I recently watched Bridgerton on Netflix and was obsessed. So I knew I had to read this one. This was the perfect book I needed right now to switch up my genres. It was a quick and very entertaining. Also steamy in some parts so beware if you don’t like that! Can’t wait for the second book in this series!

August must prevent her sister from a loveless match. Evan her sister's intended needs this wealthy match and upon meeting August decides he wants her instead. This is a typical enemies to lovers romance.

THE HEIRESS GETS A DUKE by Harper St. George is the First book in The Gilded Age Heiresses. This is the story of Evan Sterling, the Duke of Rothschild and August Crenshaw. Evan has no choice but to marry to help his title and the people that depend on him. August has no desire to marry but does wish to take over the family business. This leads her family to put her younger sister Violet to be the one to marry, but August doesn't want to leave her sister to that fate. Evan is fine with Violet until he lays eyes on August and then he starts to want her even through the antics she pulls. Really enjoyed this book and will be looking for more from this author.

The first in a new gilded age romance introduces us to a fabulously rich American family clashing over marriage. The parents are convinced a socially advantageous marriage is what is best for their daughters, regardless of said daughters' feelings on the matter. Initially, it seems the mother is the orchestrator of this husband hunting, but as the story progresses you can see the father is equally invested. The daughters are you united in their disdain for this idea. They want to marry a man of their own choosing and in their own time. August, the older daughter, has been bypassed as the target for an arranged marriage in favour of her younger, seemingly more malleable sister. However, August has promised to help her sister avoid a marriage she does not want. In fulfilling her vow, August becomes the pauper duke's choice. Her parents have no objections to switch their attentions to August. August prides herself in her business acumen and it was heartbreaking to see her realize that her valued place in the family business is not as secure as she thought. I loved the way the siblings supported each other and the duke's family. The dynamics between the main characters were delightful. It would have been a five star read, except for a black moment. It seemed out of character for the hero, and the resolution was not fully satisfying to me. I am still looking forward to the next book in the series and would recommend this book to fellow historical romance lovers.

Pro: Great time period that is rarely featured in romance novels, generally well written and entertaining
Con: Long buildup to quick end
Verdict: The ending fell flat

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

Oh, This was good. The Heiress Gets A Duke by Harper St. George hits all the marks. Ms. St. George takes the standard, "No you can't marry my sweet sister, I will sacrifice myself" vein and mixes with a Duke who loves her sass, her fighting his advances.

In 1874, August Crenshaw travels to London with her parents and sister Violet. Unbeknownst to August and Violet, their parents have decide to marry one of them off to a duke. The Crenshaws are wealthy but they want to be part of the aristocracy - even at the price of marrying off one of their daughters to attain this. Evan Sterling, the Duke of Rothschild, has a title and a number of estates, but he needs cash to repair the estates and support his mother and sisters. Although the Crenshaws push for a match between their youngest daughter, Violet, and Evan, he is more interested in the oldest daughter, August, who is independent and fiery.

I will admit to judging a book by its cover because the cover of this book is beautiful and made me immediately want to read the novel! I love historical fiction and am interested in the Gilded Age.

This is the first book in a new series. I flew through this read and have already looked to find out more about the next book in the series. I absolutely loved it! The Heiress Gets a Duke is such a smart, well written historical romance.

August is a bright woman with a head for business (she has helped in her family's business interests) and August and Evan have a meeting of the minds as well as an immediate attraction. They are my favorite fictional couple in quite a while, and I would love to read more of their story!

The period setting, 1874 - 1875 London, was perfection. I loved details like August's Worth gown, and the lovely (but in need of repairs) Rothschild estate.

Each chapter begins with a clever quotation, often about women's independence or relationships, i.e. "I would have girls regard themselves not as adjectives, but as nouns. ELIZABETH CADY STANTON" (eBook location 2636).

The Heiress Gets a Duke was a smart, lively, and fun read! I recommend it highly for fans of historical romance, and especially for anyone interested in the Gilded Age.

Y’all know I love some historical fiction/romance, so let’s discuss what I loved about The Heiress Gets a Duke!

August

I totally get her. I get her want/need for independence. I get her stubbornness about giving that up with no certainty that the dude she marries is going to honor his promise to “allow” her to work. I get her disappointment in her father when he turns out not to be what she always thought (#relatable). Like sure, Evan is a good guy but she can’t know that for certain. Especially in a world where she’s seen friends delivered up on a platter to abusive assholes. Are my trust issues showing??

Either way, I get everything August is feeling and thinking and I definitely connected to her the most because of that.

Evan

I also get Evan. The feeling like a fuck-up because your finances are in a hole and that despite everything you try, they don’t seem to be getting better. Damn. Any poor person can understand that. While I would have sold my bachelor quarters as soon as possible, I also understand why he wanted to have a place of his own.

Wanting to keep his mom and sisters in their own home and in as nice of clothes and things as possible showed early on how committed he could be to the people he cares about and when August became one of those people, he shows he’d behave the same way towards her.

I also love a character who boxes so I was all-in from the start lol.

Banter

Evan and August had some amazing banter, especially when August thought he was going after her sister. I would not have been surprised if she stole a letter opener and stabbed him if it meant saving her sister from a marriage she didn’t want. Their scenes together were definitely some of my faves.

Sibling Love

I LOVED the relationship August and Violet. They supported each other completely and it was great to read how protective they were of each other. I also liked that they knew their brother would defend them as well. While we saw less of him, the confidence they had in him showed his character more than anything. I love a book with strong sibling relationships.

Critiques

I only have a few critiques. One is that I wish August was believed a little more. She clearly knows what she wants and is great at her job. I wish there were one more person in her corner who had complete faith in her and who listened to her wants and needs.

My other critique is about the small parts about India. While I don’t expect characters to know everything going on in the world during their time, having multiple British characters (or people who are living in Britain) talk about India and British and American companies doing business there with no reference or anything about the absolute destruction Britain does to that country and it’s people felt off. I wanted some mention of it by any of the characters.

Overall, I enjoyed The Heiress Gets a Duke. If you’re looking for a historical romance with some steamy moments (bring your fan), The Heiress Gets a Duke might be right up your alley. I’m giving it 3.5 out of 5 stars.

The Heiress Gets a Duke by Harper St. George is available now.

The Heiress Gets a Duke is a wonderful, character-driven novel about the gray area between family responsibility and duty to self. It’s the first book I’ve read by Harper St. George (more known for Viking and Western romance) but it certainly will not be the last.

New Yorkers August Crenshaw and her sister Violet are attending the London season with their parents and also visiting their friend Camille, lately married to the older, unkind Duke of Hereford. New Yorker Camille was sacrificed at the altar of family ambition and is miserable in London. Hoping to cheer her, August agrees to accompany her on a late night outing – a boxing match. August is at first appalled but quickly finds herself mesmerized by one of the fighters – known only as the Hellion. When the crowd surges near the end of the fight, she is knocked off the platform only to be caught by the Hellion. He asks for a good luck kiss in return for the rescue and she, quite uncharacteristically, gives him one.

August and Violet assumed they were coming to London to see the sights and visit Camille, never imagining their parents (owners of the lucrative Crenshaw Iron Works) would consider sacrificing one of their daughters in the same way as happened to their friend. So when they are informed the following evening that the Duke of Rothschild is interested in marriage with a Crenshaw daughter, the girls are shocked. It turns out that their father wishes to expand his business in England and having a duke in the family is the perfect way to do this. Mr. and Mrs. Crenshaw decide that Violet will be the perfect wife for the Duke; with August’s mind for numbers and keen ability to analyze deals, she’s too crucial in running the family business (besides being considered “mannish” by the ton for her interest in business).

Evan Sterling, the Duke of Rothschild, never expected to inherit the dukedom – especially without any funds. He is trying his hardest to earn more and spend less but the creditors are at the door and he still has a mother to support and two sisters to launch next year. As distasteful as he finds it, Evan realizes he’s going to have to marry an heiress and soon. His mother thinks Violet is the best choice and they all meet for dinner. Violet and August are not interested – Violet has a beau in New York and August has ambitions within Crenshaw Iron Works. August pledges to Violet that she will stop the engagement. She confronts Evan (who looks suspiciously like the Hellion) at the party. He agrees to stop pursuing Violet – he is far more interested in August anyway!

“The debts are my father’s. The family honor rightfully belonged to my dutiful brother. My mother is the one who chose Violet.” He took the final step to reach her, closing the distance between them. The heat of her body warmed him as the fire could not. “I would have one things that is mine. I would choose my own wife. I choose you.”

Evan is a top-notch hero! He just wants to do the best by his family but can’t he have the wife of his choice? Is that too much to ask? St. George does a lovely job of making this duke/boxer achingly vulnerable and so honest with August. August is the perfect balance of smart, witty, and tender. She is beyond disappointed that her father thinks so little of her or Violet that he is willing to ‘sell’ one of them in exchange for a title. Her contributions to Crenshaw Iron Works are enormous and yet he brushes them off like a little hobby of hers. It’s heart-breaking to see how devastated August is by her discovery of her father’s true nature.

The attraction between August and Evan starts at the boxing match and just about sizzles on all of the pages after that; the author certainly knows how to write a love scene and create and build sexual tension. And romance! I loved that there were many scenes with August and Evan just sharing parts of their lives with each other. This romance was physical and intellectual. I was pulling for Evan to convince August that they could make it.

I have three minor quibbles. The first is that Camille seems to just disappear from the story. It’s clear that there is more going on there and I was disappointed to have her story left up in the air. My second is with August’s prolonged wish to stay single and work for Crenshaw Iron Works in spite of what her father did. This angle of the story goes on a tad too long. My third issue is the Rothschild name. The Rothschilds were one of the wealthiest families of that era (and remain so today) so it was probably not the best name choice for a pauper duke.

This is the first book in The Gilded Age Heiresses series and St. George does a lovely job setting up the next story for Violet and one of Evan’s business partners. I can already tell book two is going to be packed with tension and romance as well! The Heiress Gets a Duke is a terrific book and gets a solid recommendation.

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This was one of the best historical romances I've read in a long time. Both August and Evan were great leads--I particularly appreciated the way Evan slowly realized the nuances of the situation he was putting August in and the ways he grew to support her in the complicated situation. August was a great heroine, too, and the journey she went on to realize her place in her family and what she wanted for the rest of her life was done well. St. George did a nice job of portraying the difficult situations women found themselves in those days and the lack of power they had while still giving August agency that was believable. I liked the side characters, and look forward to books about them down the road. Definitely recommended for historical romance fans and fans of romance in general!

This book was such a fun read!
I was entertained from beginning to end.
I enjoyed the relationship between the sisters.
I enjoyed the romance.
I cannot wait for book two.
Highly Recommend.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Berkley Pub for my advanced copy.

“The Heiress Gets a Duke” was a fun historical romance novel to read with strong lead characters.

Firstly, a romance novel needs to have complex characters who share dynamic chemistry for it to work. In some ways, August and Evan are complete opposites. Yet, they complement each other so well in their scenes together. August is a strong yet stubborn woman who is not ready to give up her professional life to settle for marriage. On the other hand, Evan wants to do what is best for his family, irrespective of whom he weds. He also faces emotional turmoil over what happened with William and his father. Both of them share a sizzling chemistry with bickering, arguments, and a steamy romance.

Secondly, the author also does a very excellent job of updating the plot. What initially starts as a tale where Evan is to wed the wrong sister soon becomes Evan’s tale convincing August to marry him. I enjoyed the second half of the story, only for the beautiful moments they share, where Evan opens up about his brother and family.

Thirdly, the author also touches on some exciting topics like the farmer’s situation, Women’s suffrage, and women’s right to vote. I loved the moments where Evan passionately talks about how he wants to do something for the farmers. I also found the railway in India storyline exciting and wanted to see how it progressed. Some incidents made me laugh out loud, like when Leigh refers to August as ‘mannish.’

My only minor criticism of the storyline is that it ended a bit abruptly. But, apart from that, I enjoyed this one! Overall, “The Heiress Gets a Duke” is a lovely book to read if you are in the mood for a fun historical romance.

This is the first book in the brand new series; The Gilded Age Heiresses and it’s going to be a good one. From this first glimpse I was hooked, it actually reminded me of one of my favourite book series; The Rules of Scoundrels by Sarah Maclean, this has the same edginess, the same lustful intoxicating will they won’t they romance which will have you glued and the moment we were swept across London to the fringes of Whitechapel and meet heavenly Evan wearing nothing but a fine pair of well-fitted breaches and nothing else but a glistening chest…

Oh, Lordy I am practically salivating 😉


That one chapter alone had me thinking of another Sarah MacLean book; No Good Duke Goes Unpunished – if you have read it, then you will have an inkling, if not then I highly recommend you do, plus read this one too 😉

The Heiress gets a Duke is an absolute cracker; romantic, glamourous, witty, steeped in rich historical detail with two of the most seductively entertaining characters I have come across.

This gorgeous book ticks every single box for me;

Smart, free-thinking, non-confirmative, strong-willed and confident heroine.

Seductive, brooding, handsome, bareknuckle boxing, not a sterotypical Duke.

Glittery, edgy Victorian era

Sexy, swoon-worthy, drop to your knees and beg to be ravaged hero.

Fun, romantic and entertaining plot.

Marvelously entertaining cast of characters.

Strong, captivating, not too ashamed to use his hands hero.

Beautiful and atmospheric settings.

..did I mention the hero? He is…well…My goodness, he is fabulous!!

I have been a huge Harper St. George fan for a long time, her Viking’s are some of the very best, so I knew that this one would be great after all she is a master of high emotion and dramatic storyline which draws the reader in right from the start and this is no different, this is an absolute joy to read, it’s not just pretty floating romantic words of girl meets duke and falls in love, no there is a real high-octane emotional drama which grips you from the start.

August Crenshaw, American heiress to the powerful Crenshaw Ironworks, she has been brought up wanting nothing yet she is no spoiled brat she understands her worth she understands money and she understands that their family is from ‘new money’ they aren’t welcomed in the higher society’s. To be honest, she is way too good for those snobs and better off out of the viperous pit that is society.

I really like August she has a head-on those stern shoulders and she is not afraid of using it, she has opinions and ideas of her own and again she isn’t too ashamed to share those, even though her behaviour is seen as a bit of an embarrassment. The Crenshaw’s have so much to be proud of and yet because they come from working stock and their money is practically seen as ‘dirty’ because it’s new, they are’ welcome but there is a way they would be welcomed in any house of their choosing; and that is for one of the daughters to marry an aristocrat.

Can you see where this is going yet?

Handsome, sexy, loyal, passionate, secret bare-knuckle boxer; Evan Sterling, the Duke of Rothschild after inheriting the title, he has also inherited a huge, mount Everest size debt, one which mere mortals like us could never imagine, but he has and he needs money fast. Which is one of the reasons he has been slinging the fists about in the ring, he has tried everything to get the money he needs but to be fair to him a debt as big as the one hanging over him isn’t going to see off by a few rounds in the ring. There is only one thing which is going to sort out his financial problem.

Yup, you guessed it, our dangerous, deadly, dutiful, drop-dead-gorgeous Duke is in need of a wealthy wife. But, if you think it’s going to be all plain sailing for either of them as the plan of a marriage of convenience doesn’t quite go to plan.

The plot of an American heiress and her millions bailing out the bankrupt British Duke isn’t hugely original as theses marriages of convenience did occur during the Regency and Victorian era, so that concept of the book is nothing new for me, but St. George has this gift of taking a well know trope and making it completely brand new with her engaging and uniquely dazzling writing which makes everything sparkle with new life and draws the reader into her glittery world.

From the stunningly beautiful cover to the sinfully romantic and enticing story within, The Heiress gets a Duke is a charming, glittery, richly detailed and spell-binding novel which crackles with desire and entertains with evocative banter and wit.

The Heiress gets a Duke is a mesmerising and highly addictive read, it’s a wonderful start to what is going to a marvellous series, I cannot recommend it enough and I can’t wait to read the next one.

4.5/5 - August Crenshaw is heiress to the wildly successful Crenshaw Iron Works. She holds a position in the company and loves her work. She probably should be thinking about marrying, but she doesn't really want to as she would be expected to quit her job and manage her household. London society and social circles back home in America all gossip about her and think her "mannish."

Evan Sterling, Duke of Rothschild, inherited his father's estate and his massive debt. He desperately needs to come up with some cash so he can make much-needed repairs to his homes and buildings, upgrade his farm equipment, and provide adequate wardrobes for his mother and sisters. Evan has been bareknuckle boxing in secrecy, trying to earn some money to keep things afloat, but he learns that he must marry-and soon-or he stands to lose much of what his family owns.

August first encounters Evan when she sneaks into one of his boxing matches. Before long, their two families and the rest of the London social scene are expecting an engagement announcement.

I love everything about this "handsome Duke marries wealthy American heiress" story. I love reading about the high society and norms from this time. August's parents tell her that she will be betrothed to Evan, which will make her Duchess and increase her social standing (and the standing of her father's business!). Evan stands to gain a lot of money out of their marriage, which will mean he can be rid of the debt he inherited and begin to make improvements to the lives of the people that are employed by his estate. August's independence, smarts, and stubbornness provide a lot of tension up against Evan's feelings of admiration toward her. The very things that make her the subject of gossip are the things he likes most about her: her desire to be heard, her choice to keep working, her intellect and expertise in the way of finance and management. The growing attraction between them is exquisitely timed (swoon!), but August continues to maintain that she will not marry Evan. Initially it is because she can't imagine giving away her job and her money; eventually it's really simply because she doesn't want to be told who to marry.

There is so much good, delicious chemistry in this story. All of the restraints placed on romances during this time make time alone quite forbidden, so watching these two maneuver around family and house staff to steal a few minutes alone is so much fun to read. I LOVE the way the two have fruitful and meaningful conversations about their feelings and their futures. I LOVE the way Evan is determined that August will have some say in her life and make her own choices. But the very best thing about this story is the way Evan pursued August. Historical romances are so sexy when the man respects the woman he wants to marry and when allows her to make choices for herself. Evan is determined to turn August's heart to him, so that she will choose to marry him willingly, and he refuses to make any announcements until he has her heart. Watching her take her time with her decision is so, so good.

I loved this entire story. Once I started reading, I never wanted to stop and I found myself putting off chores and work so I could read just one more chapter. I SO wish I had the next book in my hands but until then I see that Harper St. George has a nice historical romance backlist that I want to check out.


Many thanks to Berkley Publishing for allowing me to read this absolute GEM of a historical romance. I was provided a digital advanced copy by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I wasn't required to write a positive review, but I did because I liked it!

Evan Sterling is a duke, who like many of his peers, needs to marry an heiress. His nights spent bare-knuckle boxing have barely made a dent in the ducal debt and he needs to support hundreds of tenants that are relying on him.

He doesn't expect to see one of the Crenshaw girls - American heiresses to Crenshaw Ironworks - at one of his matches. One kiss and Evan thinks that marriage might not be such a bad idea, but his mother has her eye on the younger Crenshaw sister. Not August.

August is a protective older sister. She doesn't want to see Violet and doesn't want either of them to end up in a loveless marriage like her friend. The more time August spends warning off Evan means that she is just as intrigued as he, but unwilling to give up her position at her father's company.

I love what a headstrong heroine August was and how she had such a knack for business. Even when she recognizes that Evan respects her as a person, she is put off by how little say so in her own life and fights her attraction.

Loved this couple and can't wait for the next one!

This took me by surprise, I enjoyed it too much!It has a great beginning , I was intrigued and excited, and while I was reading more I find myself loving it.The plot was unique and I was so into the story.

“For centuries, wealthy heiresses have been lining up to marry dukes. Why am I the one who has to go crawling on his knees to one?”
“Because you are the one who has chosen a difficult bride.”

It was a fast paced read and the characters rocked this story.The romance wasintense and kept me on the edge.There is tension between them and passion.

I am going to be completely honest with you: I requested this ARC because of the gorgeous cover. I need a dress like that in my life, please and thank you.

American heiress August Crenshaw is not looking to get married any time soon. When August's parents force a courtship between her younger sister and an impoverished Duke, August is determined to protect her sister from the fortune hunter. Evan Sterling was not supposed to be the Duke of Rothschild. That title belonged to his brother. But now that both his older brother and father are dead, Evan's estate is saddled with debt and he has no choice but to marry an heiress, even an American one. It turns out that Evan is actually interested in August, not her younger sister. But August does not want to marry at this point of her life because she is more interested in continuing her work at her family company.

The first 35% of this book is boring. The meet cute was fun enough for me to keep going, but it took me a while to actually become invested in August and Evan. I was worried this book would be a total loss because for the longest time, everything just felt so flat and basic. Luckily, the story and the romance both picked up at the 35% mark, right after the couple's first waltz together. I became a lot more invested at that point. The book steadily improves from then on, but the ending kind of falters a bit.

Evan spends a good portion of the story convincing August to marry him. August, on the other hand, does not want to give up her job for Evan. Which is understandable, but it does get really repetitive. It also takes August a while to see that Evan is genuinely interested in improving the lives of the people who depend on him. As for Evan, he eventually realizes that he wants August not for her money, but because he genuinely likes her. The build up of sexual tension is pretty good and the steam level is perfect. But it's the emotional intimacy that really pulled me in. There's this amazing scene between August and Evan where Evan's walls are completely down and he allows himself to be emotionally vulnerable to August. The emotional depth of that scene is exactly what I was looking for in their relationship and it is easily my favourite scene in the entire book.

Overall, not a bad historical romance. I'm glad I pushed through and continued reading. I am intrigued enough about the supporting characters to want to continue this series. Violet and the Earl of Leigh are next!

Gender-defying, feminist heroine in a historical romance? And a boxing duke? Sign me up. There really wasn’t much to not love about this story! I heard this book classified as a marriage of convenience, but it is not that simple. What starts out as a potential betrothal for convenience, leads to so much more than that!

When American heiress August Crenshaw and her family go to England to visit her best friend, Camille, who had been married off to an old Duke who was in need of some funds, the last thing that she’s expecting is to find herself staring down the same fate. In an act of rebellion, August and Camille sneak out to a prize fighting competition in a seedy part of town. Little does August know, the mysterious, beautiful boxer that she kissed that night was the Duke of Rothschild, Evan Stirling, This flat-broke duke needs to marry, quickly and to someone with the funds to save the duchy. And Evan is the same man that her parents had decided that her little sister Violet would be wed to. As fate would have it, Evan decides that he doesn’t want the Crenshaw sister that had been offered to him. He want to marry August.

August can’t imagine anything worse than marrying anyone right now. She is deeply invested in the family company, she’s got a job to do and a husband would mean that she would lose her job. Everyone knows that a woman can’t possibly work and be a mother... right? And if she has to marry, it’s sure as heck not going to be to save a man. August is determined to fight this engagement at every single turn.

4.5 stars

August Crenshaw is an American heiress, who is named after her grandfather who started Crenshaw Iron Works and made the family’s fortune. Though the Crenshaws’ wealth can compete with any other family’s in 1870’s New York, they are still considered upstarts by the highest social sticklers, and aren’t truly welcome by the cream of society. This fact grates on August’s parents, particularly her mother. When a friend of August’s is forced into marrying a much older English duke, Mrs. Crenshaw practically salivates at the thought of one of her daughters making such a socially advantageous match. August mistakenly believes that her own parents would never force such a horrible thing on her, and is content with using her intelligence at being an integral part of the family business. Of course, she wants to marry someday, but at twenty three, she has plenty of time. August has no qualms about traveling to England with her family to visit her newly wed friend, while her father pursues business connections.

Evan Sterling was never meant to be the duke, but that all changed when his older brother, William, died and he became the heir. Upon his father’s death, he became Duke Rothschild, and learned the full extent of his family’s financial woes. With multiple estates, and hundreds of families depending upon him for their living, not to mention two sisters about to come out, Evan sells everything he can to try to keep his dukedom afloat. He even turned his enjoyment of boxing to a money making enterprise by becoming a bare knuckle brawler in disguise, known as the Hellion. Still, his creditors are tightening their nooses around him, and his mother stresses that he needs to marry an heiress.

Evan first spots August at the theatre, and is attracted immediately to her looks, though they’re not introduced. Surprisingly, he sees her at one of his bouts, where he saves her from a fall and then shares a brief kiss. August is surprised at her own reaction to this stranger, and how she feels drawn to him. When they eventually officially meet, August soon realizes that the duke is the same man she saw at the boxing match. Though she can’t deny that she finds him appealing and attractive, she has no place in her life for a fortune hunting duke. Her parents, however, think differently.

August is a strong woman, one who can be opinionated and stubborn. Though she finds herself weakening to Evan’s charm, she soon builds her walls back up, determined not to change her life plan. Though Evan needs an heiress, he soon finds that any heiress will not do – it has to be August. He is smitten with her beauty, but he admires her intelligence, her blunt speaking, and her lack of game playing. He loves the fact that she has no interest in his title and position, and speaks her true feelings to him. Their attraction can’t be denied, and despite August’s reluctance, they find they can’t stay away from each other. They begin to share delicious kisses and some very heated embraces.

I fell in love with Evan, and truly felt bad for his plight. His determination to win August on his own, rather than forcing her hand was like a breath of fresh air. Many times he had the opportunity to allow them to be caught in a compromising position, but chose the high road. Every time I began to hope that August was coming around, something would happen, and it was two steps back for every step forward. I became so disappointed with August’s parents, and some of the actions they took, but I adore her brother, who traveled across the ocean to stand up for his sister. The situation looks bleak, indeed, when August has had enough, and boards a ship, headed back to America.

THE HEIRESS GETS A DUKE is the first book I’ve read by Harper St. George, and I found it to be encompassing, well written, and entertaining. I love the characters of Evan and August, and their passionate battle. August is a woman ahead of her time, I think, and Evan is secure enough to allow her to be herself and utilize her intelligence and talents in the business world. I think they both ended up being surprised, August by her passionate nature, and Evan by his own tender feelings and commitment to acting honorably. THE HEIRESS GETS A DUKE is a fabulous romance with plenty of heart, and I can’t wait for the next in the series.