the time I was nearly halfway through the book not much had really happened and Henry and Georgiana had yet to have a conversation.

I wasn’t a huge fan of how they came together physically without having much of anything in the way of a meaningful discussion beforehand, though I will say that this did make their chemistry completely undeniable. Even when they’re still believing the worst of one another, they can’t stay away from one another either and this made their relationship believable and convinced me that the spark that had been between them before hadn’t faded. Georgiana definitely wasn’t very welcoming toward Henry though. I know she was trying to protect herself, but it did make me question why Henry wanted to confide in her. This relationship definitely happened in fits and starts but I loved it when it finally got going. I did want more conversation and communication, more time together with Henry and Georgiana without the secrets and past misunderstandings hanging between them, but the steamy scenes were well done. I enjoyed the way things were wrapped up here; though things did conclude a bit quickly, it left me unable to cease reading, needing to see it through to the end. I would’ve liked a bit more detail on the comeuppance received by the villains here, though I am assured they got what was coming to them. I loved how things worked out for Georgie and Henry and my only complaint is that a lot of this fell into place off page. I liked that Georgie and Henry were both finally fighting to have the life they wanted and the happiness that had so eluded them thanks to the mistakes and machinations of others, even if it did take some time to get there. These two finally getting to be together felt like a win for everyone who’s ever felt like an underdog, and I loved that.

All in all, I really liked this story. I loved that we got several chapters set in Monte Carlo and I definitely would love to read more histroms set on the continent. This seems to be the conclusion of this series, but I can’t wait to see what’s next from this talented new author.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Profile Image for Stacee.
3,036 reviews759 followers
October 12, 2022
I'm not entirely sure where I heard about this one, but present Stacee was excited that past Stacee did a library hold.

I liked Georgie and Henry. They're both good and loyal people who are each basically pining away for the other one. There is a lot of history and a lot of inner monologue and even though there is chemistry (again, the history), there is a lot of baggage (yep, you guessed it, from the history). I liked Georgie's family and Henry's friends and they definitely made me want to go back and read the other two books.

Plot wise, it's good. There are a few moving parts and it all seemed to work. I will say that each of them thinking the near identical thing about the other did get a bit tedious and quite repetitive. I wanted them to talk and have a conversation (that legit came at the last few pages of the last chapter) instead of parsing out tidbits and half truths.

Overall, it was the characters that kept me reading as I was invested in their HEA. I just wanted something a bit more for them.
Profile Image for Grace.
1,388 reviews46 followers
September 10, 2022
4.5/5 stars

I've been debating how I would rate this, but the bottom line is I really, really liked this and what Sullivan has done with this series. The only reason I am not giving this a full five stars is that there were some extraneous mentions that felt like they should have been full plot points, but then just turned out to be complete nonissues (based on how it was originally presented, I was expecting the cousin who needed money to be a bigger thing, for example), and a few minor plot inconsistencies or confusing points that I noticed.

But there was a lot to like here. Lots of oldest sister energy here with Georgiana, and it was so great to see her get to take her life back and do what she wants with it after having made so many sacrifices for her siblings. Henry was a great hero too, and I loved seeing Rafe and Sylvia again. Very much looking forward to Sullivan's next book.
Profile Image for Ashlynn.
151 reviews11 followers
March 24, 2022
First, thank you so so so much Forever Publishing for letting me read this book early as an eARC. All opinions are that of my own.

Y’all this book. My heart. I cannot. I feel as if Emily Sullivan wrote this book with me in mind and added all of my favorite things. There is no explanation for how absolutely perfect it was. I even went through and highlighted sections because my heart couldn’t take it. I never do this, but I couldn’t help myself with all the sweetness.

Let me just do a quick recap of why you need to read this before getting into more details: THE PINING, uptight mmc who is the sorta bodyguard, government secrets/spying, longing, badass widowed fmc, “doing the right thing is not to be applauded,” repression, Monte Carlo with a fabulous bed scene (iykyk) and a bath scene, sorta enemies-to-lovers with the pent up emotions of second chance romance.

Obviously, I know I am missing things but this book has everything and the emotional depth it goes to. I do not know how Sullivan does this, but it does not matter. I will be shoving this into every single person’s hands that I can. Everyone must enjoy this book.

CW: infertility, PTSD, panic attacks, and discussion of previous emotional abuse.

Loves:

Captain Henry Harris captured my heart from the first chapter. He's an incredibly starchy, uptight man with a haunted past. Just how I like them. I loved watching how Henry grappled with his emotions and overcame the feelings over the past to live in the present. Plus he is so smitten even when he doesn’t want to be.

Georgiana is one of those characters you’d probably hate in real life because they appear to be so perfect. But she’s not. She’s been hurt and taken advantage of on multiple occasions. Her transformation was lovely. I especially loved the scenes with her family as they were so important. Georgiana is strong willed and honestly deserves the world. I love her.

The dual POV of the story is what really pulls it off. If I had access to only one of their minds I’d probably dislike the book because there’s so much hidden between these two characters. While there’s some “miscommunication” (idk if I’d even call it that because it’s more pride not letting you speak/hurt), it feels natural to the story and not a thrown in plot device.

The settings of the book were also phenomenal. You spend the first half of the book in London setting things up and creating the ghosts of their pasts, but when you get to Monte Carlo things take off and it becomes a completely different story in the best way. I loved the previous characters from Sullivan’s earlier novels coming back. The mood that Monte Carlo set was excellent with the change in the characters. Everything was so balanced.

Because I am only human I will say that the steamier scenes in the book hit just right. I love when historical romance gets a little *ahem* steamier than normal. Like I said there is a fabulous bed scene that is everything, carriage action, a bath scene, and another traveling scene. But the moments of intimacy outside of the physical are what really get me. That ending was *chef’s kiss* amazing.

Meh:

It ended? I really don’t know. I think that some might have problems with the beginning as it is a little drawn out to set the tone for everything and give snippets of the past. However, I feel without those slower moments you’d lose necessary characterization.

Long Story Short:

Do I recommend this book? Yes. A thousand times yes. I’ve reread it too many times to say and I’ve only just gotten it. So freaking sweet. Honestly I felt like Sullivan had sat down with me and asked for my preferences in a romance novel then wrote this book. If you want a historical romance with good steam, solid voice, traces of modernity that feel true, and perfect second chance romance this book is for you. I will be suggesting (totally not shoving) this book to everyone I know.

If you like Elizabeth Everette’s The Secret Scientists of London series or Harper St. George’s The Gilded Age Heiresses series then this book would be absolutely perfect for you! This book feels like a combination of all 5 of those books.
Profile Image for Tracey.
Author 10 books353 followers
April 20, 2022
The books in this series just keep getting better and better! In this one, Sullivan gives us heroine trying to do good and a hero bodyguard, both with legit painful pasts and good reasons not to trust or like each other. As always, her settings are wonderfully vivid. This is a slow burn that is super steamy when it ignites, and just a bit of mystery to make it an extra satisfying story line and ending.
Profile Image for Cait.
2,715 reviews4 followers
November 20, 2022
4.5 stars. This whole series has been wonderful - I love the turn of the 20th century setting, I'm really into the social commentary of this book & the previous one especially. I do love a second chance romance but wow the number of times I was like oh my god just talk to each other - but the fact that .

If you haven't read this series, run, do it now. The first one is still my favourite, but they're all wonderful. Can't wait to read more by Sullivan.
Profile Image for Vanessa .
149 reviews4 followers
April 3, 2022
I received The Hellion and the Hero as an ARC, and I could not have been more excited to read this and give my honest feedback. Emily Sullivan is one of my favorite new-ish authors. I say new-ish because can you be a new author on book number 3? This is book #3 in the League of Scoundrals series. I really, really liked book #1, loved #2, and as for #3-- I LOVED this book!!! Each book gets better. Chef's kiss!
The Hellion and the Hero follows Georgiana, Lady Arlington, the best friend of the intrepid Sylvia Sparrow of The Rebel and the Rake and Henry, a national hero who saved the day in the Sylvia's book. Georgiana has been widowed for about a year, and has thrown herself into her factories and working condition reforms for her employees. She is encountering resistance from other industrialists, and has received some threats. Her brother enlists the help of Henry, who has left his espionage work and is making his way through being a private investigator. Georgiana and Henry have a history that goes back 8 years, which is full of thwarted hearts and bitter misunderstandings. Their journey is written beautifully, and has just the right amount of angst, introspection, suspense and adventure. And almost half the book takes place in Monte Carlo! I loved the descriptions of the lush scenery. I also loved seeing what Sylvia and Rafe have been up to.
The dialogue is absolutely wonderful, as are the characters, their cognizance and frustration with social mores, social justice values and the power that they each hold. I love how brave, smart and self-sufficient Emily Sullivan's characters are in the face of the times they are situated in, and how colonialism is not glorified in her books. I highly, highly recommend this excellent, entertaining book! I know this is going to be one of my favorite books of this year. I read it in one sitting, and I will be reading it at least five more times and getting it on audiobook to listen to as well.
Profile Image for Brenda.
3,500 reviews47 followers
July 27, 2022
This is an awesome book full of misunderstandings and espionage. It is a second chance romance.
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.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Profile Image for Myblogisgreat.
419 reviews22 followers
March 29, 2022
***eARC Provided for an Honest Review***

5/5 Stars

Y'all this book might be one of my favourites of 2022 and it's only March! I was SO thrilled to be approved for Emily's latest in her League of Scoundrels series. A Rogue to Remember and The Rebel and the Rake were both delightful 5 star reads for me in 2021, so I absolutely expected that I would love this one just as much.

And, wow was I right. This is a high angst, high pining, sweeping second chance love story that held onto my heart from the first chapter and just refused to let go.
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