A self-made man set on revenge, and a beautiful heiress—stunned by the magnetism that neither wants to acknowledge—attempt to bridge the gulf between tradesman and nobility. Without ruining each other. Wealthy importer Blake Edison will stop at nothing to destroy the Duke of Somerset—the man who should have saved Edison’s mother from starving in the streets and didn’t. But can he fulfill his … fulfill his diabolical mission without losing Willow? That is, without losing Lady Willow Gilchrist, the gifted beauty whose father is forcing her to become the Duke’s daughter-in-law?
This story of desire in both mind and heart is set against the backdrop of a dynamic new clothing industry in Victorian England. Lady Willow Gilchrist is prepared to endure the upturned noses of the ton in order to pursue her passion for designing fashions for the explosive new business the handsomely intrepid Blake Edison has launched. She would willingly lose her place in Society if only she could take her place at his side.
But will he let her?
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giving up title for love is not easy in victorian era.
I loved the characters. They are more realistic than those of some novels I have read of that era. There is a cross-section of people who are frequently left out of novels.
No sex to skip thru
There’s a romance they try fighting it no steam here. Socially unacceptable relationship but it gets done.
I really enjoyed this book and it was interesting to read about the class divisions as the nobility fights against merchants and “new money” being acceptable and at a time when the talents of noblewomen cannot even be dreamt about, all woven into a grand love story.
Blake Edison is an illegitimate son, so society doesn’t care if he’s become a wealthy importer of fabrics. Quentin, Marquess of Kendrick will marry Willow, a well-dowered young woman and dutiful daughter, so that his father the duke’s debts will be paid. In return for her dowry, Willow’s brothers will be given estates that will support them and allow them to marry. Willow’s feelings of a need for a loving marriage are never even considered. Instead she pours her passion into designing clothing and matching designs with fabrics. So long as she can keep her avocation secret from society, Willow will be able to retain her reputation. But she falls in lve with but is engaged to Quentin. This familiar plot dilemna is well-handled, so the book is a delightful read.
loved it
Liked the evolving of the hero into someone who learns that he can and wants to change his goals in life to healthier ones. Rare to find in this kind of tale. Enjoyed the story a lot.
Was a wonderful story. It really made me think how stifling being a woman back then with a mind must have been. Characters were believable and the story was engaging.
a well executed tale and a great read
It was pretty good…. easy read, that I finished in an afternoon.
Blake is a bastard. He’s the by-blow of a very powerful Duke. Although he was an orphaned child of the streets, he has become a self made man of industry and wealth, but he hasn’t ever let go of his past. Blake had never forgiven his father, and plans his revenge.
Lady Willow is an unusual young woman, unconcerned with the usual activities of ladies in her day. Rather than making morning calls, or taking up feminine hobbies, she has a passion for fashion and designing, and heaven forbid, the business end of it all. It is a result of this endeavor that Willow meets Blake.
Lady Willow is expected to marry well to please her family, but in doing so she may lose her freedom to create, her newfound identity, and above all her connection to Blake. But more than that, her future marriage is a connection to Blake’s past that is rife with lies, danger, and intrigue. Can Blake convince her to abandon her marriage contract even knowing how it will affect her loved ones?
This is a really terrific story, with an engrossing plot and interesting characters. I am hoping the the young Duke, Blake’s half brother also has a story of his own. I look forward to it.
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical romance with intrigue and just enough passion and longing, but keeps it the sweet category.
Blake Edison is the illegitimate son of the Duke of Somerset. He grew up hating the man that was responsible for his mother’s death. Full of anger and determined to ruin the man and get his revenge. Willow is being pressured into marrying the Duke of Somerset’s son. Willow secretly loves to design clothes and gets drawn into a business adventure with Blake, but secrets have a way of coming out. This was the first book of Laura Landon’s that I have read. I loved it, and couldn’t put it down. It was such a good story and I fell in love with the characters. I will definitely be looking to read another of her books!
A nice, relaxing Victorian romance novel. I didn’t want to put this down once I began the story. The plot was refreshingly different and the candor and sincerity of her characters was amazing. I believe this is my first book by Laura Landon, but it won’t be the last! An easy to recommend book as well as a showcase for Ms. Landon’s gifted storytelling ability.
Laura Landon has presented us with a different angle than the usual high society romance. This is the story of Blake, a successful cloth merchant, and Lady Willow whose father is a Earl. The backstory of Blakes young life is one of loss and denial of family. He is a boy of the streets, after his mother dies, and is found and given a chance in life by a cloth merchant of means. When his mentor and savior dies, he discovers that he is left the cloth business and becomes quite wealthy. Lady Willow is a designer in hiding from society and meets Blake when she visits his cloth warehouse. These characters are well developed, are enjoyable and the book is a keeper.
It is reading stories such as this that make me realize why I love historical romance so much. Rich Man brings us two exciting characters, one that defines the emotionally hurt hero, Blake Edison and Willow Gilchrist, a Lady willing to give up her happiness to aid her family. Blake is a rich importer who has made his money from the fabric business but is ultimately focused on revenge. His father, the Duke of Somerset had left his actress mother and would not provide any help before she died.
Lady Willow Gilchrist has had a passion for designing clothing and matching with fabric and she gets introduced to Blake when she is at her modiste. Unfortunately she becomes engaged to the son of Somerset as her feelings for Blake ignite.
The writing flowed effortlessly and the storyline was intense, filled with revenge, suspense and many turns.. I fell in love with Blake and Willow. They were meant for each other and you could feel the emotions coming off the page. As I sit here after turning the last page, I can only hope that the next books in this series come out quickly. I can hardly wait. Thank you Laura Landon for such an amazing story.
Wealthy importer of fabrics Blake Edison is a self made man who will stop at nothing to destroy the Duke of Somerset the man who should have saved Edison’s mother from starving in the streets and didn’t. Lady Willow Gilchrist is the daughter of an earl but longs to be able to indulge in her ability as a dress designer. She has been bequeathed a huge dowry from her Grandmother & so draws the attention of the Duke of Somerset who proposes a marriage between Willow & his heir Quentin Marvell, the Marquis of Kendrick. Blake & Willow meet when she visits his fabric warehouse with Madame Georgette Boulereau, the modiste who helps Willow with her designs. Their attraction is immediate but they are from such diverse backgrounds.
I really like the author’s books the stories are well written & flow effortlessly, the characters are very well drawn. I read the book in two sittings as I was loathe to put it down. Blake & Willow are so likeable & their attraction sizzles but there are huge obstacles in their way. I was drawn into the story from the beginning & at times wondered how Blake & Willow could be together. I also liked Quentin who was very much a pawn manipulated by his horrid father, I hope he has his story, maybe the poor man?
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Rich Man (Rich Man | Poor Man | Beggar Man | Thief Book 1) by Laura Landon is a quick, enjoyable and satisfying read. Promises to be a great new series.
Blake Edison, a self-made man and wealthy importer, set on revenge for the wrongs committed to himself and his mother. Lady Willow Gilchrist, a gifted beauty, who enjoys designing and matching materials for lady’s gowns. Blake is out for revenge against his father, the Duke of Somerset. Can he destroy Willow in order to destroy the Duke of Somerset?
Well crafted, with well developed and highly engaging characters. The storyline is amazing, thrilling and compelling. With revenge, romance, mystery, suspense, twists and turns and surprises, readers will be turning pages all through the night. I read it in one setting. I enjoyed Blake and Willow’s story tremendously. A complicated and intensive love story with a HEA. Looking forward to the next in this amazing series.
I received a complimentary copy, however, all opinions are my own.
Rating: 4.5