Hidden Hart
by Emily Royal

A well rewritten historical suspense romance. Lady Atlanta is tired of only being seen for her beauty and her wealth. Major Devon Hart has just returned from the army having resigned his commission after the war when he is attacked in a brawl whilst saving a woman and is left brutally scarred inside as well as down one side of his face. Now only going out at night to save those in peril. Having saved Atlanta one evening he know he can never have her as she could never love the ‘beast of belgravia’. Devon’s best friend Fossett as Devon to help win Lady Atlanta over as much he loves her himself he agrees to help the man who saved him after the street brawl. Can Devon ever find love and realise Atlanta has seen beyond the scars.

I was interested in Devon since book 1, so I'm happy he got the book.
On occasions it was too mystery and dark for me, overall I liked the story. I don't like wars and scars and sad moments, so occasionally I skipped a line or two.

I love stories when one aches for love from the distance, so I was happy Devon got his HEA.

The Beast of Belgravia

When an attack left his face scarred, he decided to keep London’s streets safe. They called him “the Beast of Belgravia,” but did the scars make him a beast? It is certain that Devon was no saint, but he defended those in need. Those who preyed on the weak and helpless were the monsters, and not the Beast of Belgravia. When Devon fell in love with Atalanta, he did not think he would ever win her. He did not think he deserved love, and he did not believe anyone could look upon his face with anything but disgust. Could Atalanta prove him wrong? I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like touching, historical romance with a “Beauty and the Beast” theme. Atalanta and Devon will have quite a few obstacles to overcome.

Devon got a scar in his face which made him stay hidden from the society. He had been in love with Attie since he first saw her in the hospital 4 years ago. Attie met Devon when she got attacked by some men and Devon saved him. Then Fossett, Devon's bestfriend found himself infatuated with Attie and asked Devon to help him win her over which Devon did. But Attie caught their scheme. She was in love with Devon already from the moment he saved her. Devon and Attie started seeing each other behind Fossett's back. Then they hooked up one day. Fossett found out about the betrayal and was angry with Devon. Devon got himself charged for a murder but got out of it in the trial. Attie and Devon had some issues but got married at the end.🙄
I didn't like this book clearly.

The third book in the Headstrong Harts series a well written story with a very good storyline, I was not putting this book down until I had finished it. Major Devon Hart has his face destroyed when he saved a woman, now he wears a mask. Lady Atalanta meets him when she is set upon by thieves and he saves her. Their story has a man that believes he will never be loved, lies, suspense, drama, and romance. This story was well worth reading, I would recommend.

Major Hart stopped to help a woman being attacked one night and was cut across the face with a broken bottle. Now he is out at night to help women in need. It is a lonely life but he has fallen in love with Lady Atalanta and tries to be there to keep her safe. She has seen him just once but his eyes have kept him in her memory. Can they find true love? He has to realize he can be loved even with his scared face.

Major Devon Hart is a rather mysterious character. After nearly dying on a battlefield in Burma, he has resigned his commission. He lives alone in London and he feels ruined inside. Years of being the constant rake, he saves a prostitute from being raped or worse on the seedy docks. For his efforts, he is scarred be on belief on one side of his face, making him look horrible. Feeling hollow, he prowls the dark streets at night, waiting to save anyone that needs to be. One night he comes upon Lady Atalanta and finds her in need of protection. He remembers her from his stay in the hospital, recovering, and had fallen in love with her there. Of course, he saves her and from that their paths are crossed. I found the characters remarkable, full of need and love, wondering how Major Devon will overcome his darkness in his soul and mind.

They live in a world where your worth is based largely on your appearance. Devon Hart’s face was horribly scarred in a brawl. The disfigurement, the loss of his good looks, reenforces his belief that he is pretty much good for nothing. Lady Atalanta Grey is beautiful. The problem is nobody sees past the beauty to the real woman. When they meet, there is a connection between them. It seems that they understand each other, and they see past the surface to the person inside. This a wonderful story filled with compassion, kindness, caring, and understanding. Devon has not lived a very respectable life, but he is trying to change. I love that Attie sees this and encourages him. Devon admires Attie for interest in medicine. By the end of the story both of them are happy, and surprisingly so are their families, which surprises Devon (he learns a lot about Dexter). A compelling story and interesting characters, a good read that I happily recommend. I do hope Fossett finds love, perhaps with Miss Quentin.

I received an ARC of his book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Emily Royal writes another excellent lighthearted book that will keep you turning the pages!

Lady Atlanta is always admired by men because of her beauty and wealth and she wants someone to look at her inner soul.
Major Devon Hart was the pretty boy and could just nod his head and any woman would drop whatever she was doing to be in his arms. However, he was trying to save someone and his face was permanently scarred.

He meets Lady Atlanta and he knows she could never have feelings for him. Can sparks between these two grow to become a fire? Read this book for all the nuances because this book has an interesting storyline!

I received an free advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.

He'd become a shadow in the night. Watching. Protecting. Keeping his face masked due to his scarred beastly visage.. The face women had adored, but now would run in horror. She hated her face too.. Because that is what everyone saw and not her true self inside. The wanted to be with her due to her beauty and she wanted to hide that too.

An almost gothic story of two scarred souls. One on the outside and one within who seemed destined to be together. There was a connection there though, from the first day they had laid eyes on each other... a force that would not be denied!

My favorite storyline of the wounded hero and the beautiful heroine who would save each other. This series has been amazing and I was so glad to read Devon's story. Don't miss it!!

Hidden Hart by Emily Royal is the story of a second son, rather, a younger brother. Devon's brother, Derrick, is a successful banker and a cold fish. He bought Devon a commission to be rid of him. It didn't work. When Devon was home on leave, he tried to save a young prostitute from rape or worse and came away with a scar marring one side of his face. The doctor had saved his eyesight but Devon was too bitter to be grateful. From then out her wore as mask when he was out in public, which he made sure happened only rarely. He spent his evenings prowling the streets of London, saving hapless victim of crime and brutality from their perpetrators. He became known as the Beast of Belgravia. He was not necessarily popular with the constabulary. Vigilantes seldom are. He fell in love one night with an heiress named Lady Atalanta (Attie) Grey. She was the belle of the season his year and far above him, but her watched her, cared for her, until is best friend, Fossett fell in love with her. Then he tried to help.

There were plenty of high points in this tome: Peterson, Devon's butler, who did what he though was best, whether it agreed with his master's orders or not. Fossett who was the best possible friend. Meggie, his sister-in-law, who married his brother through trickery, not her own, but was the best thing that ever happened to him and to his family. One of the problems with being excessively good looking is you believe that is all you have. Devon suffered from this malady in spades. The plot about misplaced love is an enjoyable one, although I am not sure that Attie's parents would have been as malleable as they were: one of them many ways authors massage the reality of the times. None-the-less, Hidden Hart was a worthy sequel, causing me to look forward to the next entry in this enticing series.

I was invited to read a free ARC of Hidden Hart by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All opinions contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #hiddenhart

This might just be the best Hart story in the series. Devon is a rogue, a lost man who lives off the beauty of his face...until it is horribly scared. Atalanta is a young woman, born part of the ton who is cut from a different cloth. She believes in helping people, working and doing good...but her beauty has made her an object in the eyes of everyone. That's as much of the story as I will share. Miss Royal develops this story perfectly. We see despair and disappointment, wonder and love. It was so good I stayed up half the night to finish it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Major Devon Hart was injured on the docks on London trying to save a woman. The doctor was able to save his sight, but not his face which left him badly scarred. While in the hospital Devon locked eyes with the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen. A flash of understanding and compassion shone in her expression.
Lady Atalanta is bored with society and attending ton events. She enjoys working at the hospital and still remembers the patient she locked eyes with wishes she knew more about him. Lady Atalanta often goes out by herself to escape society gentlemen and society's many demands. When Atalanta finally meets the man who has been shadowing her and keeping her safe, she recognizes his eyes as belonging to the gentleman in the hospital. Feelings and attraction run deep between Devon and Atalanta. However Devon feels he does not deserve to have anyone care for him. Thus he tries to help his best friend, Colonel Fossett, win Lady Atalanta's hand.
This is a great story with wonderful characters. The story shows how hard it is to live outside what is expected by society.

4.5 Stars
Major Devon Hart, the ultimate rake, had women flocking to his bed, until four years ago when he rescued a whore & was left scarred, inside and out. His once-handsome face is now damaged, so he hides behind a mask, except at night, when he dispenses his own brand of justice on the streets of London. He has nothing to live for except his friendship with Colonel Fossett, who saved his life, and his love for Lady Atalanta Grey, a woman he can only hope to admire from afar.
Lady Atalanta longs to be loved for something other than her wealth and beauty. Her life holds no excitement, until the night she’s set upon by thieves. The masked stranger who comes to her aid stirs delicious passions with tender words and scorching kisses, but he disappears before she can identify him. Devon believes that Atalanta could never love the scarred, bitter man he’s become. But when Fossett asks for Devon’s help in wooing her, Devon must choose between sacrificing his dream of happiness, or betraying the man to whom he owes everything.
This is the third book in the series about five siblings & it easily stands on its own. In a series about siblings or close friends there’s always one whose story draws you the most & usually their story is the last so I was thrilled that Devon has his story midway through the series. He’s unpredictable, often angry but also extremely loyal & a very good friend. I’ve been intrigued with him from the first book & his story was engrossing. Atalanta is a strong, determined young woman who would love to practice medicine. The chemistry between the pair was blistering & they both fell for each other in a chance meeting years before. I loved how their relationship developed especially with all the obstacles thrown in their way
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

When Beauty meets Cyrano

Will he let his uncertainties tear them ...

Since some weeks I have a too crazy reading schedule m, all my fault I struggle to say no, so I have had to pass on many Dragonblade great new releases, always a crève-coeur for me as I never know after when I will be able to read them.
So I collect them on my kindle shelves, for the day when...
Why even if I knew it would put me a bit backwards in my books to read agenda, I desperately wanted to read this one as I have known from the last book it would be Devon’s story. I so adore a Beauty and Beast trope story, so I squished my planning to add it to the list.

And it was even more than Beauty and The Beast , it mixes with Cyrano de Bergerac with Devon as Beast and Cyrano, hiding in the shadow and wooing a woman for another man when Atalanta is Beauty and Roxanne, she sees him past his scars and is seduced by his prose.

Devon was not really a good man prior to his disfigurement, he used and abused of his angelic beauty, jumping from one bed to another, not caring probably about the women he bedded.
Until when for once he does the right thing, defending a woman corned in the streets by ruffians, he is left bleeding and wounded.
The loss of his charm is the epiphany of his young life, he now hides in the shadows and rescues those who walk under the light but at the wrong hours.
While he roams the streets at night, he also assigned himself as guardian of the young woman who caught his eyes when he was recovering from his injuries, a woman who presents two faces to the world.
Why he is lost when the only friend he has, the one who stood by him whatever the mistakes he made and is still by his sides, asks him to help his woo the woman he wants for himself.

Atalanta is the daughter of a peer, she appears as cold and all reserve, navigating the muddy waters of the ton society when she only wants to help her fellow human being, longing to be more than a nurse hand. But a lady can’t enter trade or do more than some charity’s work.
Thus in trying to avoid a lofty marriage which will make her miserable, she encounters a soul of the night who saves her from some footpads. She now wants to know more about this man but how when he avoids the lights.
Yet she believes she might find answers through a man who is courting her, a soldier linked in some to her rescuer.

I laughed at the courting scenes, Devon’s friend is sure no poet, and while it is painful for the hero, the mix-ups were hilarious.
A lovely story bordering tragedy but saved by strong willed characters.
4.5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen detailed lovemaking scene.

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Dragonblade Publishing, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

A story of pain and loss, this romance is tragic but not maudlin nor heartbreaking. Their eyes met just when Major Devon Hart had received the good news that the doctor had been able to save his sight, but the bad news that he hadn't been able to save his face from the brutal treatment it had received. Devon has never forgotten the beautiful woman who gave him a kind look, and he makes it his mission to keep her safe, even when she appears to have no regard for her own safety. Lady Atalanta feels the pull of attraction towards the heavily bandaged patient and later comes to realise that he is her shadow, keeping her safe. In a Cyrano de Bergerac-type romance, Devon attempts to help his best friend Colonel Fossett win Lady Atalanta even though it almost destroys him, but things do not go as planned. This heartwarming romance speaks of an undeniable attraction and feelings that run deeper than most, but Devon's insecurities get in the way of his ability to think clearly. His nighttime activities catch up with him, almost bringing to an end any chance that he might have to win the woman of his heart. This novel is well written and romantic and had me engrossed from the start. I loved the main characters in this book, Devon with his off-beat code of honour, and Atalanta with her unusual pastime. The comment on the shallowness of some of the members of society make one realise how difficult it would have been to pursue a passion for helping people in need. I received a copy of this book as a gift from Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

3.5 stars

I was a bit conflicted about this book. I haven't read any of the other series. I thought it was going to be a beauty and the beast story, perhaps a bit of batman, then perhaps a cyrano de bergerac tale. It weaved around. Devon the hero was disappointed that he'd lost his looks. He had poor self esteem as he realised that he was a mediocre soldier and was disapointed that he couldn't get a relationship with the heroine, Atalanta. In modern times following someone around for four years and watching a person from bushes would lead to a questions about stalking.

It was definetly a busy story with just one bit of passion which again supports the hero's lack of responsibility. He was lucky in his friends.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is my fair and honest review, voluntarily given and in my own words for this ARC. With shades of Cyrano and beauty & the beast, this is such a good read! Two VERY strong characters and a host of interesting friends, family and "others" make this book. Worth every penny and minutes of your time.

This is the third book in the Headstrong Harts series, but it can be read as a standalone. The first two books in the series are What the Hart Wants and Queen of My Hart. I was very excited to read Devon Hart's story. Devon was scarred after a street brawl in which he saved a woman and like a true Beast in a Beauty and the Beast story, Devon lives his life in the shadows. He is a hero, going out every night as the Beast of Belgravia protecting the people of London, but he doesn't see it that way. Our hero professes to love Lady Atalanta, even though he has never spoken to her. He is somewhat obsessed with her, even though their first interaction does not take place until 50% through the book, and even then Atalanta has no idea who he is.

Atalanta, a beautiful debutante is tired of being judged for her beauty while Devon lives being judged as a beast. I liked the character of Atalanta. A young woman who would love to be a surgeon except for the fact she is a man and expected to marry no less than a Duke.

I enjoyed the book, but was disappointed that the two characters didn't even have a conversation for the first half of the book. It laid out character development, but Devon's almost obsession with Atalanta without ever speaking to her threw me off. He was an anti-hero for most of the book and I was left wanting more interaction between the H and h.

This book is a beauty and the best trope.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

From the beginning of the series Devon has been the character that has interested me the most

In the background he’s the moody, masked brother who always seems to be leaving in a huff, or entering with the intention of leaving in a huff.

His book is eye opening, emotional and has a passionate chemistry that is second to non.
His Lady is devoted to him but just as much a changeling as him, both are miss understood and in need of love, that’s what they will receive if they can work together.

Great book and excellent writing.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review