No one would guess that beneath Violet Crenshaw’s ladylike demeanor lies the heart of a rebel. American heiresses looking to secure English lords must be on their best behavior, but Violet has other plans. She intends to flee London and the marriage her parents have arranged to become a published author–if only the wickedly handsome earl who inspired her most outrageously sinful character didn’t insist on coming with her.
Christian Halston, Earl of Leigh, has a scheme of his own: escort the surprisingly spirited dollar princess north and use every delicious moment in close quarters to convince Violet to marry him. Christian needs an heiress to rebuild his Scottish estate but the more time he spends with Violet, the more he realizes what he really needs is her–by his side, near his heart, in his bed.
Though Christian’s burning glances offer unholy temptation, Violet has no intention of surrendering herself or her newfound freedom in a permanent deal with the devil. It’s going to take more than pretty words to prove this fortune hunter’s love is true….
Release Date: Jun 29, 2021
Series: The Gilded Age Heiresses
Book: 2
Heat Level: Sensual
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Berkley
Price: $7.99
“He was mad for her. Madness. It was the only word for the obsession that coursed through him. He would have thought it would have faded with her absence, but it had only come roaring back with her return, greedy for all that he had missed.”
This is another winner from Harper St. George after the knockout debut book in this series, The Heiress Gets a Duke. This story follows the youngest Crenshaw sister, Violet, who tries to thwart her parents plan to sell her to the highest bidder because she is in love with someone back home in America. After a suitor she has no intention of marrying attempts to compromise her, she decides to flee London to pursue her dream of becoming a published author.
Christian Halston, Earl of Leigh, aids Violet’s departure from London. She thinks he is just a good Samaritan, but he has ulterior motives when it comes to Violet. He needs her dowry to rebuild and repair his most beloved estate. Christian decides that he has to scheme, plot, and do whatever it takes to win her hand. Love has other plans for Christian though.
I thought the first book was excellent and this one was no different. There is something so lush and inviting about Harper St. George’s writing. It really draws you in. In the beginning of this story, Christian is a rake through and through, but as the story progresses you start to see a different side of him. The tenderness and care that he shows Violet is so romantic, and their moments together are full of tension and ease at the same time. There are so many special moments where they let their guard down and allow the other person to see all of them. Their wants and desires, their passions, their true selves. These moments truly captivated me and kept me wanting more from this couple.
Christian messes up badly, and it takes Violet an extremely long time to forgive him. I think that this dark moment where you don’t think the couple is going to be together was too long. I do enjoy when a heroine forces the hero to beg and grovel to make amends. I love to see them change for the woman that they love, but in my opinion this dark moment lasted too long and detracted from the story a little bit. Otherwise, this book was wonderful.
If you love strong and capable heroines like Loretta Chase’s or adventure stories like those of Sarah Maclean or Tessa Dare then check this book might check all of your boxes.
~ Michelle
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