Let’s start off by acknowledging the fact that this cover is simply stunning. When second I laid eyes on this cover, I knew I needed to read it. It’s gorgeous and it promises to capture the feeling of opulence in the Gilded Age. This was an easy yes to review!
I have never read anything by Harper St George before but she has written a number of romances so I was eager to see how she compared to some of the other historical romances I have been reading lately. I instantly fell in love with this one and the characters not to mention to luxurious setting!
I could easily have read this book in one sitting and in fact I almost did but then I had work the following day so I sadly had to put a bookmark in with only 10% left of the book. It was a quick romantic escape full of romance, heat, and chemistry. I loved it and am so glad that this book is the first of her new series. I am really looking forward to Violet’s story next!
Summary
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 unsuitible 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. (summary from Goodreads)
Review
I adored August and Evan. Their chemistry was full of undertones that were romantic, emotional, and sexual. I loved their banter and watching them fall for one another. I thought the premise of their romance fit well within the time period and setting. An impoverished duke and a wealthy heiress marrying for convenience but suddenly falling in love was a great troupe and brought the glamour of two worlds—-the peerage and New York heiresses. I loved how rich the setting was and how the two characters embodied the elegance of the age. I loved the descriptions of the clothing and the time period. I think I was most surprised by this. Typically in romance novels, they sometimes have skimp on the historical details but not in this one.
As I noted already, the banter between August and Evan was great but it was their undeniable attracting to one another that stole the show. At times August was a frustrating heroine, she valued her independence to a fault and was almost willing to throw Evan over in favor of a—job? I had a hard time with that at times, but I also appreciated that the author was writing a character that younger readers could see as a ‘modern’ woman rather than the traditional heroines of some historical romances. I think that August was much more resistant to the romance that was blooming between her and Evan but I loved watching her slowly discover that her feelings were more than she had once thought they were.
Evan was a wonderful and worthy hero. I appreciated that he was willing to let August be her own woman and he wasn’t going to force marriage on her (even if I was screaming, inside for her to marry him already!). I loved that he respected her character and her choice but at the same time wasn’t foolish or prideful enough to let her slip through his fingers. I found him sexy, charming, progressive, and sensitive in unexpected ways. I loved him.
The focus of this story was very much about love and not just lust. Don’t get me wrong this one had some steamy scenes, but it wasn’t just about how hot Evan was for August or vice versa. It was very much a love story and I appreciated that. Sometimes it becomes more about the lust in some romances, but this one had a lot of romance not just the lust which made me love it even more. I adored this one and I have already pre-ordered the next book in the series. I hope there are more from this author in this series, I need more of the rich, sexy, and charming Gilded Age heiresses!
Book Info and Rating
Kindle Edition, 316 pages
Published January 26th 2021 by Berkley
ASINB087PL8F6F
Free review copy provided by publisher, Berkley in partnership with HFVBT, all opinions are my own and in no way influenced.
Rating: 5 stars
Genre: historical romance
WHERE TO BUY (AFFILIATE LINKS)
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound
Praise
“A fun, fresh historical romance that gives both formidable characters their due.” – Publishers Weekly
“A delightfully entertaining read, rich with romance, glamour, and lush Victorian detail. Harper St. George truly captures the spirt of the era.” – USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews
“THE HEIRESS GETS A DUKE is a sexy, emotional romantic tale, set against the backdrop of the changing Victorian England. August Crenshaw is exactly the strong, intelligent, self-reliant heroine that Evan Sterling needs – the only trouble is neither one believes it. Watching the path of their romance and their battles makes this story a winner. Harper St. George is a must-buy for me!” – USA Today bestselling author Terri Brisbin
“Wit, seduction and passion blend seamlessly to create this deeply emotional romance. St. George weaves an intriguing plot with complex characters to provide the perfect sensual escape. There’s nothing I didn’t love about The Heiress Gets a Duke, especially its lush, captivating glimpse into history.” – USA Today bestselling author Anabelle Bryant
“There are only a few authors that make me want to take the day off to devour their latest book and Harper St. George is one of them. Rich with period detail, The Heiress Gets a Duke brings to life the Gilded Age’s dollar princesses in this smart, sexy, and oh so satisfying story. It’s a real treat for anyone who enjoys historical romances with strong characters that will stay with you long after you close the book. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in this series.” – Laurie Benson, award-winning author of The Sommersby Brides series
“The electricity crackles between August and Evan from their gloriously unconventional and improper first meeting, through their first scandalous waltz and continues to sizzle till the very last page. As much as August tries to fight her overwhelming attraction to the most unlikeliest of dukes, through their very practical and business-like courtship and all the trials and tribulations Ms St George throws at them, she soon comes to realise that the man earmarked for her sister is not only her destiny but the unexpected love of her life. You’ll sigh, you’ll cry, and you’ll grin yourself silly as this independent and cynical heiress finally gets her duke.” – Virginia Heath
“The Heiress Gets a Duke is a charming, compulsively readable delight and I can’t wait for the next book from Harper St George’s magical pen!” – Evie Dunmore
About 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.
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 www.harperstgeorge.com. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Goodreads.
Blog Tour Schedule
Tuesday, January 26
Review at Passages to the Past
Wednesday, January 27
Guest Post at Novels Alive
Thursday, January 28
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books
Friday, January 29
Review at Novels Alive
Monday, February 1
Excerpt at Coffee and Ink
Review at Historical Romance Lover
Tuesday, February 2
Review at Madwoman in the Attic
Wednesday, February 3
Review at Bookish Rantings
Thursday, February 4
Review at Bibliostatic
Friday, February 5
Review at Into the Hall of Books
Monday, February 8
Review at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals
Excerpt at Cross My Heart Writing & Reviews
Tuesday, February 9
Review at Rajiv’s Reviews
Excerpt at What Is That Book About
Wednesday, February 10
Review at The Romance Dish
Thursday, February 11
Review at The Lit Bitch
Review at McCombs on Main
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit
Friday, February 12
Review at View from the Birdhouse
Monday, February 15
Review at Flea with a Degree
Wednesday, February 17
Review at Reader_ceygo
Thursday, February 18
Interview at Reader_ceygo
Friday, February 19
Review & Excerpt at Bookworlder
Giveaway
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The Lit Bitch 
Thank you so much for this wonderful review + blog tour support!
Amy
HF Virtual Book Tours