I do love historical romances, and this one wasn't an exception. My only real issue was that there just wasn't enough of the book.

I enjoyed the characters, especially Addie who wasn't always a very likable person. She was a young woman who was used to fending for herself, no matter what, and it was nice to see her grow. Clara had some good growth, too, moving away from being a naive woman with no self-confidence to an independent artist. I mean, inheriting a cool half million will help with that, of course.

What I meant by there wasn't enough book is that weeks and months would go in book time that could have been filled with how our ladies were growing and experiencing life. Those were some of the things I wanted to know about. The book is less than 200 pages but absolutely could have been longer to give us a better connection to both women.

Overall, I really did enjoy The Unexpected Heiress and recommend it for a nice, light read.

Thanks to BSB and NetGalley for the ebook.

The Unexpected Heiress is a historical sapphic romance set in the Great Depression era. It kicks off prior to the Great Depression, with the main characters meeting on a cruise ship. One's an unexpected heiress, the other is an opportunistic professional companion.

I love flawed characters, and Addie is a perfectly flawed main character. The type I love to hate, but still end up rooting for. As readers, we are right beside her, learning about her insecurities, watching her open herself to Clara. And constantly being frustrated by her need to hide remain manipulative and vigilant in order to protect herself.

For a short, fast-paced read, The Unexpected Heiress covered a whole lot of ground. I was pleasantly surprised that the author even managed to squeeze in a short but necessary third-act breakup, which allowed us to experience Clara's growth. Glad she wasn't left as a window-dressing love interest.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of the ARC!

The Unexpected Heiress is a beautifully written sapphic historical romance that completely drew me in, and I didn’t want to put it down. The story unfolds with such vivid detail that I felt like I was traveling through Europe alongside Clara, experiencing both the wonder of her journey and the weight of the Depression's impact on those around her. I also really appreciated the thoughtful portrayal of the challenges queer people faced during such a turbulent era.

Addie’s personal growth was a standout for me. Her actions, shaped by years of survival and devastating loss, felt deeply human and complex. Despite the deception, her love for Clara shines through in every moment. Clara’s transformation is just as compelling; watching her evolve from a quiet, hesitant girl into a confident, generous woman was genuinely rewarding.

Overall, the Unexpected Heiress is a beautifully crafted sapphic historical romance that immerses readers in a vivid journey. The novel thoughtfully portrays the struggles of queer individuals during a turbulent time and features compelling character development. Addie’s emotional complexity and growth, shaped by loss and survival, pair powerfully with Clara’s evolution from a timid girl to a confident, philanthropic woman. A heartfelt and moving story that’s hard to put down.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read the ARC.

A sapphic love story that takes place during the Great Depression/flapper era? It did not disappoint. I’m not sure if it was because I read it so fast, but it seemed fast paced, even though it takes place over a year in time.

It was interesting to see how queer people lived during that time and how they could “get away” with having their lovers live with them under the impression that one is a “companion” . We see a little bit of the underground scene and I think it would’ve been cool to expand on that.

I love historial romances and The Unexpected Heiress delivered. It’s hard to imagine a happy ending during that time period, but there is one!

I really liked this novel. I devoured it in one night and am currently a bit lacking in sleep as a result (positive). In some ways it was relatively simple, yet at the same time there were layers upon layers that I greatly appreciated. I liked all of the choices that this novel made (I’m not sure how else to phrase that?) and the way that it wove together all of the different elements. This was a shorter novel and a quick read that didn’t waste any time with unneeded scenes or details. I would recommend this to anyone!

There was no third-act breakup. The “obligatory conflict” occurred earlier in the novel (and throughout) in a much more realistic and organic manner that I preferred to the usual formula in a big way.

Their relationship was nice. It started out complicated and under less than ideal circumstances, but the way the plot progressed we got to see them through many different circumstances and from a variety of perspectives. The way it grew and developed over time was very satisfying and a far cry from insta-love. This wasn’t a direct journey, but watching it follow the wandering path felt very realistic. I loved both of the characters, for different reasons, and enjoyed getting to see both of their stories and journeys unfold.

I liked the depression-era setting; I thought it was well done and immersive without being too involved at the same time. This novel was accessible for someone who doesn’t know the history, yet satisfying for someone that does.

an interesting read for me and took me to a time i dont usually delve into with my historical fiction. after seeing the cover i was very much drawn to it.it follow our two main characters who come from different back grounds but find something of a connection in each other too.
i thought offering up the connection growing into something more whilst fitting it into the time period were done really well. as its obvious these things happened in that time! and im so glad we get to read about more now whilst also in keeping with how things very much were at the time. it must be hard for authors to try and put characters who are connected to the same sex when for years it wasn't spoken of or even allowed so where is the research point or ability to make it fit so deftly. and Cassidy really managed it with the care but moments it deserved.
Clara wants something more from life. an inheritance might just be the answer as she can finally try and break free from the 'rules' of her life and the constraints of the society around her. Addie has nothing to her name and relies on her wit to get her through. when this leads her to Cassidy's door she thinks shes found her in, the way to use Cassidy to live the life she yearns for. but over time and moments these two realise they want far more than the material things from each other and feel far more than they could ever have though possible on meeting.
but what now? what could ever become of them now?

This historical novel is a very interesting one that introduces us to two young ladies during the great depression. They come comebfrom different backgrounds but they seem to hit it off right away. Their friendship starts to grow into soething else but with the complications of the time period it makes it difficult to come out into the open with it. Overall I was quite impressed with how things went and enjoyed it.
We are introduced to Clara who has lived a privileged life but she feels smoothed by society. When she comes into an inheritance she deicdes to make the best of it. She then meets Addie who seems to only have eyes for her money. However as the two get to know each other they realize their feelings are more than friendship.