Member Reviews
Thank you for the egalley to read and review.
Love me some Amalie Howard. She never disappoints with her romance (her teen stuff is great, too).
Another dive into this world with different characters. No, you don't have to read the others to read this. Love that!
Fun in the regency times and an even better story than the others.
Looking forward to reading more of Amalie's writing.
Lord Henry Radcliffe, the scarred but sinfully sexy Earl of Langlevit, is a beast. The only way Henry can exorcise the demons of his war-ravaged past is through intense physicality. In and out of bed. An endeavor that has no shortage of willing participants. Intent on scandalizing London, Princess Irina Volkonsky is a hellion and every gentleman’s deepest desire...except for one. Irina knows better than to provoke the wickedly forbidding earl, but she will stop at nothing short of ruination to win the heart of the the one man she cannot stop thinking about. But when one scandalous kiss makes dangerous passions ignite, neither of them can fight their sizzling attraction. When a sinister plot emerges to threaten them both, they will have to fight one last battle, this time for the ultimate prize...love.
This book sounded like it was right up my alley. Unfortunately, I don’t like books with when either of the main characters has sex with others (just like another pet peeve is promiscuity). I get that Henry had his reasons, but it ruined the book for me.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
This series just keeps getting better! The third installment in the Earls of Essex series, My Hellion, My Heart involves Lord Henry Radcliffe, the Earl of Langlevit who is seen by many as wicked whilst Princess Irina Volkonsky, is the Ice Princess. However, what the tons sees is not reality.
Henry and Irina have known each other since she was a young teenager and Henry’s mother was her ward. When he sees Irina several years later in what is her third season out, he is thrown by the instant attraction he feels for her. However, he realises that his experiences during wartime have damaged him and that he needs to stay away from her. Irina also hides her own scars and her refusal of many a young suitor is driven by her undisclosed love for Henry.
What sets this novel apart is that Irina has no respect for the ton and tries her upmost to try most anything. She drinks whisky and can handle a weapon. She also flirts with Henry and wears her heart on her sleeve. Whilst Henry thinks himself a beast, I found him to be so honourable which is what holds him apart from Irina for as long as it does.
The story had a great plot and the appearance of characters from previous books added to the complexity of the novel. I could not put this book down and I am now trying to find another to fill the gap!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved Henry and Irina's story!! Irina is definitely not your typical society miss. Her childhood spent trying to survive makes her a very independent and strong-willed woman. Henry has his own demons he is fighting from his years in the war.
Irina, having loved Henry since she was a child, does everything in her power to get him to notice her as a woman. Oh, he notices her alright, but tries to deny his attraction.
As with the other Lords of Essex books, the bantering between the H/H had me laughing out loud. I'm excited to read the next book in the series!!
I really loved this book. Princess Irina is a hell cat. She doesnt live by the same standards as the other ladies of the ton. Henry is damaged, scarred and doesnt think he deserves love. That is until Irina shows him what it is to feel love. I love how this romance wasnt easy or predictable. I absolutely love the scandal of the bets at WHITES. The twist with the so called friend is kind of predictable but it’s still good to read how the author pulls it together.
This is my first book from these authors. I am pleasantly surprised and can't wait to download more.
My word, I loved Henry and Irina's story! It steadily pulled you in and made you root for both our hero and heroine. I loved the Irina was a strong heroine, with spunk but yet cared so much for Henry that she was willing to moved on for the sake of his happiness. I enjoyed the friendship that she shared with Max. It was an interesting journey for their friendship. But certainly was glad to see Henry and Irina's happily ever after.
I hurt for Henry. The demon's that he was carrying with him. The weight of wanting to be free and be able to love openly, and yet knowing the sacrifices he had to endure to protect those he loved. He certainly was a strong hero and passionate hero, and I for one was glad that the author did not try to paint him as a tortured, dark soul. He breathed strength and sensuality and one can see why our heroine loved him unconditionally.
I noticed that I am certainly late to the party and this book has been out for some time. But I am glad I found Henry and Irina's story and can't wait to read more from Ms. Morgan and Ms. Howard.
My Hellion, My Heart was a delightful romance between a wonderfully wicked Earl and the Russian princess who captures his heart.
Lord Henry Radcliffe, Earl of Langlevit, has scars inside and out from his time in the war against France. The only way he knows to keep his demons at bay is to physically exert himself, in and out of the bedroom. When Henry unexpectedly encounters Princess Irina Volkonsky after a number of years, he’s surprised by his sudden attraction to his mother’s former ward. Irina, in her third season, has no interest in the men of English society with the exception of the one she’s loved since she was fourteen, Lord Henry. Henry however is determined to stay away from Irina until an unexpected kiss brings them together.
Due to events from her youth, Irina dislikes enclosed spaces and prefers to ride on horseback rather than in the confines of a carriage. She has also trained in all types of weapons to avoid feeling weak or defenseless. Irina has spent the previous seasons turning down a number of unwanted proposals which earned her the nickname of the Ice Princess. For Irina, the men proposing simply do not measure up to her memory of Henry whom she can’t help but compare them to. While she dreams of one day having a family, she resents being told that she should be married by now and should stop being so picky.
After his captivity in France during the war, Henry suffers from anxiety when surrounded by people and has nightmares about his time there. As a result, Henry considers himself to be damaged goods and incapable of loving anyone. As a way to distract himself, Henry engages a number of women in physical relationships. He also runs an obstacle course he built at his country estate which is where he prefers to spend most of his time. Due to a rule attached to the Langlevit title, Henry must marry by the end of his 30th year if he wishes to retain his title and its estates which goes into effect at the start of the book when Henry turns 30.
Irina and Henry have a lot of starts and stops to their relationship, mostly due to Henry attempting to deny his attraction to her which definitely led to an increase in sexual tension between them. They have amazing chemistry and and sparks fly every time these two come into contact. There are several times where their attraction gets the better of Henry leading to some very sexy scenes. When Irina and Henry finally do give in fully the scenes are quite steamy and very enjoyable. There is a bit of an age difference, Irina is 19 and Henry is 30, but that’s not something that bothers me personally. Minor spoiler ahead for the only thing I disliked pertaining to their relationship. *spoiler removed*
Throughout the book there are several scenes with the couples from the first two books in this series. While My Hellion, My Heart works well as a standalone book, fans of the series will enjoy the glimpses of the previous main characters. I liked that Irina and Lana, her sister and the heroine of book 2, are still quite close as I enjoyed their relationship. Personally while I wasn’t surprised at who the villain was in this book, I think the authors did a good job with his backstory and motivations.
My Hellion, My Heart was a great installment in the Lords of Essex series and a very sexy, enjoyable historical romance. I look forward to reading more books from these authors in the future.
This was a entertaining read. Characters you like and ones you hate, a storyline that pulls you in and is well written, and hotness all in one nice package. I enjoyed every second of it.
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 3 in the Lords of Essex series. In this book we get to know the youngest princess. I really loved it! The story was very well done. I couldn't put it down! I hope we get more in this series.
Princess Irina Volkonsky is beautiful, rich, and titled, which means she should have no problem snagging a husband, right? I mean, those are the only things needed according to the ton, so the question remains, why is she still single?
Because she’s turned down all offers. So many, in fact, that her rigidity has garnered her some very cold nicknames. It’s not that she feels she’s above everyone else, which she could claim since she’s a princess. She’s more down-to-earth than that, which made me love and root for her even more. Irina has refused to wed because the one and only man she wants doesn’t return her affection. So she believes, and so he says. But what fun with this novel be if there wasn’t a little untruth in there somewhere? Let’s evaluate that shall we?
Lord Henry Radcliffe has many secrets. The war has left him bruised in many ways, and he’s gotten good at hiding his scars. He doesn’t allow himself to get close to anyone,- other than physically, that is-, and despite his almost obsession with Irina, he refuses to go there. She was previously his ward. For goodness sakes, she’s just a child. Or at least she was when he first met her. Not so much so now that they’ve reunited. She’s nineteen – marriageable age. But his other secret still makes her off limits. The war changed him, and he’s afraid if she finds out what he’d been through, she’d be disgusted. He’d rather have her as a friend than not have her at all.
Irina is having none of that “just friends” business, though. She’s definitely refreshing with her hellion ways – so fun, so forthcoming, so unwilling to adhere to all matters of propriety. What a princess, and what a danger to Henry’s plan to stay unattached. She goes where he goes – well, they travel in the same circles, and all – and she doesn’t hesitate to show – or tell – how she feels. Henry’s will is breaking in the face of her charms, and what fun they have discovering each other and all that’s changed.
Now, my absolute favorite romances are historical and suspense (No offense to any other romance subgenre. You’re all my babies.), but how my heart thumps when the two are combined. Historical romantic suspense. I ate this one up. Delicious!
There’s so much more I want to say, but I don’t want to ruin it. All I know is I got one helluva a surprise. Talk about a twist and turn – I damn near fell off the bed. The smoothness of it all nearly floored me (pun intended 😉 ) Now that’s what I call some outstanding writing.
Such original characters and vivid descriptions. I’m totally invested in this series.
Kudos to Howard and Morgan!!!
This as a beautiful story. It was well written, the characters believable, and just an overall great read!
I found so much to love about this third installment in the Lord of Essex series. I did not find an overwhelming connection to the previous books that would require one be familiar with them before reading this one. I did love Irina was my hero. She was daring, courageous, feisty, headstrong, intelligent, sassy and pure woman-on-a-mission. Henry had no idea what hit him and how it hit him so hard. He has loved her from afar and was determined she needed better. She was not going to settle for less than she felt she desired. And she felt she deserved Henry.
I loved the entanglements that Irina got into. I loved her wit, charm, and spunk. She kept the story moving for me and that was the best part for me. I found a bit of intrigue around a few corners and a bit of a surprise or disappointment. I guess that would be determined on how your mind work when reading.
Full steam ahead. For me this one has topped the cookie jar. Pick this one up and let the Lords of Essex take you on a journey to forever.
Not for me. Just didn't like the story or the H and h. Couldn't finish. #Cantgetthattimeback
My Hellion, My Heart is book 3 in the Lords of Essex series but each can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed Irina and Henry's story. Irina is such a fierce princess who does what she wants and will not let anyone smother her voice. She has been in love with Henry since she was 14 and worries that he will never be able to see her as more than a child. It takes a while for Henry to truly see his feelings for her and it made for an interesting story. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series!
A Princess with her heart set on an Earl....if only it were that simple. An "ice princess" who will not settle for anything less than what she wants and an battle hardened Earl who thinks himself too damaged. Too head strong characters are inexplicably drawn to each but what will it take to get their happy ending?!?!? Princess Irina was such a strong fearless character and Henry was equally strong but not so fearless. This book just pulled me right in and was hard to put down. Likeable characters, surprising twists, and unsuspecting villains!
Left review on Amazon, good reads, bn.com (as lady C)
I'm what I'd call a recent convert of the historical romance genre, so I'm by no means an expert but I've so thoroughly adored this entire series!
I really loved the previous books in the series, and I thought that the previous book, My Darling, My Disaster, all about North and Lana would be my favourite because I adored both characters since they were first introduced, BUT I was wrong! From the moment I started this one, Irina and Henry became my absolute favourites!
We met Irina as Lana's spirited little sister and when we meet her at the beginning of the book a few years have passed, but she's lost none of her spirit! As a princess she's a darling of society but also considered a bit of a hellion. She's been avoiding London and its season but finally returns after being nudged there by her friend, to both be closer to her sister and secretly to see again her first love.
I simply loved the interactions between Irina and Henry, there was so much chemistry from the very first moment! I had been a bit concerned about the age difference and how it would play in their relationship, but I soon realized it was handled great, without adding creepiness to the initial interactions between them in the previous book.
Henry has gone through so much since the previous book... When we met him, he was in the service of the Crown and on dangerous missions, but now he's trying and somewhat failing to return to normal life and Society. He's clearly suffering from PTSD after having survived very dangerous missions and having been captured and tortured as a spy & prisioner of war. He also feels rather guilty about his intense attraction to Irina, since she had been his ward as a young girl.
I love how Irina decided to own her fears and fight them and not let Society dictate her actions, because as a princess she has so many eyes on her but she also has a freedom that not many people enjoyed. She decided that she would not fight her love and attraction to Henry, even if she felt it made vulnerable, and once she saw it was not entirely one-sided, she decided to fight and get Henry to accept it and stop fighting the attraction.
Amalie and Angie did an amazing job to show the vulnerabilities and strenghts of both characters and how they could understand and help each other, and not just their amazing chemistry (have I mention that the attraction and sexual chemistry was so well done and off the charts? because oh boy, it so was!).
There's a thread of mystery and intrigue all along the book but it explodes towards the end, with betrayal and danger in a way that I wasn't expecting and that added that "dammit, not that everything seemed to finally be going well!" sort of feeling and I'm so very happy with how it was resolved!
All in all, an amazing book that I've loved! I really hope that Amalie and Angie will co-write many more historical romance books because I will be devouring them all!! 4.5 to 5 stars for sure!
This was a very clever reimagining of a Beauty & the Beast-ish tale. Irina is a spitfire intent on getting, and keeping, the only man to ever ignite her heart. Lord Henry is the brooding, wounded bird that you just want to take under your wing and try make it all better. This story was delightfully engaging and the characters were enchanting and heart-warming. I found that I couldn't put this book down, until I reached The End and Irina and Henry's happily ever after.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley & Entangled Publishing, LLC in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
Really did not care for this book. Maybe someone else's cup of tea though!!