The Storybook Hero (Signet Regency Romance) [Paperback]

When Miss Octavia Hadley first meets Alexander Sheffield, while on board a ship bound for Russia, his behaviour is such that she puts him down as being a rogue and a drunk. Because of a rather nasty episode involving her cousin's husband, Octavia has been forced to take up the post of governess to the ward of a British diplomat (12 year old Emma) currently stationed in Moscow. And in spite of the danger of an impending war, as France shifts her focus to Russia, such are Octavia's circumstances that this is a post she cannot afford to ignore or loose (for that matter). And the last thing that Octavia has time for is a drunken rake. Who would have thought that a few weeks after she had formed so unfavourable an impression of Alexander that she would be dependent on him to help her get Emma out of Russia?

Alexander Sheffield, on the other hand, is on his way to Russia in order to rescue his young cousin, Nicholas, from the machinations of an unscrupulous uncle. And while he fully expected for his venture to be fraught with hardship and danger (what with trying to evade a murderous uncle and the French army), the last thing he expected was to have to include Octavia and Emma in his plans. But no gentleman would leave two friendless ladies to fend for themselves in such hostile conditions. And Alexander finds that, rogue that he is, he is esp reluctant to allow the redoubtable and plucky Octavia to face everything by herself. Thus begins the adventure that will change four lives forever as Octavia, Emma, Alexander and Nicholas face the bleak Russian countryside in winter, unfriendly natives, murderous thugs and the French army, in their bid to make it to the St. Petersburg ports. However, while both Octavia and Alexander are fairly sanguine about the dangers that they will face, neither of them is quite sure with what to do about the attraction that seems to have flared up between them. Can a care-for-all rake find happiness with an independent-minded and intelligent governess? And will the foursome make it to safety for that matter? Or will Nicholas's uncle's thugs stop them before they reach St. Petersburg?

Once in a while, you come across a romance novel that satisfies on nearly every level. And "The Storybook Hero" does just that. The story was a wonderful, exciting and poignant one; and the characters were brilliant. Who could not care for intelligent, courageous and compassionate Octavia? I rather liked Andrea Pickens's portrayal of Alexander as well -- he was a good mix of the angst-ridden hero (with his own inner demons) and the charming and clever flirt. Octavia's and Alexander's romance was allowed to unfold rather well also -- with each coming to recognise and understand the many facets of the other's character and to appreciate them fully. This, was what made the novel all the more satisfying to read. I did however have one quibble: and that was that at times the language used became very, very modern. Why did no one (the editors) catch this? It really is a shame that such an excellent novel was not edited properly.

On the whole however, in spite of the modern phrases here and there, "The Storybook Hero" turned out to be a really excellent read -- it's a wonderful mix of adventure and romance, well worth the 5 star rating, and is a read that definitely should not be missed.v

First of all, Tregatt has summed up the plot. It was very good and the setting in Russia, just as Napoleon was closing on Moscow in 1812 was very good. It reminded me a little of Dinah Dean's books in the 1980s which were set in Russia during the same timeframe.

The characters were also good: a very strong, intelligent and mature heroine, Miss Octavia Hadley, who accepts the hand fate has dealt her with dignity and stoicism. The hero, Lord Alexander Sheffield (though the author gets his title wrong), is less mature when we first meet him but grows up through this story, enabling him to reassess his own actions and come to accept himself. He has some good qualities and, of course this being romantic fiction, needs the love of a good woman to bring them forth!

The two children, Emma and Nicholas, are the instigators of the plot action, are well done and realistic.

This is a prodigal son story and one of redemption. I liked it but must agree with others that there were annoying errors. The titles of the hero's family were wrongly done and there were silly dialogue problems like "sussing out" and "dossing down" both of which are modernisms as far as I am aware.

I can recommend this book as a good read, a little different and peopled by some interesting characters. Not a keeper but worth a look.