Review - - The Heiress Swap

The Heiress Swap

by Maddison Michaels

Publisher: Entangled Amara

Release Date: July 25, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

Evie Jenkins didn’t know what she was thinking by agreeing to switch places with her American heiress cousin. After all, she’s naught but a poor―and usually quite sensible―companion. All she has to do is spend six weeks among London society, pretending to be an heiress…and ensure that absolutely under no circumstances does she accept any proposals of marriage.

When his cousin declares himself in love with a new woman visiting from the States, Alexander Trenton―the sixth Duke of Hargrave―is determined to prove that the young lady in question is just another American "Dollar Princess" desperate for an English title. She seems innocent enough, but Alex is determined to expose her…by thoroughly seducing the lovely and fiercely intelligent heiress himself.

What he assumed would be just one simple kiss erupts into something wild, uncontrollable, and much too public. Now the duke must save her reputation with a betrothal…little knowing that his charming Princess harbors a secret that would certainly ruin them both.

PJ's Thoughts:

A fossil loving, sensible young woman pretending to be her American heiress cousin meets a fossil loving, American averse, English duke. She's fascinated by the grumpy man who is the first to share her scientific interests as well as set her heart aflutter. He's fascinated by this young woman who seems more interested in an ancient lizard than his title. She's well aware they have no future. Past experience has taught him to be wary of her motives. Yet love is determined to have its way, regardless of the obstacles in their way. Did I mention that one of those obstacles is an unknown person determined to get them both out of the way? 

Maddison Michaels has crafted a fun romp that kept me entertained throughout. Evie is a wonderful heroine. I love how open and genuine she is, unafraid to voice her opinions and be herself. The banter between Evie and Alex sparkles. She may be affecting an American accent (she grew up in London) to mimic her cousin but everything else she presents to Alex is pure, unadulterated Evie. I was in her corner, cheering her on the entire way. Alex has some issues to work through - there were times I wanted to dump him in the Thames - though I very much enjoyed how his close friends, and Evie, held him to account. In the end, he learned the lessons he needed to and made satisfying amends.

There's a bit of a mystery woven through the story that adds another layer of intrigue. I was certain I knew who the villain was right up until the reveal when - whoa - I did not see that twist coming! I love when an author catches me off guard. 

While this story focuses on Evie and Alex, Evie's cousin Aimee is in London at the same time pretending to be Evie while she learns the secretarial trade at her father's company. We only get glimpses of Aimee's experiences but it's enough to leave me wanting more. I do hope the author has plans to write her story as well.