Great original historical romance! Madeline Hunter's stories are always interesting and this series is wonderfully original. Three unknown heiresses to eccentric elderly Duke Hollinburgh whom he observed them doing good deeds for others. He rewards them with a purse of 10 Guineas. Upon his death he's bestowed a third of his fortune and a half interest in one of his investment businesses. This is Rosamund Jameson's story. She used her 10 Guineas to start her milliner business in Richmond never expecting more.

Kevin Radnor is one of Duke's nephews that he shares an investment business. Kevin is an inventor, a bit of a genius with mechanics much to the embarrassment of the rest of the family. He's obsessed with his invention, hording any information about it for fear someone will steal his idea. He also has a terrible hot temper that his family is really good at provoking. While visiting Beatrice his favorite paramour, he discovers her hat maker is Rosamond, the missing heiress to the other half of his invention. The story becomes Kevin's strategy to discover Rosamond's intentions with his business. He fears her selling it, he's determined to convince her to turn it over to him. Little does he realize Rosamund is a very intelligent and careful business woman and just the one to balance his temper and get his invention off the ground. I loved watching these two fall in love in spite of their determination to keep things on a business level.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.5 stars

Rosamund Jameson is the orphaned daughter of a tenant farmer, who now has to earn a living to support herself and her younger sister, Lily. Her strange career path led her to caring for a seriously ill prostitute, with that care leading to a grateful nobleman providing her with a small income. Rosamund used that money to establish a millinery shop in Richmond. When she is later approached by an investigator, and advised that the same nobleman has left her a fortune, Rosamund heads off to London to fulfill her dream of opening a shop there. She immediately falls under the suspicion of the Radnor family, who were expecting their relative to bequeath his fortune to them, not a stranger. In particular, the duke’s grandson, is greatly impacted by Rosamund’s inheritance.

Kevin Radnor is an inventor and a businessman. He had a good relationship with his grandfather, the late Duke Hollinburgh, in fact, the duke was half owner of Kevin’s company. When Kevin learns that his grandfather has left his half of the company to Rosamund, he is incensed. Kevin has invented something that will greatly improve steam engines, and he can’t risk any outsider becoming privy to his top secret idea. Theft is common in this field, so much so, that Kevin has even refused to have his invention patented for fear of someone else bringing his idea to fruition.

Kevin is an interesting, unorthodox man. He is a gentleman, and his good birth makes him welcome in society, yet he’s not content to be idle. His mind is constantly active, often seeming to send him into an almost trancelike state. He’s his own man, not afraid to stand up to the slings from his mostly awful family. He loves sex, but brags that he’s never been enthralled by a woman, thus his encounters are usually of the kind involving financial compensation. He’s often blunt, and has a quick temper. His initial attempt to have Rosamund sign over all decision making in their company to him meets with failure, so he decides to stick close to her until he has another plan.

Though Rosamund has not had a formal education, she is far from stupid. She intends to remain a full partner in the company without ceding any authority, or selling any part off, until she learns all about it. She also hires tutors to teach her how to speak correctly, to dance, and to complete her education. She rents a fashionable home and purchases a new wardrobe. In the back of Rosamund’s mind is the secret thought that maybe now she will be worthy of the man she fell in love with years ago, a man who was then too far above her socially for them to have a future together. In the meantime, she will accept Kevin’s assistance, but will not give an inch in regard to the company.

The armed truce between Rosamund and Kevin eventually turns to a mutual respect, and a friendly partnership. Their underlying attraction for each other soon moves from the background and flares into a blazing physical relationship. Ever pragmatic, Kevin decides that a convenient marriage might solve his fear of ever having his company invaded by outsiders. Two sensible people agree to a marriage which is more like a merger, albeit with fringe benefits. Rosamund and Kevin do generate the steam! All is well for a short time, until trust becomes an issue, unforgivable words are spoken, and the fledgling relationship is broken. Despite their flaws, I really liked this couple, and I was able to observe their falling in love before they realized it themselves. HEIRESS IN RED SILK can be read as a standalone, though I do recommend book one, HEIRESS FOR HIRE, to provide more details about the duke and his mysterious legacy. The mystery of his death has not yet been solved and it more than likely will be revealed in the final book. HEIRESS IN RED SILK is a book I enjoyed reading, and recommend for those who enjoy a steamy romance, with characters who are strong and complicated.

Rosamond is the heiress in the red silk. A daughter of a poor tenant farmer, this spunky gal, through guts, brains, and hard work rises against the odds to own two successful millinery shops, and an heiress of a rich Duke she barely knew. She also inherits half a business co-owned with the Duke’s nephew, Kevin Radnor. The Radnors are a very quirky bunch. Kevin is an inventor and the last thing he needs is to share his business with this unknown commoner. He is rude and condescending to her, but she is beautiful, and although he resents her, he is smitten by her. Sparks fly between these two and that’s one area that they have no disagreements. Apart from the area of romance, these lovers couldn’t be more mismatched, having much to learn about one another as well as themselves. Lots of ups and downs along the road to HEA.

Kevin Radnor was a talented inventor but also his father's heir. Tall, nice looking and his family finds him to be a pain. He is almost thirty. One night when he was at his favorite brothel, the lady entertaining him received a bonnet. She went to the door to see it and loved it. They mentioned the Millinery name several times. He said,
he loved bonnets and also went to the door. He saw the name of the shop and started dressing. He ran outside, jumped on his horse, and headed for his cousin's house. He ran in the door, up the stairs, and into his cousin's bedroom. Both the wife and Chase yelled at him. She was furious and Chase was mad. Kevin yelled, that he had found her after a year.
Rosamond Jameson made hats and she was very gifted. She was an orphan and took care of her sister. She was a sweet and independent woman. She worked really hard to make something of her business and to bring an easier life. The Legacy she got could make life so much better for her sister and herself. Kevin and she are compatible but it is hard for him to trust anyone but himself. She tries and some times she succeeds but it can be a struggle for her with Kevin. It is hard for her to trust him at least in the beginning but she does.
I thought this an amazing story and the characters were fun and interesting. His family(the older ones) were awful and not kind to her at all. Chase and Minerva tried to protect her as best as they could as did Kevin and even Nicholas (the new duke), It was a very engaging book and their older generation were very selfish especially their aunt. There was so much bad blood between everyone. You should really give it a try. It will keep you up. It is very entertaining.
I received this ARC fromNet Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

In an instant, Rosamund goes from a struggling shopkeeper to becoming an heiress with a business partner. Kevin is shocked that his uncle left half of his company to Rosamund but he plans to make her his wife and turn her into a silent partner. What will happen when they begin to fall for each other? Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and steam. Great characters with plenty of depth and an entertaining story. I liked it.

He's going to manipulate her to gain control of her business.

First off, I was super excited to read this book. However, I was let down in Kevin.
Why? His sole purpose is to find Rosamund, so he can wed her and gain control over her inheritance.
Whereas, I really liked Rosamund, who was a hard working girl, working her through the world. I liked her independence and wanted her with someone who could appreciate that. Kevin was too focused on the business (which was technically hers). Oh, and I felt that they lacked passion.

3.5 stars, rounded up

Just before his untimely and suspicious death, the Duke of Hollingburgh changed his will and left generous bequests to three women, three women that are unknown to the family and stand to inherit the bulk of the late duke’s wealth – much to the dismay of his family, but after almost a year of searching, two of the heiresses are yet to be found – but that changes when the duke’s grandson, Kevin Radnor discovers the whereabouts of Rosamund Jamieson – a milliner in Richmond and Kevin’s new business partner!

Rosamund is shocked to learn that the duke left her a fortune and half ownership in a business venture with Kevin Radnor. She is thrilled and can’t wait to improve her situation – but much to Kevin’s annoyance, she is not willing to give up the business. Even more annoying, he is attracted to her and even offers marriage – which she refuses. But when her dream of her happily ever after is shattered, she reconsiders but is firm about their partnership – she will not give up her interest!

I thought this was a well-written, nicely paced story with very interesting characters and some very steamy love scenes – but I was expecting more. I expected this story to move along the mystery of the Duke’s death and it didn’t – if anything, it brought up more questions without any revelations. And for me – there was a major ICK moment when we learn that Rosamund is good friends with one of Kevin’s previous lovers, who is more than willing to dish about it – YUCK and then later another TMI moment with another lover is injected for no good reason, at least not in my opinion. I liked this book, but I really wanted to love it and I didn’t. Mainly because I never felt a connection between Kevin and Rosamund and was disappointed that the mystery of the duke’s death was not addressed. Hopefully, Nicholas’s book will tie up the loose ends and give us some answers!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. *

Ok. I loved Rosamund. She is fierce and determined and smart and knows herself and her mind and her worth. She works so hard and creates beauty and lifts other women up along with her. I also love her relationship with her sister!!

What I did not like about this book is Kevin. He is the worst. I don’t think I’ve ever disliked a ‘hero’ as much as I disliked him. He is childish and petulant and throws a fit whenever things don’t go his way.

I think everyone dreams occasionally of somehow, without any effort, acquiring a fortune. It doesn’t matter if the money comes from the lottery, Publisher’s Clearing House, a long lost relative or a stranger’s generosity. The latter is the premise behind the Duke’s Heiress series of which Heiress in Red Silk is the second book.
Oh, the way the money will be spent we think; on a new house, education funds, travel and of course charity. I’m guessing from hearing the titles of a few junk TV shows it doesn’t quite work out that way. Usually it seems to be relatives that bust the dream wide open so the money pours out.
So far the late Duke of Hollinburgh is my favorite character, because he does seem to have had a lovely character. He has decided his relatives have milked him enough, even the ones he likes. So he sets out to fulfill the other part of our fantasy-having so much money that he gives huge amounts away to strangers.
In the first book Heiress for Hire the Duke’s will is read and his nominal heirs are shocked to find his true heirs are three women who are total strangers to them, and it seems, the late Duke. He leaves only their names and no directions for finding them. Only the entailed property falls to the new Duke, Nicholas Radnor.
The usual suspects such as mistresses, whores and other loose women are soon eliminated as the three missing heirs.
The term suspects is not out of place as the new Duke and a few of his more reasonable cousins believe the last Duke was murdered, so they actually have a double search for the killer and the heiresses.
After a months long search the second heiress, Rosamund Jameson, is discovered when a hat is delivered to a whore house that Kevin Radnor is visiting. Oh those frisky, trashy, Regency men. Radnor is one of the heirs who has really been hurt by the Duke’s will. Rosamund is a talented, imaginative milliner in Richmond, outside of London. Her name is on the hatbox delivered to the whore.
Serves Radnor right to my prudish mind that Rosamund not only inherits a fortune, but a half ownership of Radnor’s newest company. Radnor was close to the old Duke and he can not understand why he has lost control of his company to a know-nothing, lower class milliner.
Rosamund Jameson is a delightful character. Smart, imaginative, hard working, she chooses to follow the Galatea path to “better” herself, as Rosamund is a woman with dreams, secrets and responsibilities. Kevin and the other disinherited are the ones who need to better themselves. What a useless bunch except for the new Duke, occasionally Kevin, and a few others.
Madeline Hunter painted Radnor as somewhat of an anti-hero, although he is a imaginative, brilliant businessman and inventor. He just doesn’t realize what a business asset Rosamund could be; not to mention being a full and true life partner. He has no idea of how to treat a woman, except for the ones he pays. Hard lessons await him, while Rosamund has no illusions of what is to come.
This is an updated version of the usual Regency Historical. The women seek their own paths, the men are aware of more than Tattersalls and gaming hells. This is a refreshing series, with Heiress in Red Silk a wonderful addition.
The first two books are engaging, well written with characters to boo and other characters to admire.
Thank go to NetGalley for an ARC for review purposes.

I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an advance reader copy of this story.

Heiress In Red Silk, by Madeline Hunter, is available at booksellers on 4-27-2021. Written as a stand alone story it is book 2 in A Duke's Heiress romance series. I was disappointed in in this story. I found it hard to get involved with the characters, they were just bland. The plot itself was an interesting concept but in my opinion it missed the mark. I admit to finding it hard to finish the book & that's a shame.

#MadelineHunter #HeiressInRedSilk #ADuke'sHeiress #historicalromance #Netgalley #Zebra

Good book, and one that is very different than most historical romances. The Duke's Heiresses series is about three ordinary women whose lives are changed by unexpected bequests from a duke. Each woman deals with suspicious, angry, and disappointed relatives of the duke while making the best of their new circumstances.

In this book, Rosamund overcame many challenges to become a successful milliner. As the daughter of a tenant farmer left homeless after his death, she entered service as a housemaid. Rosamund fell in love and was seduced by the son of the house and booted out when his parents discovered the affair. The only employment she could find was as a maid at a London brothel, where a kindness to one of the working girls earned her the money to start her hat shop.

I liked Rosamund. She is intelligent, practical, and strong-willed. After learning of her good fortune, she took the time to think through her options and make plans. I liked that Minerva, from the first book (Heiress for Hire), befriended her and helped her through the early days of her inheritance. The one aspect she isn't quite sure of is the half-interest in a business she knows nothing about. Her co-owner is intense, rude, and disturbingly handsome.

Kevin is a brilliant inventor but socially inept. He says what he thinks without trying to be polite about it. Kevin was horrified when his uncle bequeathed his share of Kevin's business to an unknown woman. During the year it took to track Rosamund down, Kevin could not move forward with his invention. Now he plans to get her to sign her rights over to him, protecting himself and his creation from any unwanted interference. Unfortunately for him, his plans don't work out quite as he intended.

Kevin and Rosamund get off to a rough start. The first thing he does upon meeting her is shove papers at her giving him control of her half of the company. He is baffled when she refuses to sign them. It's his invention, and he should be able to do things his way. Rosamund intends to look after her interests, and she doesn't believe that Kevin knows how to run a successful business.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Kevin and Rosamund. It was a slow one, going from enemies to friends to lovers. Once Kevin realized that Rosamund was serious about being involved in the business, he knew he must rethink his actions. As intense and determined as he was, he was also an honorable man who refrained from attempting to intimidate or browbeat Rosamund into doing things his way. Instead, he took the time to get to know her and help her settle in and find ways to work together. Kevin prides himself on his focus never having been compromised by a woman but soon finds that focus splintered by Rosamund's proximity. He blames it on lust, admiration, nearness - anything but growing feelings for her.

Rosamund ignores the sparks between them, as she has plans of her own. Now that she has money and improved circumstances, she wants to find her first love and show him that they can be together now. I ached for her when she saw him and discovered that her dream man possessed feet of clay and a cruel heart. Her heartbreak was evident, as was her disillusionment. I liked how Kevin offered comfort and sympathy and reined in his desire for her. Rosamund's pragmatic nature enables her to put it behind her quickly, and that same nature encourages her to give in to her desire for Kevin.

Working together to move Kevin's invention forward created some interesting situations. As a successful businesswoman in her own right, Rosamund has ideas about the next steps to take. Unfortunately, Kevin's extreme paranoia about protecting his invention causes him to refuse all of her ideas, usually quite rudely. I loved that she doesn't back down and finds ways to make him see reason. His fears of losing control of his company eventually lead him to propose a marriage of convenience to Rosamund. Once again, their pragmatic natures show themselves as they discuss the various pros and cons of marrying without mentioning feelings.

Not long into their marriage, Rosamund's proactive steps set off Kevin's anger yet again. This time, the accusations he flings at her, and his cruel comments strike deep at her insecurities. I ached for Rosamund as she fled her heartbreak. It takes a few days for Kevin to calm down and realize his mistakes. I liked seeing him go after her but felt that more groveling was in order before she should forgive him.

The Radnor family dynamics created some awkward situations. The late duke's decision to change his will left most of his family with shattered expectations, and they weren't happy about it. Kevin's Aunt Agnes is very vocal with her fury while others settle for sly remarks and innuendos. I liked how Rosamund handled herself at the family dinner - polite but not intimidated. Kevin faced a much angrier group when they discovered his plans to marry Rosamund. I loved watching him stand up to them all despite some personal consequences. There are still questions about the death of the late duke that will hopefully be addressed in the final book.

Madeline Hunter's books are always a pleasure to read. Heiress in Red Silk is the second book in the series "A Duke’s Heiress". I liked the second novel & the characters Rosamund & Kevin and I'm looking forward to reading the final book of this series

The more I read Madeline Hunter I realize that I am a fan. I love her books and Heiress in Red Silk is no exception. Kevin Radnor has to share his invention with Rosamund who inherited it along with a large amount of money from Kevin’s uncle. Rosamund sees this as a knew start in life. While Kevin is just frustrated he has to share. This story has heart. I was worried there for a moment they wouldn’t get their HEA but it was seriously worth the wait. I love the passion and the sexy scenes. They were so well done. Just a great fun love story that kept me reading well into the night

This was an entertaining, well-written book. Rosamund is surprised by an unexpected inheritance which makes her an heiress and part owner of a business. Kevin is shocked to find out his uncle left half his company to a complete stranger. The book held my interest and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

Heiress in Red Silk was a bit of a stunner for me. It started off slow and I actually wondered if I would be able to finish. It had been a while since I had picked up a book by Madeline Hunter. I enjoyed her writing style. It pulls me in and intrigues me. I can’t help to turn the pages, and I was a little nervous about the slow start. But she did not disappoint and I was quickly engrossed in Rosamund and Kevin’s story.

Rosamund has come into an inheritance and part of that inheritance is a partnership in a business venture that Kevin had with his uncle, the Duke of Hollinburgh. It is a mystery to Kevin and his family why his uncle would choose to leave a fortune and part of his business to someone they know nothing about. Rosamund, a millinery shop owner, recognizes this opportunity and seizes the moment to better her financial situation and that of her young sister. She moves into London, wishing to impress a past love and hoping to win his favor. Little does she know that while she is daydreaming of their future encounter, her love has moved on, and probably was never there.

In turning the pages we start to see Kevin and Rosamund slowly start to trust each other. Contemplating continuing the business together. Rosamund has the business smart of a person that has struggled with success and knowing how to be cautious and succeed. She is thoughtful and calmly digest information. Kevin is the inventor, the dreamer and idea maker. He hangs tightly to his inventions and very jealously guards it. It was difficult for him to admit that he needed to let go of his baby so that other people that are gifted can help his idea come to life. It is a big challenge that Rosamund has, to make him see the potential and make the dream the reality.

Kevin’s family was entertaining and yet you just couldn’t help to hate them. Their selfishness and attack of Rosamund. Because she took something that belong to them. In many ways you can understand why the Duke would choose to leave a fortune to Rosamund. Because his family was a bunch of greedy people that have probably never done anything to deserve that wealth and will never raise a finger to do anything. Their rudeness was pretty crazy, and to think that it was ok for them to treat Rosamund so badly because she was born beneath them, even though now she was wealthier than them. It was infuriating and yet kept me turning the pages.

This was a very thoughtful read. It wasn’t a curl your toes and grin like a fool kind of book. It was a good read that made me turn the pages. Wanting to learn more about Rosamund’s background and the reason behind the inheritance. To read about Kevin and learn of his passion and brilliance. See these two people come to know each other and slowly fall in love.

It isn’t a scorcher, but the love scenes are on point.
I enjoyed it so much I went to Amazon and downloaded the first book in the series.

Heiress in Red Silk by Madeline Hunter is the second book in the Duke’s Heiress Series. This series is based on a Duke who left his fortune to three unknown ladies instead of his family. Each of the three men needed to find the woman to help him. This novel is about Rosamund Jameson and Kevin Radnor.

Rosamund made hats, beautiful hats at her own shop in Richmond. However once she finds out she is an heiress, she moves to London and opens a new shop. However, she also has to work with Kevin Radnor, since she owns part of his invention. Rosamund is patient with Kevin who is obviously an inventor and has trouble accepting and trusting people. Kevin is sure she is going to sell him out every other minute (which does get old). Rosamund needs to help Kevin and Kevin needs to help her.

I did not enjoy this book as much as I did the first one, but it was an interesting read. I think I didn’t bond with the characters as well as I did with Heiress for Hire. I liked the basic premise and the characters who populated the novel, I just was not in sync with the characters. Heiress in Red Silk by Madeline Hunter was and pretty good read.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book in exchange for an honest review

Heiress in red is the perfect rainy day read! Highly enjoyable and the side characters were really entertaining. The best character by far is the main, Rosamund. She was the most enjoyable and at times it was perplexing why she’d be interested in Kevin, but the path to the HEA is never smooth. It was a bit of a slow start to the story and the chemistry between them wasn’t apparent until more than halfway through but once it hit, it was fantastic!

I received a copy of this title from the publisher for an honest review. Heiress in Red Silk is the second title in the series that revolves around the suspicious death of the Duke of Hollinburgh and his requests to three mysterious women. I didn't read the first title in the series, but I didn't feel that there was anything that wasn't adequately explained in this book. Kyle Radnor is an inventor who is working on a new invention, but his uncle left his part of the business in addition to a large sum of money to a mysterious young woman named Rosamund Jameson who could ruin all his plans if she is ever located. He is determined to find her and convince her to sell her portion of the business to him. When he finds out where Rosamund is, he is surprise to learn that she is the owner of a small hat shop with no apparent connection to his uncle.

Rosamund is shocked to learn she was left anything by the duke, let alone a large sum of money and part ownership of a business enterprise. Determined to make the most of the money, she is determined to open a bigger shop in a prime location to attract a richer clientele, and move in more respectable circles convinced it will make marriage to her attractive to a previous lover as well as improve her younger sister's future. Kevin and Rosumnd both eventually realize that they can be more than business partners, but the path to that realization is not without obstacles.

I always enjoy the characters that Ms. Hunter creates - they are mature adults who act in rationale matters- no too stupid to live heroines to be found in any of her titles. Kyle and Rosemund are both aware of the difficulties that her background will present if they are to marry and the differences are never downplayed or dismissed as unimportant. Kyle can be difficult to like at times, but his behavior makes sense in the context of the story and his background; although it takes a while, he comes to appreciate Rosamund's business experience and what she can bring to the business. I found this to be an extremely satisfying read that has convinced me to go back and read the first book while I await the third entry in the series.

After his uncle's death, Kevin Radnor was counting on getting everything involving the enterprise he started with his uncle. Rosamond Jameson has her own millinery shop. When she becomes an heiress, opening a shop in London and taking care of her sister is her dream come true. The only problem is the enterprise. She is half owner with Kevin. With a volatile personality, Kevin is none too happy with the situation. An offer of a marriage of convenience is on the table, but too many secrets on both sides make it hard to commit. This is a rollercoaster ride from start to finish. RECOMMENDED READ.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Heiress In Red Silk
By: Madeline Hunter
Rating: 3.5 Stars ⭐️

Blurb: In one life-changing windfall, Rosamund Jameson goes from struggling shopkeeper to heiress and co-owner of a new business. Not only will her sudden fortune allow her to move her millinery shop to fashionable London, but Rosamund will be able to provide her younger sister with a proper entry into society. The only hitch for resourceful Rosamund is her arrogant, infuriatingly handsome business partner.
Kevin Radnor is shocked that his late uncle, the Duke of Hollinburgh, bequeathed half his company to a total stranger, a beguiling beauty who can only hinder his enterprise. But Rosamund insists on an active, equal partnership, so Kevin embarks on a plan: a seduction that will lead to a marriage of convenience, giving Rosamund the social status she needs, and guaranteeing him the silent partner he desires. Yet as this charismatic gentleman sets his flirtation in motion, he begins to wonder who is seducing whom and if he can learn to share himself body and mind, without losing his heart.

This is the second book in the Duke’s Heiress series. I loved the first book and was looking forward to reading Kevin’s story. The book is well written but I didn’t care for Kevin or Rosamund. I found the romance and chemistry to be lacking. I enjoyed catching up with Minerva and Chase from the previous book. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Thank you to the publisher for providing the ARC.