In 1880, Lauren Alcott who is an educated and improving young lady, is obliged by her family to be betrothed to Rafe Townsend. This is no more than she expected, but that young man fails to leap to the rescue of two women in a capsized small boat. When a HERO WANTED is not forthcoming, Lauren strips to her petticoat and chemise and dives in to the river to rescue the women. Clearly, she can’t be expected to wed such a man. The London scandal sheets make merry with the account.

The shipping companies of both families are horrified because – though they don’t tell the whole truth – Lauren’s inheritance is required to keep the joint ventures of these firms afloat. First in the ‘Reluctant Heroes’ series shows a great deal of research, in matters from small to great, economics to hatpins. Where other romance novels would have Lauren finding a more suitable partner, and I agree Rafe hasn’t come across well, the family dynamics mean the couple are obliged to pretend the engagement is still in place. Rafe has to accompany Lauren to the school for the poor children, while she has to join him at social whirls. The contrasts and the sights are wonderful. I also enjoyed how Lauren is suited to the new educated, middle class merchant family of the day, more concerned with making life better for the poor than with dresses and parties.  

The fun continues with ships, warehouses and even piracy. Shiver me timbers! Once we get past formalities the adventure continues to be as lively as in the first chapter. Of course, being close to someone and experiencing danger can induce a romantic relationship… wisely or unwisely. Anyone who enjoys an adventure with modest romance and quite scandalous behaviour would love to read this account.

Betina Krahn must have really enjoyed writing HERO WANTED. She tells us that the inspiration for the first chapter came from a real life episode. I also like that she follows a reporter for the daily scribbles, that time’s version of social media stories, which spread the gossip that servants read and the better off pretended they didn’t read. The fact that the working class could read, shows the advancement of the times, and our heroine is determined to bring the advantages of education to the poor. While she plays the stronger role, her manly fiancé Rafe is a strong personality too, and I did get to like him more than a little. Have fun with this thrilling romantic adventure.

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