I read this as a standalone even though it is the second book in a series. I didn’t have any problems reading it this way.
I love the cover, I think the color contrast between the dress and yellow makes the cover stand out next to the other historical romances on the shelf.
However, I do think this read more like historical fiction than romance. There just didn’t seem to be a romantic spark between the two characters which left me disappointed.
I think the world was well built and am interested to see what the author’s next book delivers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington/Zebra publishing for the arc. This did not effect my opinion or review in any way.

I really enjoyed reading book two in the "A Duke's Heiress" series. It is a great stand-alone read. I really enjoyed the originality of this story. The plot is unique and the Hero and Heroine are not what you would expect in a typical Historical Romance. The hero, Kevin Radnor is the nephew of a Duke and an inventor who is totally absorbed in making his invention a reality. The only problem is that his uncle, the Duke has left his portion of the business to a stranger, and to make matters worse she makes hats for a living.
Rosamund Jameson has just got the shock of her life. She has been left an inheritance of astounding proportions by a Duke she only met once. To top it off she has inherited half of a business with the most condescending rude man. Not only does he insult her but tries to bully her to sell her portion to him.
What follows is an adventure that neither one of them expects and a love that neither one was looking for. A great story with unexpected twists and turns. I recommend this book, as well as all of
Madeline's books.

Kevin is shocked that his late uncle the duke left half of Kevin's business to the beautiful owner of a milliner shop. Rosamund insists on becoming an active partner. The entanglement quickly leads to an irresistible attraction. Can Kevin convince her that a marriage of convenience will serve them both? And will such an arrangement be enough for tender-hearted Rosamund?

Madeline Hunter has crafted another smart, steamy historical romance with vibrant characters and a captivating plot. This fast-paced story reveals its secrets gradually, keeping interest high until the very end. I loved these characters and how perfectly they fit together. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I really like the whole premise for this new series by Madeline Hunter. This second book continues about the duke’s actual family and the hero Kevin is not your typical hero at all! Very sexy, elegant writing and lots of conflict all make this story a success!

When a shopkeeper learns of a life-changing inheritance it sets the stage for a battle of wills between her and the man whose enterprise she now owns half of. Heiress in Red Silk is the second book in Madeline Hunter’s Duke’s Heiress trilogy and while I liked the heroine and enjoyed the fact pace of the book, I had mixed feelings about the story overall.

Rosamund Jameson is nobody’s fool. A smart, sensible businesswoman and a gifted milliner, Rosamund is easy to like. She’s a genuinely nice person and her small vulnerabilities endeared her to me. When she finds out that her inheritance includes half a business enterprise, she isn’t cowed by the other owner, Kevin Radnor. Kevin wants her to give up her half of his enterprise or at the very least to be a silent partner. Rosamund has no interest in doing either. She knows what it takes to make a successful business even if no one wants to give her credit because she’s a tenant farmer’s daughter. Her only fault was trusting someone she should not have and trying to be someone other than herself sometimes in order to fit into a mold. She’s smart, successful, and practical and I stayed up reading Heiress in Red Silk because I wanted to see her succeed.

Kevin is where I had trouble with Heiress in Red Silk. He’s not a bad person per se; in fact, there are times when he comforts Rosamund that he’s got true potential. But oh does that man have trust issues and a short temper. He’s quick to blow up and blow things out of proportion, especially when it comes to his invention. I understood a bit of it but it grew wearing when he didn’t grow. His default is to try to take over, belittle others when he’s angry, and he’s so distrustful I’m not sure why Rosamund fell for him. There’s definite lust between them and – to give Hunter credit – genuine chemistry. I liked the practicalities of their relationship that Kevin and Rosamund discussed. But love? I didn’t buy it. Unearned declarations at the eleventh hour didn’t satisfy me on the romance part.

As I previously mentioned, Heiress in Red Silk is the second book in the Duke’s Heiress trilogy. I didn’t enjoy it as much as Heiress for Hire but it was still and OK read for me. My biggest issues were the hero and the romance that fell a bit flat, so since I happen to like Kevin’s cousin quite a bit, I’m eager to see him find the last remaining heiress and finish the trilogy on a high note.

I loved the first book in this series so was excited to read Kevin's story. The series revolves around a duke who passes away and, in his will, names three heiresses to his fortune. Unbeknownst to her, Rosamund is one of those heiresses. All Kevin had was a name and has been looking for her for nearly a year when he finally overhears someone mentioning her. His interest in Rosamund is tied to the fact that the deceased duke also left her his share in Kevin's business proposition. He is surprised to learn that Rosamund is a hat maker who grew up on a farm. Her background is so completely different than Kevin's that he believes she will be easy to convince to relinquish control of her share.

These two are an interesting pair. Both are super practical and direct. Neither is really afraid to tell the other what they are thinking. The joint business they had with one another seemed to get in the way of their romance. While the attraction to one another was definitely understood it never really seemed to get to a point where true feelings were involved. I would have liked both of them to portray more of that side of them to make the HEA more believable. I did like Rosamund's independent nature as well as Kevin's willingness to include and work with her. It more felt like a story of a budding friendship and business relationship more than any sort of love between the two.

The book is well written and the side characters are interesting. While I didn't love this one as much as the first, I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.

This book is the second in the Heiress series by Madeline Hunter. It's the story of Rosamund and Kevin. Kevin is the nephew of the late Duke of Hollinburg, the Duke has left Rosamund a large inheritance for reasons known only to himself. I loved Rosamund! She's smart, practical, tough and sweet all at the same time. She and Kevin are at odds over her portion of his invention that was part of her inheritance. She isn't afraid to stand up for what she wants. Kevin is arrogant and stubborn and at times its difficult to like him, but when he bought her the first book for her new ...empty...library I melted a little. The Heiress in Red Silk is a classic enemies to lovers story...with a touch of Pygmalion thrown in. Parts of this book I loved...the parts dealing with Kevin's invention not so much. And even though there was a really strong physical connection between the leads at times they lacked the emotional chemistry necessary for a 5 star love story. Nevertheless I did enjoy this book and can recommend it to historical romance fans.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Although I enjoyed the overall story the two main characters Kevin and Rosamund didn’t have much in the way of on page chemistry. As a result I found myself not really bonding with the characters , a tad disappointing as Madeline Hunter is one of my favourite romance writers.

Heiress in Red Silk is the second book in Madeline Hunter's A Duke's Heiress series. I didn't read the first book yet, and I wasn't lost in the least. The stories are connected by said deceased duke, but the romance and stories apparently stand alone. Ms. Hunter was one of the first authors I read when I became engrossed by historical romance, so she holds a special place in my heart. I'm glad to be still enjoying her books a number of years later.

Rosamund Jameson, a talented milliner who has a little shop in Richmond, unexpectedly receives an inheritance from a duke she barely knew. Now, suddenly, she is an heiress and a co-owner of a business! She's excited that she will be able to open a millinery shop in London, but even happier that she will now be able to provide a better life for her younger sister. The only problem with this entire scenario is her new business partner, the arrogant, insufferable, and extremely handsome Kevin Radnor. Kevin is not thrilled that his uncle the duke left half of his business to the enchanting Rosamund; he's even less thrilled that she actually plans on being a full partner instead of turning her share over to him. They have undeniable chemistry, though, and Kevin begins to think a marriage of convenience might just be the easiest route to take. Yeah, right.

This was such a fun romance! Rosamund was an extremely compelling heroine. She might be the daughter of a tenant farmer from Oxford shire and not have a great deal of education, but she is far from being unintelligent! She seemed to have a better grasp of business practices than Kevin. Most of Kevin's family, though not all, were horrified by Rosamund..how dare the duke leave this little nobody the money that should have gone to them! But our heroine is no shrinking violet and can hold her own against these people. I had to struggle a bit with Kevin. He was a highly intelligent man who was an inventor and businessman. He was also very arrogant and untrusting. He resented Rosamund for getting half of his business, and he didn't think she would be an asset to the enterprise. Au contraire! But he could also be sweet and caring, like when Rosamund had her heart broken. It took me quite a while to warm to him; it didn't stop me from wanting to slap some sense into him, however. Chemistry? These two had it in spades! Steamy times almost required a fan and ice water for this reader. Kevin knew what he was doing, and Rosamund did not shy away from new, uh, experiences. The premise of a duke leaving a fortune to unknown young women was a fun idea for a series. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Book 2 of finding out who the old duke left his money to over his family. They find her via some interested methods but due to Kevin. Hat maker Rosamund finds out she has not only gain a large inheritance but also shares to Kevin's company/ invention. Kevin is very much an ass, and really is through the whole book...typical asshole rich white dude. They go to France to try to win over another inventor for his product and goes a bit better thanks to Rosamund.
As much as I enjoyed this one the whole lady save his ass over and over- got a little old. Also the love part comes super super late. But over all liked this and can't wait to see who is next up!


3.5 stars
3.5 steam

Thanks to the Zebra for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In one life-changing windfall, Rosamund Jameson goes from struggling milliner to heiress—and co-owner of a new business. The Duke of Hollinburgh left his fortune to three woman, quite understandable when you meet his nearest & not so dearest. Not only will her sudden fortune allow her to move her millinery shop from Richmond to fashionable London, but Rosamund will be able to provide her younger sister Lily with a proper entry into society. The only hitch for resourceful Rosamund is her arrogant, infuriatingly handsome business partner. Kevin Radnor is shocked that his late uncle, the Duke of Hollinburgh, bequeathed half his company to a total stranger, when Rosamund insists on an active, equal partnership Kevin embarks on a plan: a seduction that will lead to a marriage of convenience, giving Rosamund the social status she needs, and guaranteeing him the silent partner he desires.
This is the second book in the series & could be read on its own. I loved Rosamund who was a feisty, practical & intelligent woman, the daughter of a tenant farmer who went into service only to be turned out. She then worked hard as a maid when a friend fell ill she nursed her & as thanks a man gave her a bag of coins totalling ten guineas, which she used to start her millinery business. I also loved Kevin who was a focused brilliant inventor. Their attraction sizzled & the chemistry between them was electric, I definitely thought they were in lust but found it hard to believe that a deep loved developed until ill chosen words by Kevin nearly drove them apart. This event gave Kevin the jolt he needed to realise how he really felt. A well written entertaining read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

A Regency Romance in which 3 women are left behests by a Duke. This is the second in the series. Rosamund Jameson is given an inheritance and part ownership in a factory owned by the Duke's nephew.

Rosamund has her eye on the ball--she wants her own millinery business to be a success and to also not allow the nephew to snow her. Kevin Radnor is a little too tunnel-visioned to see how Rosamund can help, but eventually they work it out.

This is book 2 in the Duke's Heiress series. When the Duke of Hollingburgh dies, he leaves large portions of his estate to 3 separate women. Rosamund is one of them. Not only did she inherit a great deal of money, she was also left a partnership in a business.
Kevin Randor has had to put his invention on hold while they search for his new partner. When they finally locate her, she is not what he expected. She is young, intelligent, business savvy and very beautiful.
They are attracted to one another but try to keep it professional. Which of course does not work.
I liked the story plots of this book.... overcoming classes, overcoming gender discrimination.
I thought in all the talk about the invention, the romance did fall flat a little. It started slow, picked up in the middle but the ending just ended. I wasn't crazy about it.
3 1/2 stars rounded up.

Heiress in Red Silk is perfect for the second in the Duke’s Heiress Romance series. This book, too, has the underlying question of who caused the Duke’s ‘accidental’ death. But, more importantly this is Kevin’s HEA. His ‘love’ is a common milliner whom the duke left a large amount of money and half of an enterprise. Of course, Kevin owns the other half.

Rosamund is adorably sweet, wants the best for her sister and uses her inheritance planning for Lily’s future. Rosamund, also, believes herself to still be in love with a former love. Yet, along the way, she falls for Kevin. Who is a bit hot headed, secretive and protective of his enterprise.

Although they marry, Kevin still has some growing and accepting to do. He does come around, but only after a bit of a shock. Ms. Hunter’s Heiress series is a perfect ‘what happened’ and/or ‘who done it’ wrapped in romances that are so very different. She includes the previous characters in a way that allows you to get to know them, their personalities and their character even better. Cannot wait to see what she has in store for Nicholas.

Heiress in Red Silk is a book that hooked right into my emotions and gave me what I wanted and needed from a romance right now. While it was by no means a flawless romance, I adored the heroine, and there was one scene that hit me straight in the heart.

My full review will appear on Smart Bitches, Trashy Books after the publication date.

A charming story featuring another Radnor heir and one of the duke’s lost heirs. I really liked both of these characters. Kevin is a bit of a chauvinist but very likeable. He does learn so no worries that he stays that way. Rosamund is just a great character. I loved how these characters developed over the story and their story as a whole was quite entertaining. We still have the ongoing mystery but don’t worry about that because it is not so much of the story that you cannot read this as a standalone.

Will he find in him to trust her to make the right choice ...

I loved this partnering of these two very unconventional persons.
Rosamund after struggling for years is finally making it in her own way. No big success but finally her own business with the deserved reward for her hard work.
Until everything is turned upside down by an unexpected bequeath.
And if she will be no easy prey to flattering nor bullying fellow as she sees past their false smiles and dubious games. She also sees a way to change hers and her sister’s circumstances.
But first she must fend off her partner’s insistence to give up her share. And while her now half associate is no toady, his bluntness verging on insult nearly put her off.
I remember Kevin from the first book, he went quite crazy when he learned his grandfather’s change of will. And the beginning of the book shows him as a driven man, rather smug, such he never saw coming Rosamund’s own stubbornness to resist his complacent talk because she sees fit to decide for herself instead of letting him think for.

I loved how while they began on the wrong foot, they make slowly peace one step at a time, getting to know one another, listening to finally little by little trust the other. But it no easy feat with Kevin’s difficulties to let go some of his control freakiness over his project.
Their romance is on the long term, what began as a simple attraction, turns from an unwanted association to friendship then more.
5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen detailed lovemaking scenes

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Kensington, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

This is my fair and honest review, voluntarily given, and in my own words, for this ARC. What a brilliantly unusual story. A seriously consistent genius, who might be a bit on the spectrum and a farmer' daughter milliner. Brought together by a surprising bequeathment. They really are quite different than each other. Can a tentative romance bloom into forever?

Second in the Duke’s Heiress series, this book has a totally different feel from the first while dealing with some of the same characters - and that’s a good thing! The previous book, Heiress for Hire, had a very cozy mystery feel to it. In Heiress in Red Silk, it’s more about industry, class differences, with some Pygmalion thrown in. That’s not a perfect description, but this book is amazing. I was enthralled and read it in a day. The hero is difficult to love at times, which is very intentional, but the heroine is so amazing, I wanted to work for her. Or be her best friend. Rosamund is clever and proud, smart and naive, without being flighty. She’s grounded in reality without having to compromise herself or her ideals. She’s awesome.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

With the second heiress to the old duke found, more trouble comes for the Radnor family. You don't have to have read book one (Heiress for Hire) to pick up the idea for this series: one very wealthy, slightly eccentric duke dies under potentially questionable circumstances and the mostly awful family (think "Knives Out" with about 3 decent people in the family) discovers that there are three unknown women included in the will- working class women, decent women, who could really use the money and had no idea they were getting it. You can imagine how well the family takes it.

In Red Silk Kevin Radnor must team up with new heiress Rosamund because not only has the duke left Rosamund a lot of money, he left her his share (half) in a business venture with Kevin. Kevin is an inventor who is so paranoid about anyone stealing his ideas he can't see how to manufacture them because that would involve trusting people. Rosamund is a talented milliner who wants to improve her life for the sake of her sister, and is very good at the practical aspects of business.

I'm conflicted about this book. I enjoy the premise of the old duke giving away money to strangers he thought needed/were worthy of the money. Certainly more worthy than the majority of his pompous and entitled family. I liked Rosamund- a sensible, hard working woman who sees her windfall as a way to expand her business and fights men's expectations and beliefs of her based on her looks every single day. Kevin I wasn't as impressed by. I liked that he was willing to go his own way, follow his own interests and not listen to family members telling him that inventing wasn't 'done' in their circles. But he spent most of the book not trusting Rosamund, not trying to get to know her, but just trying to get her to agree to what he wanted to do with his invention- when it was pretty clear he had no idea what the practical steps should be and she did. No matter what Rosamund said, asked or suggested, he refused to listen because she was a woman and didn't know anything about his invention- which should have made him more willing to listen. A physical attraction and business partnership might not be the worst basis for a marriage of convenience, but I never felt chemistry between Kevin and Rosamund, or much emotional connection. The last few pages finally they both (spoiler alert) discover and claim their love for each other, but I have to admit I didn't really feel it, and was disappointed by that.

Heiress in Red Silk had some good ideas, but dragged a lot along the way and never really captured or convinced me. Here's hoping for more in the next book in the series.



I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review