by Harper St. George
January 26, 2021
316 pages
Even a fortune forged in railroads and steel can't buy entrance into the upper echelons of Victorian high society--for that you need a marriage of convenience.
American heiress August Crenshaw has aspirations. But unlike her peers, it isn't some stuffy British Lord she wants wrapped around her finger--it's Crenshaw Iron Works, the family business. When it's clear that August's outrageously progressive ways render her unsuitable for a respectable match, her parents offer up her younger sister to the highest entitled bidder instead. This simply will not do. August refuses to leave her sister to the mercy of a loveless marriage.
Evan Sterling, the Duke of Rothschild, has no intention of walking away from the marriage. He's recently inherited the title only to find his coffers empty, and with countless lives depending on him, he can't walk away from the fortune a Crenshaw heiress would bring him. But after meeting her fiery sister, he realizes Violet isn't the heiress he wants. He wants August, and he always gets what he wants.
But August won't go peacefully to her fate. She decides to show Rothschild that she's no typical London wallflower. Little does she realize that every stunt she pulls to make him call off the wedding only makes him like her even more.
The New York Crenshaws are new money. Having made their fortune in railroads, much of the world is at their disposal. But without a certain pedigree, the Crenshaws will never truly have access to the pinnacle of high society. August Crenshaw is horrified when her friend Camille is forced into a marriage of convenience with a titled Brit several years her senior. August vows to avoid such an arrangement, dreaming instead of a day when she may manage her family’s rail business. Evan Sterling, the Duke of Rothschild, is the head of a financially failing family. His mother and sisters require care a title alone cannot provide. To prop up his estate, he needs money. Money a marriage to a certain American heiress could provide.
Perhaps it’s the Bridgerton influence, but I cannot get enough of historical romance these days. I’ve read the steamiest erotica around, but if I’m deep in a historical romance and a bare hand so much as brushes a bare wrist (gasp), I’m a puddle. If a pair is unchaperoned? I’m riveted. I know. It’s messed up. But there’s something to be said for the glacial pace of romance in these stories. The tension is off the hook. This is incredibly rewarding if there’s an adequate payoff. Harper delivers 100 percent.
The infusion of feminist ideals in The Heiress Gets a Duke, while likely inaccurate from a historical perspective, lends a fresh view for contemporary readers. August is relatable in her goals for intellectual challenge and independence. Because the Duke of Rothschild is rather altruistic in his motives, we can quickly forgive his fortune-hunting ways.
The Heiress Gets a Duke is a charming, wonderful read. I was enchanted from beginning to end by the sumptuous settings, relatable characters, and entrancing relationship dynamics. I was genuinely disappointed when the novel concluded as I wanted the story to continue. The good news is, this is the premier installment in a series. The Devil and Heiress, The Gilded Age Heiresses #2 is slated for June release.
Five Sheep
January 26, 2021
316 pages
Even a fortune forged in railroads and steel can't buy entrance into the upper echelons of Victorian high society--for that you need a marriage of convenience.
American heiress August Crenshaw has aspirations. But unlike her peers, it isn't some stuffy British Lord she wants wrapped around her finger--it's Crenshaw Iron Works, the family business. When it's clear that August's outrageously progressive ways render her unsuitable for a respectable match, her parents offer up her younger sister to the highest entitled bidder instead. This simply will not do. August refuses to leave her sister to the mercy of a loveless marriage.
Evan Sterling, the Duke of Rothschild, has no intention of walking away from the marriage. He's recently inherited the title only to find his coffers empty, and with countless lives depending on him, he can't walk away from the fortune a Crenshaw heiress would bring him. But after meeting her fiery sister, he realizes Violet isn't the heiress he wants. He wants August, and he always gets what he wants.
But August won't go peacefully to her fate. She decides to show Rothschild that she's no typical London wallflower. Little does she realize that every stunt she pulls to make him call off the wedding only makes him like her even more.
The New York Crenshaws are new money. Having made their fortune in railroads, much of the world is at their disposal. But without a certain pedigree, the Crenshaws will never truly have access to the pinnacle of high society. August Crenshaw is horrified when her friend Camille is forced into a marriage of convenience with a titled Brit several years her senior. August vows to avoid such an arrangement, dreaming instead of a day when she may manage her family’s rail business. Evan Sterling, the Duke of Rothschild, is the head of a financially failing family. His mother and sisters require care a title alone cannot provide. To prop up his estate, he needs money. Money a marriage to a certain American heiress could provide.
Perhaps it’s the Bridgerton influence, but I cannot get enough of historical romance these days. I’ve read the steamiest erotica around, but if I’m deep in a historical romance and a bare hand so much as brushes a bare wrist (gasp), I’m a puddle. If a pair is unchaperoned? I’m riveted. I know. It’s messed up. But there’s something to be said for the glacial pace of romance in these stories. The tension is off the hook. This is incredibly rewarding if there’s an adequate payoff. Harper delivers 100 percent.
The infusion of feminist ideals in The Heiress Gets a Duke, while likely inaccurate from a historical perspective, lends a fresh view for contemporary readers. August is relatable in her goals for intellectual challenge and independence. Because the Duke of Rothschild is rather altruistic in his motives, we can quickly forgive his fortune-hunting ways.
The Heiress Gets a Duke is a charming, wonderful read. I was enchanted from beginning to end by the sumptuous settings, relatable characters, and entrancing relationship dynamics. I was genuinely disappointed when the novel concluded as I wanted the story to continue. The good news is, this is the premier installment in a series. The Devil and Heiress, The Gilded Age Heiresses #2 is slated for June release.
Five Sheep
Bianca Greenwood
Harper St. George was raised in the rural backwoods of Alabama and along the tranquil coast of northwest Florida. It was a setting filled with stories of the old days that instilled in her a love of history, romance, and adventure. By high school, she had discovered the historical romance novel which combined all of those elements into one perfect package. She has been hooked ever since.
She lives in the Atlanta area with her family. She would love to hear from you. Please visit her website at www.harperstgeorge.com and connect with her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/harperstgeorge.
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