The Devil and the Heiress
by Harper St. George
The Gilded Age Heiresses - Book 2
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: June 29, 2021
Reviewed by PJ
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....
PJ's Thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed Harper St. George's debut novel, The Heiress Gets a Duke (link to review) and have been eagerly anticipating Violet and Christian's story in The Devil and the Heiress. I'm happy to say that as much as I loved book one, I loved this one even more. St. George has firmly landed a place on my must-buy author list.
I thought I had a pretty good handle on Violet and Christian when I began their book but there was so much more to both of them than what I expected. St. George does an outstanding job of slowly progressing their relationship during their event-filled road trip while also gradually peeling away the layers of what they show to the public to reveal the core of the person beneath. Violet was so much stronger than I had guessed. I cheered her on as she began to open her heart and find her footing as a woman, rather than the biddable daughter subject to her parents' grasping greed. And Christian - sigh - has so much hidden depth, more than even he realizes until his feelings for Violet begin to bring it out. St. George created such beautifully nuanced characters in these two. It was pure pleasure to watch the significant growth in each along with the sweetness, caring, desire, and love that developed between them. There were more than a few deeply romantic sighs and swoons for this reader but I also appreciated the broken moments. By the time I reached the end of the book, these two had done the hard work that convinced me they were heading for a long life of love, trust, respect, and happiness together. I fully expect them to be cavorting in a meadow 50 years later, surrounded by their adoring grandchildren, happily secure in their deep and enduring love.
The Devil and the Heiress can be read on its own but I think readers will enjoy it more if they first read The Heiress Gets a Duke. I'm excited for book three, The Lady Tempts an Heir (Feb. 2022), starring Violet's older brother Max and her friend, women's rights activist Lady Helen. I'm expecting lots of chemistry between these two. The author's website also lists a fourth book, The Duchess Takes a Husband but no details about characters or storyline. I, however, have high hopes for two secondary characters I'd love to see together. Time will tell whether or not I get that wish.
Sounds like something I would enjoy - thanks.
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend it!
DeleteI really enjoyed The Heiress Gets a Duke and was looking forward to this book. Sounds like I will be a happy reader of The Devil and the Heiress.
ReplyDeleteI hope you love it as much as I did, Laurie. Violet is one of my favorite heroines this year and Christian totally captured my heart.
DeleteI really loved The Heiress Gets a Duke, so I know I will enjoy this.
ReplyDeleteIt's so good. I don't know how many books she plans to write for the series but I'm beyond excited that we get at least two more!
DeleteThank you for this wonderful review, PJ!
ReplyDeleteAmy
HF Virtual Book Tours
Sounds like a wonderful series--I know I would highly enjoy!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat review PJ. Added this book to my tbr.
ReplyDeleteSounds great! I need to read the first one!
ReplyDelete