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 … 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.
more
I have been loving historical romances lately and was excited to start The Heiress Gets a Duke after reading the blurb. This was an entertaining historical romance with a bit of a twist. I really loved the banter and back and forth between August and Evan and their chemistry was wonderful. For better or for worse, they never backed down and they challenged each other throughout the book. August was a force to be reckoned with and I loved that she stayed true to herself and her own dreams. Yes, there were communication issues and misunderstandings along the way, but for the most part there wasn’t a ton of angst in this one. The overall pacing was slow however, and it made the novel feel a bit too long. Things picked up in the last third or so of the book, but I wasn’t a fan of the OW drama that arose late in the story. The final resolution felt rushed and left me wanting more.
The secondary characters were great and played their roles perfectly, especially Mr. and Mrs. Crenshaw. I don’t think I could have despised them more! I’m curious to see how Violet and Leigh’s story unfolds and even Max has piqued my interest. Overall, this was an entertaining novel that historical romance fans will enjoy.
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
Series: The Gilded Age Heiresses #1
Publication Date: 1/26/2021
Number of Pages: 320
This is my first book by this author, but it definitely won’t be my last. The writing is excellent, the plot and delivery are perfectly timed, and the main characters are both relatable and likable. Usually, we see some rake of a titled bachelor happily dodging matchmaking mamas and their daughters – or we see a lovely innocent young woman being sold off to the highest bidder in the marriage mart. In this story, we see the marriage mart from the male side as well as the female. Both are made to feel like bits of horseflesh up for sale at Tattersals.
American Griswold Crenshaw, owner of Crenshaw Iron Works, is rich as Croesus, and he has brought his wife and two daughters, Violet and August, to London to enjoy the season while he makes some business deals. Things are going along swimmingly until he and his wife learn of a pockets-to-let duke who could be persuaded to marry his daughter Violet. It would take a bit of collusion with the duke’s mother to get him to do it, but Violet wouldn’t have a choice. The green-eyed-monster has struck at the Crenshaw home, so why not buy themselves a duke.
Viewed by society as “mannish”, August Crenshaw is a bluestocking who loves working with her father. She loves seeing that contracts are correct, that the books are balanced, and well … just everything about business. She cannot believe that her father would sell off her younger sister just to gain an English title in the family. She is incensed and wastes no time in telling both of her parents and the duke exactly what she thinks about the whole transaction. She’ll do whatever she can to save her sister from that fate. However, her success comes at a cost when the duke ignores her sister and focuses on her. Uh Oh!
Evan Sterling, Duke of Rothschild, wasn’t meant to be the duke – nor did he want to be – yet, here he is. After the death of his much-loved brother, he became the heir – and then the duke. After his father’s death a year ago, it was a shock to learn that the estate was totally insolvent. Not a farthing to be had. Evan has done all he can to keep things afloat – he has even been bare-knuckle brawling to earn money. Things are critical with his twin sisters needing a come-out next year and his entailed estates falling down around his ears. He doesn’t want a bride at all right now, but he definitely doesn’t want one simply for her fortune. However, he is a man of his time, and agrees to marry the Crenshaw heiress. He has seen – and maybe admired – the older Crenshaw sister and assumes that is who his mother has chosen. Except – when he is introduced, he discovers that isn’t the case. Oh! My!
I loved Evan and Autumn and I loved that they both spoke openly and honestly with each other. There wasn’t any of the angsty holding back of what they really wanted to say while thinking he/she must have meant this or that. They said what they had to say frankly and openly. I loved that. But then, at a critical point, “The Great Misunderstanding” point, they both chose NOT say what they meant. That wasn’t my favorite part of the book. However, once they came to their senses they made up for lost time.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read and I hope you will give it a try and enjoy it as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
One fiery, feisty heiress.
One classically charming, charismatic Duke.
One burning romance that will entice you with each turn of the page.
Utterly enchanting, dramatic, and combustible. This story had very bit of flare and sugary sweet bits to ensure I was throughly enthralled from the very beginning.
August is the the shining example of an independent leading lady, while Evan is the ultimate historical hero that will make any reader swoon.
Not only did this story give me pleasant tingles that had me smiling, but it also surprised me with well-rounded complex characters with such dimension I found myself intrigued at what they might get up to next.
August and Evan had an abundance of growth throughout the story as they both found not only each other, but themselves. One aspect of a story that gives me such joy while reading is when characters become. When they surpass what they once were.
They began in such different places than they ended in, and it is beautiful when they reach it together. Such chemistry, such passion! I adored every minute of this book and I must confess that I feel a need to run and purchase every book by this author. She has most assuredly found a new fan here.
I love the twist on this historical romance. With an American family living in Britain, wealthy, and a curiosity, that certainly puts pressure on the marriage front for the sisters in this story.
Enter the “mannish“ hard-working young lady who is quite taken with this wonderfully good looking man who just happens to be a Duke. However, she is not wanting nor willing to be married. But the sparks fly every time they see each other.
It’s very interesting to me the rules that apply to the Regency era. If you dance with someone too long or multiple times that’s indicative of intending to marry them.
If you look at someone too long or talk to them one on one, it is a big to do. If a woman holds a job or runs a business, she’s not worthy of acceptance and is forced to choose between marriage and business.
The author takes on some of these interesting “rules” of society in the story. She plays a delicate balance between Evan and August and the fact that he needs her but he also really wants her to be his wife. Enter negotiations on many levels.
The connection between the two of them is fire. The conversations are not typical of a Regency romance. You can feel the heat and steam radiating in the push and pull of the story. You want to cheer Evan on for the chase and the determination to get what he wants, yet balance her needs and desires.
With glitz and glamour working along with the cash-poor wealthy too, this story is interesting, engaging, and a unique romance that leaves you with a smile and a sigh. Well done!