What a tempting, titillating, tantalizing treat this book is!! From the first chapter you are sucked into the crem de la crem of society. The dresses, the parties, the dinners, leave your head swirling in a cloud of silk and satin. This is the third book in The Gilded Age Heiresses series, and you know me I decided to start the series on book three. Harper St. George knows how to write a historical romance that brings all the spice, steam, and sparks to a well-developed story. The characters have deep layers and are well developed, both in anatomy and background. Leaving you to brazenly fly through the pages at breakneck speeds to see what will transpire between the American Heir, Maxwell Crenshaw and the fascinating young widow, Lady Helena March.

Maxwell and Lady Helena are not the typical historical characters. They both have gumption and the will to change the wrong that they witness. Maxwell wants his family's business to continue to grow, but not at the expense of his employees. He strives for fair wages and a safe workplace. Which is not what most men of this era or his father want. Lady Helena is not one to stay at home with needle point. She herself wants to build the London Home for Young Women. Where unwed mothers and their children can live a safe life, learn a trade, and become educated. This again goes against traditional society where their belief is that these women should not be acknowledged. If you do dare to help these women, your place in society will be damaged. When Max comes to Helena with a fake proposal where both will benefit. She cannot refuse. As the sexual tension in the air vibrates between them, will this fake proposal turn into something more?

If you are in need of a story that will tease and tempt through the first half of the book and leave you smoldering and spent after the final page is turned, this is the book you are looking for. Where the astounding chemistry and want between Max and Helena will have you diving in deep, this is one delicious read. I am off to add the first two books of this series to my cart. Thank you to Harper St. George, Berkley Books, and HF Virtual Book Tours for sending me this fascinating, secret filled read.

After having read and loved the first two books in the Gilded Age Heiresses series by Harper St. George, there was no question that I would be reading The Lady Tempts an Heir once it was available. And it was just as good as the previous books in the series. The book does stand on its own, but it also ties pretty closely to the other books, and the family relationships and dynamics will make more sense if the series is read in order.

The Lady Tempts and Heir follow Helena and Max. The previous books were about Max’s sisters, and Max made appearances during their stories. Helena also popped up in the series as a friend to the sisters. The two were briefly thrown together during The Devil and the Heiress and The Lady Tempts an Heir picks up a few months later.

There are sparks between the two that neither wants to act upon since they live in different countries and have their own lives. But then Max’s father gives him an ultimatum to find a wife, and Max goes to Helena to suggest a fake engagement… and well, you know how that’s going to end in a romance novel.

I really liked Helena. After losing her husband, she threw herself into her charitable works for unwed women and their children. Others in society look down on these individuals and thus Helena by association. But she’s passionate about helping them and won’t let anyone get in her way. Not her father or Max. It was so fun to watch her grow as the story unfolded.

Max was just as intriguing. He’s heir to an American fortune and is basically running the family business for his father. But he disagrees with how his father sees the company. He’s outspoken—arrogant at times—and almost the stereotypical American in the middle of English society. He’s attracted to Helena but isn’t ready to settle down. But the more time he spends with her, feelings develop, and it is an enjoyable ride.

I couldn’t put The Lady Tempts an Heir down. I needed to know what would happen next, and the last quarter of the book had me in tears as Max and Helena tried to find their happily ever after. This was a wonderful addition to the series, and while we might be done with the Crenshaw siblings, the series will continue with The Duchess Takes a Husband, and I, for one, can’t wait!

I received this book for free from Netgalley. That did not influence this review.

Harper St. George’s latest historical romance is The Lady Tempts an Heir. Set in the Gilded Age, this series of novels deal with the new money Americans coming to England to buy titles for themselves (and their social climbing families.) I thoroughly enjoyed the first novel in the series, The Heiress Gets a Duke. I missed the second book but will have to come back to it. In those novels, the exceedingly wealthy Crenshaw sisters are married off to aristocrats after difficult courtships, finding love despite the initially mercenary arrangements.

This third book is interesting because it is the wealthy American son who is being coerced into marriage by his parents, particularly by his tyrannical tycoon father. Maxwell Crenshaw is also a fiercely ambitious businessman, poised to eventually take over the family business. However, he has a heart, and has already come to London twice to support his sisters when they are being forced to marry against their wills. Now he has returned because his father has had a heart attack. By the time he arrives, the father is recovering. But the father is more determined than ever to get Maxwell wed and breeding to ensure the continuation of the family line – to secure the Crenshaw Ironworks legacy. Maxwell would rather take his time and marry for love.

Lady Helena March is a young widow who has thrown herself into charitable works, most notably a home (with daycare) for unwed mothers and their children. She is a good friend of the Crenshaw sisters and had previously met Maxwell and been attracted to him. But now her father is pressuring her to wed again, to find a man to lend her some respectability, especially if she’s going to insist on associating with such undesirable elements. He is not above throwing his influence around to thwart her charity, sure that he is protecting her by doing so.

The older generation of men in these novels is really despicable. But the younger men are more forward thinking and make admirable heroes.

In order to get around the manipulations of both the fathers, Maxwell and Helena embark upon a pretend engagement, planning to cry off once their individual projects have enough momentum that the fathers can’t stop them. Of course, romance readers know how these “pretend engagement” scenarios work out.

There is a lot of steam between Maxwell and Helena, but a lot of mutual support and admiration as well. This is a fun romance series that’s just a bit outside of the usual Regency Romance setting. This novel can stand alone. And the series can be read out of order, because that’s what I’m going to have to do!

Maxwell Crenshaw is back in London. Not because he wants to, but rather he is there because his father has fallen ill. When Max realizes that his father only wanted him back in London so that Max could find a suitable wife to produce an heir - Max is livid. His parents have always meddled too much in the personal lives of Max and his siblings. Max is fed up with the ultimatums.

Lady Helena is a young widow in London and instead of focusing on marrying again, she devotes her time to charitable organizations, including starting her own. But Helena's father isn't having it, and is making it difficult to find donors for her cause because he would rather she marry.

When Max and Lady Helena concoct a plan for a fake relationship and an engagement at the end of their courtship, it seems like that will put an end to their problems. Except that the fake relationship starts to feel a little too real. Will they achieve their end goals without falling for one another?

I have loved Max and Lady Helena throughout The Gilded Age Heiresses series. Both of these characters are head strong and so independent and I loved seeing them come together. The chemistry between Max and Lady Helena was always off the charts and Harper St. George definitely knows how to bring the heat.

Overall, I really enjoyed The Lady Tempts an Heir and can't wait for the next book in the series!

After reading the previous two books in the series, I was eagerly anticipating the third installment The Lady Tempts an Heir. Will the American Maxwell Crenshaw, heir to the obscenely rich Crenshaw Empire, win the heart of the young widow Helena March?

I liked that neither of them deny their attraction towards each other. Maxwell hatches a plan of fake engagement which would serve both their ends. Helena agrees but she is skeptical of its outcome.

She is a feisty heroine fighting for the rights of the unmarried women and their children, while Max is attuned to his business. He loves his sisters dearly and believes in equal rights for men and women.

In a similar vein as the previous works in the series, this book is steamy too. However, I didn’t feel any of it was crude or just added for the sake of crafting a sexy tale. Moreover, Harper St. George gives equal space to gender issues in her story.

I can’t put my finger on the exact reason, however, I enjoyed the previous two books more.

Overall, I liked reading The Lady Tempts an Heir and would recommend to historical romance lovers.

Many thanks to the publisher for providing me a complimentary digital copy. I opted to provide an honest review.

There are a very small number of authors whose books I don’t always bother to read the description of before I dive in – it turns out that Harper St. George has quickly become one of them. So imagine my delight when The Lady Tempts an Heir, of which I was only aware of the identity of the leads, turns out to be a fake engagement story with a high stakes “betrothal plot” between Maxwell Crenshaw and Lady Helena March.

Harper St. George brings the plight of lower classes and consciousness of the harm that industry and social judgement can do into the story while turning up the heat level in this open door romance. Contending with the machinations of family, the pressures of business – his as the heir of Crenshaw Iron Works, hers as the force behind establishing a home for unwed mothers and their children – and maintaining Helena’s reputation in society add complications and challenge them on their way to an unlooked for love and happily ever after.

This is a delightful Gilded Age romance between a brash American businessman and a proper English Lady with a mission. Having experienced Maxwell and Lady Helena spending time together during their bit of adventure in The Devil and the Heiress, this third Gilded Age Heiresses novel was highly anticipated and did not disappoint. Once again, I was glued to the page, closed the book with a smile, quite pleased to know that another entry in this riveting series will not be long in coming.

This review refers to a temporary digital galley I voluntarily received and read via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. A positive review was not required and these are simply my own honest opinions.

BOOK REVIEW: The Lady Tempts An Heir by Harper St. George
Series: The Gilded Age Heiresses | Book 3
Publication Date: February 22

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

T.I.M.E. Recommended Books By Genre | Historical Romance
T.I.M.E. Most Anticipated Books of 2022

CONNECT WITH THIS BOOK | T.I.M.E. SIMPLE LIVING TIP:
If you are not sure which path to take, pause & take time to consider your choice... The right path will be there waiting for you... ✨😎✨

T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW: Harper St. George continues to "top the charts" as one of my favorite historical romance authors, as I truly appreciate the strong female characters and women's rights issues she integrates into her storylines... BONUS: This originally planned 3 book series will now be continuing with additional books! Book 4 is in the works!!... ✨😎✨

Pages: 336
Genre: Historical Romance
Sub-Genre: Steamy Romance | Fake Engagement Romance
• T.I.M.E. Jalapeno Rating:️ 🌶🌶🌶 (Hot Spicy)
Time Period: Gilded Age
Location: England

IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: The Gilded Age Heiresses Series by Harper St. George (Recommend reading in order!)
TV Series: Bridgerton

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All my reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at www.thisismyeverybody.com

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

Maxwell Crenshaw's father is up to his old tricks, and even a heart attack doesn't slow him down. Not content to have married off his daughters August and Violet to a duke and an earl, Mr. Crenshaw is determined to secure Crenshaw Ironworks' legacy by forcing Max to marry. He doesn't go so far as to pick the bride this time around, but he refuses to listen to Max's objections. If Max isn't at least engaged by Christmas, Mr. Crenshaw will make sure that August's foundry project comes to a crashing halt. As long as he gets his way, he doesn't care what effect it would have on either August or the firm. Max is understandably furious for himself and August but can't figure out how to get out of it. Then he renews his acquaintance with Lady Helena.

Max and Helena met in <i>The Devil and the Heiress</i> when they joined forces to save his sister Violet from scandal. The sparks between them were intense, but their focus was on Violet. Plus, Max would head back to New York to resume running Crenshaw Ironworks. Helena would continue her work running an orphanage and getting her London Home for Young Women started. But the lovely young widow runs into a snag when her benefactors start pulling out because (gasp!) she is associating with fallen women. It seems that her father has been dropping hints behind her back about the unsuitability of her actions. But if she had a husband who supported her efforts, he would withdraw his objections.

I liked Max and Helena. Unlike their fathers, they are kind-hearted with great empathy for others. Max understands the needs of his company's employees and their families, fighting for fair wages and working conditions. As a woman of her time, Helena understands that women often have no control over their lives and futures and wants to help as many as possible take back some of that control.

After a few encounters with Helena remind Max of how attracted he is to her, he hits on the idea of proposing a mutually beneficial arrangement. He suggests that they enter into a fake courtship and engagement, thereby getting their fathers off their backs. This will give him time to solidify August's project before he returns to New York and give Helena the respectability required to raise the funds she needs.

I enjoyed watching the development of Max and Helena's relationship. Though their courtship is fake, their chemistry is all too real. It manifests early in their ability to push each other's buttons. Helena seems to get an inordinate amount of pleasure from riling up Max. Meanwhile, Max would like to find a way to get that passion into his bed. As they spend time together "courting," Max and Helena discover that they have quite a lot in common, leading to the admission that they like each other. The attraction between them continues to grow until they can no longer resist. And while the explosive passion they experienced convinces Max he'd like to make their engagement real, for Helena, it reminds her that marriage between them is impossible. I ached for Max as Helena put more and more distance between them to protect his legacy and her heart. Her reason was heartbreaking, and I ached for what it meant for her dream of happiness. Max tried to convince her that his love for her was strong enough to withstand the problem, but Helena's past wouldn't let her believe. August and Violet's solution to the issue was unorthodox but gave Helena the courage to go to Max with her heart open at last.

One of my favorite things about this book is the passion Max and Helena exhibit for the things they believe in. This is illustrated when they discover they both want the same property for their projects. Each is passionately eloquent in describing their plans, goals, and what they believe the results will be. For each of them, it's the first time they understand the full scope of what the other does. I liked how the issue was resolved. Helena also opened Max's eyes to the plight of the women she helped and stood up to his patronizing solution. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her convert his point of view. There are several good follow-up scenes also.

There is a teaser for the next book, and I can't wait to read it. My heart ached for Camille at the beginning of the first book. In this book, the twist involving her at the house party opened many possibilities, and I can't wait to see what she does.

This is the third Harper St. George novel that I have read and I can tell you that they are all wonderful.

In this story we catch back up with the Crenshaw family as Max or Maxwell is required to find a wife unless he wants his father to throw a wrench in his sisters business plans. Max had previous met Helena when they were trying to save his sister Violet from marriage.

Throughout the story you see love, a little steam but nothing crazy, and a lot of family quarrels and love. This book is so good. I would say if you love regency novels Harper St. George is someone you need to lookup.

It’s been months since I’ve read historical romance and diving back in now made me realize how much I enjoy coming back to it!

This is the third book in the Gilded Age Heiresses series. I have not read other books in the series and was able to read this as a stand-alone

The Lady Tempts an Heir follows the story of Helena, a very bright and strong-willed woman who is building the foundation for women and children who are frowned upon by society’s standards. She has helped Max in the past when his sister needed help. Both Helena and Max are being pressured to marry soon and what do you know, they begin to fake court. Full synopsis in comments!

The tension between Helena and Max could be cut with a knife. Neither of them want to let someone in or speak their true feelings out loud.

My other favorite part was actually some of the ancillary characters. I loved Max’s sisters and Sir Phineas. I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, and I’m hoping I will get more of their stories!

There’s also a lot of discussion and other snippets around issues effecting society at the time, and I loved those informative drops!

If you’re looking for your next historical romance binge, look no further!

Thank you to @hfvbt @harperstgeorge and @berkleypub for the opportunity to be a part of this tour. This review expresses my own personal opinions.

The Lady Tempts an Heir, the third and, I’m happy to say, not the last book, in Harper St. George’s The Gilded Age Heiresses series is delightful and charming and sexy, with two incredibly engaging main characters who share loads of chemistry.

If you’ve recently watched and enjoyed The Gilded Age on HBO, this entire series is worth checking into. I’m fascinated by the departure from the regency era to an era where wealthy American families were able to buy their way into British aristocracy, marrying their daughters off to impoverished dukes and earls.

While the first two books in the series focused on the Crenshaw sisters, this third book sets its hook into their brother, the American businessman Maxwell Crenshaw, heir to the Crenshaw business empire, who in the last book found himself reluctantly fascinated by the widowed Lady Helena March as they traversed the English countryside in search of his sister.

Lady Helena March, friend to both Crenshaw sisters, is widowed, wealthy, and adamant that she shall not wed again. She is hardly a lady of leisure, instead choosing to spend her time helping oversee an orphanage and when this book starts, wants to start a new charity helping to house unwed mothers and their children. Unfortunately, the rest of her peers and family don’t see that as a worthy cause appropriate for a lady of her social stature and she’s unable to recruit investors for her cause unless, her father proposes, she decides to marry again and has the benefit of a supportive husband at her side.

Enter Max, who is back in London after his father falls ill. Readers of the first two books will know that the Crenshaw parents are, to put it bluntly, terrible. Both mother and father are social climbers, desperate to gain a foothold in the upper echelons of British society, determined to do whatever it takes, even if it comes at a cost to their 3 children. Having successfully married his eldest daughter off to a Duke and his youngest to an Earl, the senior Crenshaw turns his sights on his only son, the heir to his business, the bearer of the family name, and basically manipulates him into agreeing to find a wife.

And thus begins a fake relationship trope where Helena gets the benefit of Max’s support in getting her new charity underway and Max gets to take the family business in a direction of his (and his sister’s) choosing.

I have to say, I really liked these two characters a lot. They both carry a lot of resentment for their respective fathers but I also like that that’s not the only thing that bonds them. They are naturally attracted to each other and in the course of helping each other gain what each needs out of this fake relationship, they start to develop pesky feelings. Oh, the shock! Who could’ve possibly predicted this?!?

Max falls for Helena’s kindness and compassionate nature and Helena finds herself unable to resist a man who would go to any lengths to protect his sisters. The fact that Max is so unreservedly supportive and encouraging of Helena’s dreams only adds to the attraction.

When the two finally act on their attraction, the sexy times are steamy and it’s very clear that Max is not the refined, genteel, English lord, he’s a bit more rough and earthy and Helena very much likes a bit of roughness. To be perfectly honest, I wouldn’t have minded seeing these particular scenes a bit more expanded but overall, none of this detracts from the overall charm of the story. (Let me be clear, it’s very much an open door scene in terms of the sex).

Spoiler…
One of the reasons this book really resonated with me when I finished it is a bit of a spoiler: Helena is reluctant to marry again, especially to someone titled, because she is barren. She was unable to conceive in her first marriage which created distance between her and her husband until his death. She is determined she will not relive that kind of experience ever again. Last year, I read a historical romance where the heroine was barren but the book ended with a miracle pregnancy and I was really concerned that this was where this book was headed as well. However, I love that the book does not end with a miracle baby, it ends with two people coming to terms with the fact they will never have a child biologically and the realization that they can still be happy together. And that is an important perspective to have, that you can achieve a HEA even without a baby. The two are not always designed to go hand in hand and I really appreciate the author not falling into the trap of the miracle pregnancy trope.
One of the other masterful things Harper St. George has done in the course of this entire series is to end each book by laying the groundwork for the couple in the next book. It’s not a huge part of the book, only a tiny part of the epilogue but just riveting enough to keep me waiting eagerly for the next installment of the series.

All in all, I really enjoyed Max and Helena. I liked their playfulness, banter, and heat. And ultimately, I enjoyed watching two people succumb to true love all the while determined to hold their hearts at bay.

Content Notes: Off-page death of first husband from cancer, recollection of sexual assault by first husband, infertility

This was easily my favorite book to date in the Gilded Age Heiresses series. I’m incredibly picky when it comes to historical romance, but this series has easily become one of my favorites, and it just gets better with each new book.

This latest book follows widowed Lady Helena March and American heir Maxwell Crenshaw. Helena has taken control of her own life since her husband’s death, but even with the “freedoms” being a widow affords her, she’s still tempting scandal with her charitable efforts. Meanwhile, Maxwell is facing growing pressure from his social climbing parents to marry, and marry well. Unlikely friends, Helena and Maxwell decide a fake courtship will solve both their problems … but of course, FEEEELINGS cause trouble for the pair.

I absolutely adored these characters, and seeing hints at their blooming romance in the previous books really take center stage was such a treat. I also want to note that St. George handled a sensitive subject surrounding infertility so wonderfully, and I was so pleasantly surprised by the care and thoughtful approach. It’s a subject that’s particularly sensitive to me (as most of you well know), and I could not have asked for a better portrayal of the topic.

*Thank you Netgalley and Berkley Books for my copy in exchange for an honest review*

The third installment of The Gilded Age Heiresses series is here and I loved it. The third novel follows Maxwell Crenshaw, heir and handsome New Yorker set to takeover Crenshaw Iron, his family's business. But when his father falls ill and Max is forced to go to London to see his family, his father issues an ultimatum -- Max needs to finally marry and secure his role as the successor to the legacy. Enter Lady Helena, friend to Max's sisters August and Violet (from books 1 and 2 respectively). Lady Helena is widowed and has more agency over who she can marry, but her parents are adamant that she re-marry. Max and Helena agree to a fake courting and engagement to please both of their parents.

Helena is introspective and willing to go against societal norms to help those less privileged than she. Max is a bit rougher around the edges but has a kind heart. We saw a glimpse of their chemistry in The Devils and The Heiress and I was excited to see their story continue. Something I enjoy about this series is that while love stories are the center, they also highlight political movements of the time and feature women who are progressive and willing to test the limits of their station. Specifically, they never shy away from going against a man, particularly if it's a man with whom they are romantically involved.

This steamy romance has witty banter, discussions of women's health, and politics, specifically concerned with workers' unions and rights. I highly recommend it if you enjoy historical romance!

Chemistry, angst, and overbearing parents lead to a super charged plot that will emotionally touch you. Holy wow! What's not to become addicted to?! Fake engagement and a couple who can't keep their hands to themselves! This is one sigh inducing book that brings the heat! And the dialogue between these main characters is compelling and entertaining with some naughty bits as well. This beautifully covered book is third in the series, but the first I've ever read of this author.

Our American hero doesn't want a bride, he doesn't want to follow his father's wishes either. Our lady is complex and has dreams of her own. She wants to be recognized as a lady who succeeds in her projects and Max sets out to offer his aid.

There is this deliciously delightful push and pull between them. A past encounter has left them with unforgettable memories and a burning desire to see what could be. With secrets, passions and social classes, will they be forever set a part, or will true love win out?

A health crisis has not stopped American Industrialist Maxwell Crenshaw’s father from trying to marry off his children. He wants Max to wed and secure the family legacy as soon as possible! But Max cannot forget the beautiful widow, Lady Helena March, who is dealing with parental pressure of her own. When Max suggests a fake engagement to save them both, Helena finds herself too fascinated to refuse.

This is the third book in the The Gilded Age Heiresses series, which has focused on three American siblings in London. It can stand alone, but I recommend reading in series order. All the stories are excellent, and they lay out the meddling of the Crenshaw siblings’ father.

Maxwell Crenshaw and widowed Lady Helena March have met before. This time, Max is back in London to check on his ailing father. But Papa Crenshaw is once again up to his matrimonial scheming! He threatens to pull a business pet project away from Max’s sister, August, if Max does not find a bride. Helena’s father is also pushing for her to remarry. She has her own aspirations, pouring her energy into a home for unmarried woman. But her charity is struggling to find donors because the home doesn’t turn away fallen women and their illegitimate children. Entering into a sham betrothal seems like the perfect solution to both of their problems, but of course things don’t do as expected.

While Max and Helena know how to push each other’s buttons, there’s a wonderful kinship and chemistry that develop. Despite being raised in different countries and with different social constraints, they both have an empathy for others…Max for his company’s workers and the families they support, and Helena for the women who often have no control over their futures. They begin to fall for each other, but both are cognizant that the other lives across an ocean and has their own commitments. This is one area that was a large obstacle in the story but was perhaps glossed over a bit in the HEA. I can let it go though because the storytelling from St George is always so engaging.

~ Leslie

I've been eagerly counting the days until the release of this book since first seeing Helena and Max on the page together in book two, The Devil and the Heiress. Happy to say their journey did not disappoint.

Fake relationships are one of my favorite tropes. I liked that Max and Helena entered into this one with equal commitment and benefit. It was obvious that the close proximity generated by their faux relationship was going to lead to deeper feelings but the path they traveled to get there was brimming with peaks, valleys, and a few surprises. I enjoyed the fact that they both evolved because of their time spent with the other. I liked their mutual respect, their shared social conscience and desire to help those less fortunate, their ambition, and determination to forge their own paths regardless of pressure from family. And I loved their chemistry! These two set off enough sparks to start a forest fire. St. George slowly ramped up the tension between them, allowing the passion to build organically. So good.

I had no idea how the author would solve the dilemma of Helena and Max coming from two different worlds, with family, friends, work, and passion projects in each. In the end, it was done in a way that was satisfying and believable. One key element keeping the pair apart was a very personal secret Helena was keeping, something many real-life couples deal with. St. George could have solved this dilemma in an oft-used "miracle" manner but chose to take a more realistic approach. Kudos to her for doing so. For me, it solidified the depth and strength of Max's love and commitment to Helena.

It was fun to see August and Violet (Max's sisters) continue on their journeys with their husbands as they weaved in and out of Max and Helena's story. I was also delighted to learn that their American friend, Camille will have a chance to claim a happy ending in St. George's next book, The Duchess Takes a Husband. After basically being sold by her parents to a horrible Duke with one foot in the grave in exchange for a title, she's more than earned her shot at love and romance.

4.5 Stars
ARC received for fair and unbiased review

This was my favorite of the Gilded Age Heiresses series. After getting a glimpse of Max and Helena's chemistry in the previous books I was really looking forward to this one and it did not disappoint. These two are so well-matched and such wonderful characters, together and separately. I loved everything about this steamy, sexy book. I don't know if Harper St. George can top this one but I am eagerly awaiting the next installment.

This is the third book in St. George's "Gilded Age Heiresses" series in which a fake engagement brings together American Iron works mogul and big brother to August & Violet (the first two heiresses in the series) Maxwell Crenshaw and barren British widow, Lady Helena March.

When attraction overwhelms all their obstacles, the tension sizzles between these two and this romance catches fire! It's a read that is hard to put down or leave in the TBR pile too long. I enjoyed it just as much as the other books in this series. St. George doesn't disappoint her readers in the bedroom scenes or bog down the romance with boring subplots.

What Max & Helena have to overcome -- British vs. American society, living and working an ocean apart, a real estate purchase dispute, Helena's inability to bear children and Max's parents, It wouldn't be worth reading, if it was too easy for our heroes to get together!

Fans of Bridgerton, Tessa Dare's "Spindle Cove", Evie Dunmore's "League of Extraordinary Women" and Janna MacGregor's "Brides" series will find their happy place in these books.

Sultry scenes = 2, steam level 8 out of 10.

I listened to the first two books in this series, and enjoyed them, but this third installment was everything I wanted it to be and more. The romantic tension was just right. The dual POV delivered. The tips of my fingers were tingling through the majority of this book (if you know, you know). We see our fair share of the marriage-of-convenience trope in this genre, so something about fake dating/fake betrothal just hit the spot. I loved it all. The ending was a little out of left field (Helena seemed so insistent on staying in London, I was surprised when there was very little fanfare for the choices she made in the final chapters). However, it wasn't enough for me to change my rating. Plus, I really appreciated that there were no miracles at the end. We see these characters struggle with a pretty large obstacle, and the fact that they are whole and in love in the end was all I needed. If you enjoy this genre, I think it's well worth a read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Books, and the author for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

Harper St. George is a newer author for me in the world of romance novels and so far, I’ve really enjoyed her work.

This latest in the Gilded Age Heiresses series was another example of why she is an author to watch.

Helena, who was sort of prim, proper English window dressing in August and Violet’s books, stars in the leading role here along with Maxwell, August & Violet’s older brother and the heir to Crenshaw Iron.

We already knew that Maxwell is driven, ambitious, business-minded and calculating, but also that he is a fond, loyal older brother who chooses his sisters over his parents. Now we learn that Helena, who seemed rather one-note previously, has hidden depths too. She has been working for some years on a project to house London’s “unfortunate young women”: women who find themselves pregnant and alone, unable to find housing, unable to work and obtain childcare. This was a significant issue during this time period; there are any number of heartbreaking documents, accounts, stories, articles, etc. on the plight of women and children alone, abandoned, unwanted, and forced to desperation in the streets. Helena is unable to find support for this venture because her fellow high society members feel it impugns her reputation as a single woman, widow or not, and because her father is discouraging it. Of course, if she were to marry, then her reputation would be safe and she would finally get the financial and moral support she needs. Likewise, Maxwell is (basically) blackmailed by his father into engaging himself to a woman by the year’s end or Crenshaw sr. would pull support from August’s big dock project.

Thus begins the fake engagement ruse. (This is NOT a spoiler.)

I really liked both Helena and Maxwell. I thought the rivalry over the purchase of the priory was very entertaining and realistic. I also thought Helena’s reason for wanting to resist Maxwell were spot-on. This would have been an absolute deal breaker for most men of the time and Helena was correct to be concerned, as far as the time period is concerned. I know Maxwell told her he felt any obstacle could be overcome but that is more than just an “obstacle”, both for the man AND the woman. To a person who truly wants (or needs) <spoiler>children</spoiler> it’s DEVASTATING. Kudos to the author for <spoiler>not giving Helena the all-too-common “miracle baby” in the epilogue. It’s pretty rare to give the couple the most realistic ending to this predicament, and I commend the author for being brave and not giving Helena and Maxwell the miraculous happy ending that I am sure readers would wish. </spoiler>

The only thing I didn’t really like about this story was that Helena walked away from the project she’d worked for years on. I know she left it in capable hands, so to speak, but I couldn’t imagine she’d so easily turn her back on something that consumed her so utterly.
The ending was also a little rushed, but that’s a small quibble.

Overall, a good read, and I am REALLY looking forward to Camille’s story. I’ve been waiting for this one since August’s. 😍