Collection
Publication
Berkley (2021), 320 pages
Description
Fiction. Romance. Historical Fiction. HTML: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 unsuitable 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.… (more)
Language
Original language
English
User reviews
LibraryThing member BarbaraRogers
Series: The Gilded Age Heiresses #1
Publication Date: 1/26/2021
Number of Pages: 320
This is my first book by this author, but it definitely won’t be my last. The writing is excellent, the plot and delivery are perfectly timed, and the main characters are both relatable and likable. Usually, we see
American Griswold Crenshaw, owner of Crenshaw Iron Works, is rich as Croesus, and he has brought his wife and two daughters, Violet and August, to London to enjoy the season while he makes some business deals. Things are going along swimmingly until he and his wife learn of a pockets-to-let duke who could be persuaded to marry his daughter Violet. It would take a bit of collusion with the duke’s mother to get him to do it, but Violet wouldn’t have a choice. The green-eyed-monster has struck at the Crenshaw home, so why not buy themselves a duke.
Viewed by society as “mannish”, August Crenshaw is a bluestocking who loves working with her father. She loves seeing that contracts are correct, that the books are balanced, and well … just everything about business. She cannot believe that her father would sell off her younger sister just to gain an English title in the family. She is incensed and wastes no time in telling both of her parents and the duke exactly what she thinks about the whole transaction. She’ll do whatever she can to save her sister from that fate. However, her success comes at a cost when the duke ignores her sister and focuses on her. Uh Oh!
Evan Sterling, Duke of Rothschild, wasn’t meant to be the duke – nor did he want to be – yet, here he is. After the death of his much-loved brother, he became the heir – and then the duke. After his father’s death a year ago, it was a shock to learn that the estate was totally insolvent. Not a farthing to be had. Evan has done all he can to keep things afloat – he has even been bare-knuckle brawling to earn money. Things are critical with his twin sisters needing a come-out next year and his entailed estates falling down around his ears. He doesn’t want a bride at all right now, but he definitely doesn’t want one simply for her fortune. However, he is a man of his time, and agrees to marry the Crenshaw heiress. He has seen – and maybe admired – the older Crenshaw sister and assumes that is who his mother has chosen. Except – when he is introduced, he discovers that isn’t the case. Oh! My!
I loved Evan and Autumn and I loved that they both spoke openly and honestly with each other. There wasn’t any of the angsty holding back of what they really wanted to say while thinking he/she must have meant this or that. They said what they had to say frankly and openly. I loved that. But then, at a critical point, “The Great Misunderstanding” point, they both chose NOT say what they meant. That wasn’t my favorite part of the book. However, once they came to their senses they made up for lost time.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read and I hope you will give it a try and enjoy it as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 1/26/2021
Number of Pages: 320
This is my first book by this author, but it definitely won’t be my last. The writing is excellent, the plot and delivery are perfectly timed, and the main characters are both relatable and likable. Usually, we see
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some rake of a titled bachelor happily dodging matchmaking mamas and their daughters – or we see a lovely innocent young woman being sold off to the highest bidder in the marriage mart. In this story, we see the marriage mart from the male side as well as the female. Both are made to feel like bits of horseflesh up for sale at Tattersals. American Griswold Crenshaw, owner of Crenshaw Iron Works, is rich as Croesus, and he has brought his wife and two daughters, Violet and August, to London to enjoy the season while he makes some business deals. Things are going along swimmingly until he and his wife learn of a pockets-to-let duke who could be persuaded to marry his daughter Violet. It would take a bit of collusion with the duke’s mother to get him to do it, but Violet wouldn’t have a choice. The green-eyed-monster has struck at the Crenshaw home, so why not buy themselves a duke.
Viewed by society as “mannish”, August Crenshaw is a bluestocking who loves working with her father. She loves seeing that contracts are correct, that the books are balanced, and well … just everything about business. She cannot believe that her father would sell off her younger sister just to gain an English title in the family. She is incensed and wastes no time in telling both of her parents and the duke exactly what she thinks about the whole transaction. She’ll do whatever she can to save her sister from that fate. However, her success comes at a cost when the duke ignores her sister and focuses on her. Uh Oh!
Evan Sterling, Duke of Rothschild, wasn’t meant to be the duke – nor did he want to be – yet, here he is. After the death of his much-loved brother, he became the heir – and then the duke. After his father’s death a year ago, it was a shock to learn that the estate was totally insolvent. Not a farthing to be had. Evan has done all he can to keep things afloat – he has even been bare-knuckle brawling to earn money. Things are critical with his twin sisters needing a come-out next year and his entailed estates falling down around his ears. He doesn’t want a bride at all right now, but he definitely doesn’t want one simply for her fortune. However, he is a man of his time, and agrees to marry the Crenshaw heiress. He has seen – and maybe admired – the older Crenshaw sister and assumes that is who his mother has chosen. Except – when he is introduced, he discovers that isn’t the case. Oh! My!
I loved Evan and Autumn and I loved that they both spoke openly and honestly with each other. There wasn’t any of the angsty holding back of what they really wanted to say while thinking he/she must have meant this or that. They said what they had to say frankly and openly. I loved that. But then, at a critical point, “The Great Misunderstanding” point, they both chose NOT say what they meant. That wasn’t my favorite part of the book. However, once they came to their senses they made up for lost time.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read and I hope you will give it a try and enjoy it as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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LibraryThing member Asheley
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
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!
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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!
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LibraryThing member pgchuis
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
This was an enjoyable read with a likeable hero and heroine pairing. August's hurt when she realizes she has only been allowed to participate in the family business until she marries was well portrayed, and I really liked the way Evan
This was an enjoyable read with a likeable hero and heroine pairing. August's hurt when she realizes she has only been allowed to participate in the family business until she marries was well portrayed, and I really liked the way Evan
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took her to one of his estates and showed her all the work that needed to be done so she could imagine a new role for herself. I was loving it all the way to nearly the end when there was a complete (and surely unlikely) failure of communication in a scene I was anticipating as the peak of the romance of the story, which ruined everything for me. Then the ending was very rushed and therefore disappointing. Show Less
LibraryThing member scoutmomskf
Excellent book. As the book opens, August and Violet watch, horrified, as their best friend Camille is married off to an older British nobleman, her parents exchanging American dollars for a title for their daughter. Surely their parents wouldn't be so heartless?
Several months later, the Crenshaw
I will say right here and now that I detested Mr. and Mrs. Crenshaw. She is an out-and-out social climber who doesn't care whether her daughters are happy or not, as long as she can lord it over the "old money" people like Mrs. Astor back in New York. Her actions and attitudes throughout the book were appalling. Yes, I know it was typical of the period, but it was still terrible. Meanwhile, Mr. Crenshaw seems happy to have August working with him, her brilliant mind helping to earn more money for the company. I approved of how he involved her in the discussions about expanding to India. But when push came to shove, he was ready to pat the little woman on the head and shove her out the door to be a wife and mother. He was also a coward, leaving it to his wife to break the news of the death of August's dreams.
Evan, Duke of Rothschild, is trapped. He recently inherited the dukedom from his father, only to discover that he has crumbling estates, many bills, and nothing to pay them with. Though he attempts to keep them afloat by bare-knuckle fighting and gambling winnings, it's soon evident that it isn't enough. The only thing he can do is find a wealthy heiress to marry. He hates the idea of marrying one of the dim-witted debutantes, but he doesn't see any choice. But when his mother recommends Violet Crenshaw, Evan quickly realizes that he's much more interested in Violet's sister August.
I loved the first meeting between August and Evan. August, who is somewhere she should not be, encounters Evan in his "The Hellion" guise, an undefeated bare-knuckle fighter. She is horrified and intrigued by what she witnesses and grateful to him when Evan saves her from a nasty fall. He goads her into giving him a kiss that overwhelms them both. August never expects to see him again and is stunned to later recognize him as the man her parents want Violet to marry. A confrontation and another kiss later, and Evan knows that the only woman for him is August. Accustomed to getting what he wants, he doesn't expect any trouble. Meanwhile, August plans to spend time at the ball he's supposed to attend, convincing him to stay away from Violet. I enjoyed that scene as she earnestly steers him away from Violet while he's busy staking his claim on her. She's furious when she learns the truth.
This began a thoroughly enjoyable story of their courtship. August makes it plain that she doesn't want to marry him or anyone else. She likes her life the way it is and has no intention of giving up her freedom to live under any man's thumb. I loved that Evan is quite sympathetic to her plight and more than willing to meet her halfway. A visit to his main estate gives them a chance to get to know each other better and the attraction between them to grow along with it. There are some heartwarming moments between them as they share events that profoundly affected their lives. They make great strides toward a healthy relationship when left to themselves, but outside interference throws everything into turmoil.
Just when everything looks promising for their future together, an unexpected twist changes everything for Evan. His honor and love for August won't allow him to see her forced to marry him. I ached for him because all he wants is for her to want him for himself. Unfortunately, August only sees that she's no longer needed. Rather than talk things out, neither of them is willing to risk putting their feelings out there for fear of being rejected. It doesn't help that when August realizes the truth of her feelings and tries to do something about it, she misinterprets something she sees and runs. The scene at the end as Violet confronts Evan is fantastic, especially when she decides to help him. While Evan could have done a little more groveling once he caught up with August, he wasn't the only one who was in the wrong. August should have done a little of her own.
I liked the foreshadowing of the events of the next book. Evan's friend, the Earl of Leigh, has set his sights on Violet while she wants nothing to do with him. The sparks bode well for another fun story.
Several months later, the Crenshaw
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family is in London, where Mr. Crenshaw plans to expand his railroad and ironworks businesses. August is well aware of the plans as she has been deeply involved in the business for many years, something very unusual for women of their class. August has made it clear that she is not interested in marriage, only in continuing to work for the business. August is brilliant, beautiful, and a supporter of all things progressive. Her outspokenness and bluestocking ways cause her to be unappealing to the aristocrats looking for brides, which is fine with her. That is until she discovers her parents' plans to marry Violet off to an impoverished Duke.I will say right here and now that I detested Mr. and Mrs. Crenshaw. She is an out-and-out social climber who doesn't care whether her daughters are happy or not, as long as she can lord it over the "old money" people like Mrs. Astor back in New York. Her actions and attitudes throughout the book were appalling. Yes, I know it was typical of the period, but it was still terrible. Meanwhile, Mr. Crenshaw seems happy to have August working with him, her brilliant mind helping to earn more money for the company. I approved of how he involved her in the discussions about expanding to India. But when push came to shove, he was ready to pat the little woman on the head and shove her out the door to be a wife and mother. He was also a coward, leaving it to his wife to break the news of the death of August's dreams.
Evan, Duke of Rothschild, is trapped. He recently inherited the dukedom from his father, only to discover that he has crumbling estates, many bills, and nothing to pay them with. Though he attempts to keep them afloat by bare-knuckle fighting and gambling winnings, it's soon evident that it isn't enough. The only thing he can do is find a wealthy heiress to marry. He hates the idea of marrying one of the dim-witted debutantes, but he doesn't see any choice. But when his mother recommends Violet Crenshaw, Evan quickly realizes that he's much more interested in Violet's sister August.
I loved the first meeting between August and Evan. August, who is somewhere she should not be, encounters Evan in his "The Hellion" guise, an undefeated bare-knuckle fighter. She is horrified and intrigued by what she witnesses and grateful to him when Evan saves her from a nasty fall. He goads her into giving him a kiss that overwhelms them both. August never expects to see him again and is stunned to later recognize him as the man her parents want Violet to marry. A confrontation and another kiss later, and Evan knows that the only woman for him is August. Accustomed to getting what he wants, he doesn't expect any trouble. Meanwhile, August plans to spend time at the ball he's supposed to attend, convincing him to stay away from Violet. I enjoyed that scene as she earnestly steers him away from Violet while he's busy staking his claim on her. She's furious when she learns the truth.
This began a thoroughly enjoyable story of their courtship. August makes it plain that she doesn't want to marry him or anyone else. She likes her life the way it is and has no intention of giving up her freedom to live under any man's thumb. I loved that Evan is quite sympathetic to her plight and more than willing to meet her halfway. A visit to his main estate gives them a chance to get to know each other better and the attraction between them to grow along with it. There are some heartwarming moments between them as they share events that profoundly affected their lives. They make great strides toward a healthy relationship when left to themselves, but outside interference throws everything into turmoil.
Just when everything looks promising for their future together, an unexpected twist changes everything for Evan. His honor and love for August won't allow him to see her forced to marry him. I ached for him because all he wants is for her to want him for himself. Unfortunately, August only sees that she's no longer needed. Rather than talk things out, neither of them is willing to risk putting their feelings out there for fear of being rejected. It doesn't help that when August realizes the truth of her feelings and tries to do something about it, she misinterprets something she sees and runs. The scene at the end as Violet confronts Evan is fantastic, especially when she decides to help him. While Evan could have done a little more groveling once he caught up with August, he wasn't the only one who was in the wrong. August should have done a little of her own.
I liked the foreshadowing of the events of the next book. Evan's friend, the Earl of Leigh, has set his sights on Violet while she wants nothing to do with him. The sparks bode well for another fun story.
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LibraryThing member jennybeast
Satisfying romance, focusing on American Heiresses in Britain. The Duke is a little more introspective a hero than most, and August is delightfully brainy. Definitely feels like a book written with a modern perspective in the mix, but it only adds to the love affair.
Advanced Reader's Copy provided
Advanced Reader's Copy provided
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by Edelweiss. Show Less
LibraryThing member JorgeousJotts
The heroine was almost ridiculously stubborn and contrary, and I don't like it when the heroine is consistently a pill but somehow the hero always finds the behavior darling. There's a difference between someone who doesn't give you the deference you're used to from others, and someone who is just
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difficult and oppositional at every turn. And both characters were fools a time or two. The affections seemed pretty mild for almost all of the story, I prefer when at least one of the characters is more certain earlier and not just in the last two chapters or so. But there was attraction, and they were largely likable (besides the issues I mentioned with the heroine). I was entertained, and will read the next in the series. Show Less