In this combined post, I will be reviewing the first two books in The Gilded Age Heiresses series.
Series: The Gilded Age Heiresses #1
Being an American heiress is not enough for August Crenshaw. She wants to join Crenshaw Iron Works. She does not want to join anyone in matrimony. Her parents certainly do not see things her way. In fact, they expect August to eventually make a good match. But for now, at the very least, her parents plan on marrying off her younger sister.
Title: The Devil and the HeiressABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Harper St. George was raised in rural 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.
Author: Harper St. George
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: Kindle
No. of Pages: 316
Date of Publication: January 26, 2021
My Rating: 4 Stars
DESCRIPTION:
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.
MY THOUGHTS:
Being an American heiress is not enough for August Crenshaw. She wants to join Crenshaw Iron Works. She does not want to join anyone in matrimony. Her parents certainly do not see things her way. In fact, they expect August to eventually make a good match. But for now, at the very least, her parents plan on marrying off her younger sister.
Thank goodness for August looking out for her sister Violet, especially when her parents have decided the only man for their younger daughter is Evan Sterling, the Duke of Rothschild. Evan plans of following through with marrying Violet. He is in dire need of funds and this marriage will definitely line his pockets. However, the demure Violet does not appeal to him. In fact, it is her fiery sister August that stirs his blood.
Problem? Many problems, in fact. For one thing the girls' father has made a decision. Another problem? August is a strong-minded woman, one who will not be easy to tame. However, that proves to be part of the draw for Sterling.
I knew right away that I would love this book. In fact, just the name of the series, which is the Gilded Age timeframe. So far, most historical romance books I have read during this era prove very strong heroines, acting completely out of the norm. August fits the bill with that regard. She is intelligent, witty, and very forward compared to a lot of women during those days. She was a remarkable heroine in this delightful story, making The Heiress Gets a Duke an enjoyable read from start to finish.
* * * * *
Series: The Gilded Age Heiresses #2
Author: Harper St. George
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: Kindle
No. of Pages: 304
Date of Publication: June 29, 2021
My Rating: 5 Stars
DESCRIPTION:
Sparks fly when a runaway heiress bargains with a devilish rogue to escape a marriage of convenience.
No one would guess that beneath Violet Crenshaw's ladylike demeanor lies the heart of a rebel. American heiresses looking to secure English lords must be on their best behavior, but Violet has other plans. She intends to flee London and the marriage her parents have arranged to become a published author--if only the wickedly handsome earl who inspired her most outrageously sinful character didn't insist on coming with her.
Christian Halston, Earl of Leigh, has a scheme of his own: escort the surprisingly spirited dollar princess north and use every delicious moment in close quarters to convince Violet to marry him. Christian needs an heiress to rebuild his Scottish estate but the more time he spends with Violet, the more he realizes what he really needs is her--by his side, near his heart, in his bed.
Though Christian's burning glances offer unholy temptation, Violet has no intention of surrendering herself or her newfound freedom in a permanent deal with the devil. It's going to take more than pretty words to prove this fortune hunter's love is true....
MY THOUGHTS:
American heiresses during the Gilded Age in England were considered "new money" and were often snubbed. Finding a good match was on the minds of many young ladies and their parents. In the first book of this series, Violet Crenshaw's parents tried to marry her off to Evan Sterling, the Duke of Rothschild. However, Evan fell for Violet's older sister August and the pair are now enjoying blissful matrimony. So, her parents deem to try yet again.
Violet has other ideas. In fact, she has plans to flee London and to fulfill her dream of becoming a published author. However, Christian Halston, Earl of Leigh, gets in the way. He ends up becoming her escort. This is certainly not altruistic behavior for Christian. He has other plans. Devious, perhaps, Salacious, certainly. Beyond that, he needs to marry an heiress in order to rebuild his Scottish estate. Admittedly, Violet is more than attracted to the sexy Earl. However, it is the taste of freedom that attracts Violet more.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, The Heiress Gets a Duke. But it is this book, The Devil and the Heiress that really made my heart sing. I so enjoy this era in history. In this story, you have two strong characters who are at cross purposes, with each planning to get their way - yet ending up together. Yes, it is a HEA, so no surprise at that. It is the journey that this book offers that brought me such joy. I am really loving this series and I am really looking forward to the third book in this series, The Lady Tempts an Heir, scheduled for release in February, 2022.
Harper St. George was raised in rural 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 husband and two children. When not writing, she can be found devouring her husband's amazing cooking and reading. She would love to hear from you. Please visit her website at harperstgeorge.com
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