Another solid historical romance from Harper St. George. I actually liked this one better than the first one, because I felt Violet was a better character than August and the relationship between Christian and Violet was better developed than August and Evan's, I adored Christian and his interactions with Violet on their trip north, despite the conflict that was inevitably coming from his deception. I'm definitely interested in more books by this author and would recommend this book to patrons who love historical romances. I'm looking forward to Max and Lady Helena's story, which was slightly built up in this book.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

Summary:
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....

Thoughts:
Wow! This book was a great ride to go on. I loved the chemistry between Violet and Christian. I loved how fierce sand fed up with her parents Violet was, because man, I was too. After the last book and the beginning of this one I was so frustrated with them and how pushy and horrible they were to their daughters. It really was a new low in my opinion. So when Violet takes a stand, I was all for it. Her willingness to buck against convention had a more purposeful feeling than it did for August in the previous novel. She is a romantic at heart and though that does make her ripe for the pickings for Christian, but she is so loveable that her naivete doesn't feel fake.

Christian is a naughty boy and I honestly could have used more of that. He wasn't evil by any means, though he is willing to go to extremes to get what he wants. Violet is what he wants and he does think he has something offer in exchange, not just to take from her. When he starts to fall for her.... the guilt is just eating him alive and the grovel he does at the end of this book was very fitting.

There was just 2 little pieces that bugged me. One had to do with how the 3rd act conflict unfolded, I thought we were going to usurp a trope that annoys me, but we still fell into it. The other has to do with a secret that the heroine keeps near the end of the book and it is something that I don't have much leeway for.

Overall I really loved this book and hope there is another one about their brother Max, who was as wonderful as their parents were awful.

4.5/5 stars.

The Devil and the Heiress by Harper St. George
Publisher - Berkley Publishing
Publish Date - 29 June 2021
Rating - 4/5 Stars

***Thank you to Netgalley, Berkley Publishing, and of course, Harper St. George, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

WOW! If I wasn’t in love with this world before, I am now! I gobbled The Heiress Gets A Duke in one day. The Devil and the Heiress picks up right where it left off, with Violet Crenshaw at the ready. I again DEVOURED IT. The fire between Violet and Christian, Earl of Leigh was undeniable in the first book, seeing it blossom into what it became, gave me butterflies. I truly admire Violet for her actions in this novel, from standing up to her parents and the awful Lord Ware, running to a place where she could escape into her own world of writing (and failing, slightly), and her vulnerability with Christian, from innocent infatuation, to anger to pure and unbothered love. The same goes for Christian. I am so in awe of his character development. From a devil's plan in his mind purely made out of a need to hold onto something so dear to such an unabashedly love and admiration for Violet, Christian’s story arc was beautifully done. I hated him and loved him at the same time.

I honestly think I loved this one more than August and Rothschild’s story. This shifted after the major plot point which drives the second half of the book. The first half had me longing for August as a character. Especially after getting her for a small second. I enjoyed seeing Max more, and obviously seeing the plot set up for his story (PLEASE MAKE THIS HAPPEN, HARPER!). The Crenshaw parents continued to lower on my list, and Lord Ware, oh my goodness did I despise that man. As I said with the first book, I wanted more of Camille. I feel so instantly disappeared, and as Violet did, I worried for her! The Mitchells, Helena, and, Jacob were an incredible addition to this story as well.

If you loved The Heiress Gets A Duke, you will adore this follow-up. I cannot recommend this enough!

I danced in the grocery store when I got the email that I could read this book. And let me say, it did not disappoint. I adored The Heiress Gets a Duke and it’s steadily been one of my favorite reads of this year. It’s great. So you can understand the amount of hype and buildup that I’ve created for this book.

I also need to state that I read this book in one sitting. Picked it up and then put it down fully read. I loved it (probs not as much as The Heiress Gets a Duke but close).

This book picks up right after the end of the first book. August and Evan are together, floating across the Atlantic, and Violet is still in London with her parents. In the first book I wasn’t the biggest Violet fan, I mean she was nice and had some level of personality, but in this one she really shines and I love her.

So I’m going to be honest, I don’t like abduction/traveling tropes in historical romances. I’m just not a big fan of it. However, I did like this book. St. George really sold it with the dual POV, which really added a lot of depth to it and gave immense insight into the characters, and also Violet and Christian had met before this in the previous book and were given ample time in the beginning of this book as well.

I found both Violet and Christian to be interesting characters with a lot of depth and development. Christian was so cute and his internal dialogue, I wanted to both hug him and also stage an intervention. I loved the way they balanced each other out and the connection they shared.

The plot was fun and things kept moving along at a really good pace. It wasn’t drawn out, but there was also enough slow times that the characters were able to reflect and develop. Plus, the romance in the book was just right! Perfect amounts emotional and physical! I mean just perfect!

Really my only complaint is that I wish the book had been a bit longer. I felt like the ending was rushed and there wasn’t enough final development. I would have liked a bit more show than tell in the final pages.

Long story short, I highly recommend this book! If you’ve read the first one in the series pick this one up. If you like Gilded Age Historical Romances, pick this one up! If you like strong female characters in historical fiction and completely charming men pick this one up. If you like sweet and steamy romances with great character development and moments that make you go aw, PICK THIS ONE UP! I cannot wait for her next novel (ignoring that I got this one really early) and all of her future novels. Harper St. George has really cemented her status is my autobuy author pile! I will 110% be rereading this book many times and shoving it into the hands of as many people as possible!

What do you do when you’re a wannabe writer being forced into a marriage of convenience by your parents? You run away to Scotland with an earl of course!

Violet has no desire to get married. She wants to be a writer and a husband just doesn’t work into those plans. However, her parents feel otherwise and find someone they believe to be the perfect candidate for her husband. Backed into a corner, she flees with the Earl of Leigh to Scotland. But she doesn’t know that he also has eyes on her fortune. Will Violet write her own love story, or will she end up with a broken heart?

I was a huge fan of Harper St. George’s The Heiress Gets a Duke, so I was very excited to get my hands on Violet’s story. The groundwork for this book was laid at the end of the first installment, and the second book picks up right where that one left off.

First off, the cover of this book is stunning! And honestly, the rest of the book is just as breathtaking. The authors descriptions and world building creates a stunning picture. The characters are compelling and well-rounded. There are characters you love, and those you hate. And I loved Violet and Christian’s relationship. It was well-developed and beautifully written. I enjoyed this one even more than The Heiress Gets a Duke, which I didn’t think was possible!

The author laid the groundwork for potentially more books in the series and I can’t wait! I want more! I am definitely going to be keeping my eye out for more books by Harper St. George.

This book is a perfect period romance for anyone, but especially for those who enjoy historical fiction. 4.5 stars.

I received a free digital ARC from NetGalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review.

What a wonderful sequel for the younger sister. I thought this one could even be better than the first. This would make for a great vacation read. It is light, flirty, and keeps you up late reading until the end!

Harper St. George does it again! I am absolutely obsessed with this Gilded Age world she is writing in and the characters she has created. Violet and Christian have the best chemistry and they seem to truly make each other better. The grand gestures were incredibly swoony. Each book has me dying to read the next one, the setup for Max & Helena is great. I cannot wait for people to get their hands on this book.

LET'S GET IT ON with The Devil and the Heiress by Harper St. George

First Impressions

While this dress looks like a pretty, floofy raspberry cloud, I definitely prefer the more avant garde look to the first book.

What’s Your Type?

Innocent lady, devilish rake; forced proximity; fake marriages; nursing someone back to health; lying and machinations

Dating Profile

Violet Crenshaw’s parents may consider their second-born daughter the more biddable and agreeable one, but she’s got her own hidden streak of independence and a dream to become a writer. When her father buys off her childhood sweetheart in order to promise her to a Lord who can secure him mineral rights, Violet realizes she has only one avenue available to her: run away.

And who gave her that idea? None other than Lord Christian Halston, the disreputable Earl of Leigh, best friend to the Duke of Rothschild, and yet another man in need to money. He once told his friend the Duke that if a woman refuses to marry you that a little light kidnapping and quickie marriage in Scotland is never off the table. But while he may desire Violet’s money, it’s not the only thing he’s lusting after…

Meet Cute

Violet and Christian met briefly in the first book when they were supporting their sister and best friend, respectively. Most of their interactions are chaperoned until Christian catches Violet alone in a side room at a ball, where she quickly falls prey to his (entirely reasonable but not honorable) warnings about the despicable Lord Ware.

The Lean

I gotta admit I was a little let down because I was hoping for some more will-they-won’t-they banter, but Christian and Violet are pretty smitten almost immediately, even if it takes some time before they’ll admit it. Basically, I wanted Christian to be more of a cad; he feels guilty about playing her entire too quickly! And despite valuing her independence, Violet is still a little too wide-eyed, trusting ingenue when it comes to actual romance. I felt that the synopsis gave me the impression that she was at least partially aware that Christian was trying to woo her and was refusing to play into it, but that wasn’t the case at all.

Dirty Talk

St. George doesn’t shy away from explicit imagery with little fluff (no velvet-wrapped steel metaphors) but she does a great job making it feel more romantic and tender than tawdry. Here’s a (slightly more tame because I’m blushing) moment:

Swallowing thickly, he watched as her head thrashed back and forth, eyes still closed tight against the pleasure. Placing a kiss on her breast, he scraped his teeth over her nipple, before moving down her body. If this was his one chance to touch her, he would do it properly. He would leave her knowing her taste.

Ms. Perky's Prize for Purplest Prose

While the majority of her writing is pretty straightforward, I did notice some repeating imagery that made me giggle a little when I envisioned someone’s blood literally turning to honey:

He shifted as his blood thickened like honey in his veins. This was too much to ask of him. He was already drunk on arousal and need. It swam through his head like whisky, making his thoughts give way to instinct and consequences appear murky.

We Need To Talk

The Crenshaws deserve an Awful Parenting award for being such unfeeling, greedy little buggers. When Lord Ware tries to compromise Violet into marrying him, her mom is all, “Well, what can ya do? We already promised you to him, so it’s good anyway!” Eff off, Mrs. Crenshaw. Violet is a bit more mature about than I am, but I’m glad she doesn’t feel the need to forgive them for their own sake.

Christian and Violet’s relationship—and, indeed, the entire middle and end of the book—took a turn I wasn’t quite expecting, and…I can’t really tell you if that’s bad or good. I don’t think this book was bad, but my expectations were heading towards a particular destination, and the story, like Lord Leigh’s carriage, definitely took a side path I wasn’t expecting. I wanted more devilish Lord Leigh, someone who deserved the moniker of Lord Lucifer in Violet’s writings, and I’m not sure I got that. I don’t mind that Christian turned out to be a nicer person than that even if he did try coercing her into marriage, but, like, I wanted him to be a little more bad so the turn to good was that much more satisfying (questionable romance judgement-free zone, y’all) St. George also threw in a trope that I don’t particularly care for towards the end, but I know that’s more my personal pet peeve than anything the story did wrong.

Was It Good For You?

It wasn’t the slam-dunk that I’d hoped, but I would still recommend it without hesitation, as I think the writing was still more engaging than some Regency romances I’ve read. And I’m still down to see Matthew and Helena’s story (I assume) in the future!

FTC Full Disclosure: I received my free review copy from Berkley Books. I received neither money nor peanut butter cups in exchange for this review. The Devil and the Heiress is available now.

I looooved the first in this series and this one was really good too. It focused on August’s sister Violet. It was really interesting reading about the same characters from her POV. Her parents came off as far less caring in this than the first book. I really liked Christian in the first book and grew to like him even more in this one. I loved these two together! Such great chemistry and romantic tension. I can’t wait to read the next book. These are definitely some of my faves

**Thank you Berkley publishing for providing this ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change.**

“I am rather interested in her fortune.”

The devil and the heiress is book 2 in the Gilded Age Heiress series, it follows August’s sister, Violet Crenshaw. All violet wants is to become a writer, contrary to her parent’s belief this is not a hobby, it’s her passion and she is eager to turn it into a career. In Oerter to avoid an arranged marriage and in the pursuit of her dream, she flees London.

“You are all that matters.”

Enters the devilishly handsome Christian Halston who is in desperate need of funds in order to uphold his duties as Earl of Leigh. What better way to acquire capital then by marrying an heiress. What can he offer Violet that no other man can? Freedom! Freedom to be who she wants, to perfect her craft and pursue her dreams!

“You’re enough for me...As long as you’re in my arms, I have all I need.”

Spicy historical romance?? Yes, please! Harper St George has done it again! We love a sharp tongue woman, who refuses to let anyone write her narrative.This series is all about empowering women, putting them on the same pedestal as their husbands in a time period where women did not have much say in their lives.

“I will love you until I draw my last breath.”

If you are into women’s rights, women supporting women, men supporting women. If you love spicy historical romance then this book is for you!! I thoroughly enjoyed Violet and Christian’s story! We love progressive women and the men who supports them, which is why I'm rating this book 4.5/5

I'm just gonna say it. I liked this one so much more than "The Heiress Gets A Duke" and that one was fantastic. So, yes, I really LOVED this book. I kind of want to read it again right now. I feel like I've cheated on my husband with this book for the last two days. Confession over.

I highly recommend you read this book! It's got a decent plot, it's got a sexual tension-filled road trip, a dramatic rescue and a tender recovery, a bitter estrangement and a heart-soaring make up, a good amount of STEAMY love scenes, and it could totally be read as a standalone. It more than satisfies all my romance novel requirements including having a feminist POV.

Christian & Violet are a team you'll enjoy rooting for and. St. George teases a romance for brother Max & Lady Helena next,! I'm ALL IN.

American heiress Violet narrowly escaped an arranged marriage to a scheming lord, and she thinks she's in the clear, until she hears her parents plotting to marry her off to someone else. So she flees home, headed for a women's colony far north of London, where she can write her novel in peace. But before she can even leave town, she's intercepted by her new brother-in-law's best friend, Christian, another English earl. He offers to help her escape. But little does she know, Christian is hoping to marry Violet himself by carrying her off to Scotland, and use her dowry to fix up his beloved Scottish estate.

The two get to know each other as they travel north in Christian's carriage, and are surprised by the affinity and attraction between them. But both are keeping secrets, and if they have any chance of being together, they'll need to be honest with each other.

I enjoyed this as much as the previous book in the series. Violet is a funny and feisty heroine. I was a little uncomfortable with the Stockholm Syndrome of it all, but things work out okay.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

I loved book two in the series. The Devil and the Heiress is just as fun as book one. Harper St. George brings romance, adventure, and fun to each of her books.

I really love Harper St. George. She has quickly become a new favorite historical romance author. She writes books that feel both relevant and pertinent to our day and age but they have that fun historical setting.

The Devil and the Heiress was steamy, fun and entertaining. If you are wanting a good escape from reality I would suggest picking this one up.

In the “The Heiress Gets a Duke” we met Miss Violet Crenshaw, younger sister to August Crenshaw. In this tale, Violet was thought to have a sweeter, much more malleable disposition than her elder sister. We also met Christian Halston, Earl of Leigh, business partner and best friend to the Duke of Rothschild. Christian is as handsome as he is devious.

In “The Devil and the Heiress”, Violet is definitely sweet, but she certainly isn’t malleable. When she realizes that her parents have promised her hand in marriage to Lord Ware, a man she detests, Violet feels her only option is to run away. Christian, Lord Leigh, has been fascinated with the lovely Miss Crenshaw from the moment they met. When he finds out that she has been promised to his nemesis, Lord Ware, Christian decides he must have the lovely Violet (and her money) no matter what the cost.

I enjoyed every moment of this. Violet was such a great character. She’s sweet, gentle, but has a spine of steel. Christian at first comes across as a typical spoiled aristocrat. However, like an onion, layer after layer is peeled away to reveal the romantic and kind-hearted man he really is. A wonderful cast of characters kept the story flowing. Max, the elder brother to August and Violet is absolutely a true American Prince Charming! Lady Helena, an aristocrat, who runs a charity for underprivileged women, is a wonderful friend and advisor to Violet. I did feel that Violet became a bit wishy washy towards the end, but as always, love prevailed with a very satisfying conclusion.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

American heiress, Violet Crenshaw, has seen how marriage to an English noble can be both good, or bad. Originally, it seemed that the Duke of Rothschild wanted to marry her, with her parent's pushing, but once he became enamoured by her elder sister, August, and followed her across the ocean, Violet thought she was home scot-free. However, she'd caught the attention of the Earl of Leigh, who needs an heiress to help rebuild his estate, and Violet fits all the requirements. But, her father has refused him, and hopes Violet will marry another earl, who's proposal they've already accepted on her behalf. Now, Violet wants to run away, to Windermere if possible, and Christian just happens to turn up right when she needs help. Can he convince her to marry on their journey northward, or will the various calamities prove to keep them apart?

As soon as I had finished The Heiress Gets a Duke, I knew I was desperate to get my hands on this book! So, I was a little bit cheeky, and emailed the published, and when the NetGalley widget arrived in my inbox, I could've screamed. Honestly, I think I preferred this book to the first, and that's saying something. For most of the book, there's only really Violet and Christian together, on their travels north, and then a little break in Yorkshire following a carriage issue. Their time together was wonderful, and though they weren't exactly friends at the start of the book, they truly became friends, before the chemistry and romance between them became too much. Yes, okay, Christian was lying to Violet about his intention to help her - rather than take her to Windermere for a writing retreat, he wanted to secrete her across the border and marry in Scotland, before heading on to his own estate. Violet loves to write, and has been creating a series based loosely on her experiences in London, and her feelings for Christian. Her parents don't really know about it, and only really see her as a way for them to marry into the aristocracy again, and gain honour and prestige through a well made match. While Christian and Violet were together, we saw more of them both, as they came out of their shell, and being dual POV, we learnt more about their personal histories too. Honestly, they were the perfect couple, and though I felt that the angst section went on a little longer than needed, their story was beautiful. The banter and interactions of the Crenshaw brother, Maxwell, and Lady Helena makes me hope there's a book three, all about them too, and we may also see more from our previous two couples too!

4 dashing, swoonworthy and glamour stars to this gem by Harper St. George. The sequel to An Heiress gets a Duke, this follow up story captures the same charisma and magic. American heiress, Violet Crenshaw, is determined not to be a pawn in her parents' matrimony schemes or business ventures. She runs away from London to pursue her dreams of writing. Along the way she pairs up with the roguish Earl of Leigh, Christian, who offers to safely accompany her. Unbeknownst to her, his motives are not as pure as they may appear. To both of their surprise, the two fall in love along the way. I loved the complex and endearing characters, the sparks of attraction, the steamy romance, and the overall unique storyline. Harper St. George writes historical romance in a fresh, fiercely smart and engaging way- I can't put her books down!

Christian Halston, Earl of Leigh, needs money to rebuild his beloved Scottish manor after a devastating fire and he's set his sights on American heiress Violet Crenshaw. When Violet's parents accept a proposal from another lord for her hand, Violet is appalled and runs away seemingly straight into Christian's arms. He offers to escort her north to a writing retreat and she readily accepts not knowing that Christian has plans to take her to Scotland for a quickie wedding. A terrible carriage accident along the way derails his plans. Can he convince Violet that his feels are real?

I enjoyed the first book in the Gilded Age series and this one didn't disappoint. I loved that Violet was a closet writer who had aspirations of being published one day. She starts out as the dutiful daughter until her parents accept a lord abhorrent to her and she flees. When Christian's suit for her hand is not accepted by her father, he manages to find her on the day she flees and offers her a ride north which she accepts and climbs into his carriage. I really enjoyed the dual POV and Ms. St George teases out details of Christian's past while Violet's story is more about her aspirations. When she finds out Christian had contrived the whole trip, she is devastated and wonders if she could trust anything he says including his vow of love. While I understand Violet's feelings of betrayal, I thought her refusal to see Christian for months went on a bit too long for me. The series seems to highlight that the men should be the ones to grovel their way to the inevitable HEA. I can't wait to read Max's story. Now that should involve some fantastic groveling.

Harper St. George has created a great niche for herself with The Gilded Age Heiresses series. Impoverished English aristocrats seeking American heiresses to fund their expensive estates; American families seeking royal cachet and connections. The Devil and the Heiress is book two with another strikingly beautiful dress cover.

We met Christian, Earl of Leigh, in The Heiress Gets a Duke. His initial motives for pursuing wealthy Violet Crenshaw are strictly mercenary. But spending time with the forthright Violet, who just wants to make decisions about her own future, has Christian realizing Violet’s worth is beyond mere money.

I look forward to the next installment of this series. St. George has created many characters for readers to root for getting their own HEAs.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book in The Gilded Age Heiresses series and, with the exception of one thing, I think it’s better than its predecessor. The plot pacing is well choreographed and never feels sluggish--I finished the book in half a day. Violet and Christian have amazing chemistry and I was rooting for them from the first page. With their refreshingly sweet compatibility and steamy gazes (among other things), they’re a really easy couple to love.

So what didn’t I love? The conflict, of course.

I like dual perspectives in romance because it creates depth between the MCs. But Christian is extremely idealized in his chapters and that's a problem because when Violet decides to suddenly (yet rightly) flame him, it doesn't feel justified. Rather than being angry *for* Violet, I ended up getting mad *at* her, which isn’t fair because SHE is the wronged party, not Christian. For a book with such a modern feminist lean, the highly contrived execution and weak resolution of this conflict leaves a weird tang.

I will, however, look forward to what I assume will be Max Crenshaw's book next.