Member Reviews
Yvette's cousin Amiee, an American heiress, convinces Yvette to swap places when they arrive in London. Yvette is the illegitimate daughter of her uncle's brother and leads a very quiet, dutiful existence. Even though Yvette isn't comfortable becoming Amiee in London society, her passion for history, fossils and the chance to visit museums, lured her to say yes. Meet Alex, the Duke of Hargrave. His passion is paleontology. A cynic by heart, Alex doesn't trust women, especially an American Dollar Princess. Yvette never pretends to be something other than what she is and falling for Alex is the last thing she should do.
Kidnapping and threats of murder, lead to the question of who benefits from her death and then his? Flows at a steady pace with a frustrating duke, emotionally switching on again, off again and an insane plot for a dukedom.
Descriptive open bedroom door.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
If you love a grumpy hero then you should definitely read this. Alex is exceptionally grumpy especially as he tries to expose Evie. Plus there is a little mystery to solve before it's all said and done.
Evie Jenkins very reluctantly agreed to switch places with her cousin, who she's been a companion to and who happens to be an American heiress. All she has to do is spend six weeks among London society and reject all marriage proposals.
When his cousin declares himself in love with the visiting American woman, Alexander Trenton, the Duke of Hargrave, is determined to prove that all the lady seeks is a title. So in order to prove it, he'll expose her through a little seduction.
What he never expected was all the chaos one little kiss would bring. Now in order to save her reputation they'll have to announce their engagement until she can return to America.
Thank you so much to the author, Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC to review.
Evie and her cousin Aimee are both going to England, but with different purposes. Aimee is to take part in social functions (and maybe find a husband), and Evie will attend some training at her Uncle’s London office. Aimee wants to be a bigger part of her father’s company. She talks a reluctant Evie into an identity swap. Evie hopes to see museums and other sights while she politely refuses the attentions of potential suitors. Evie meets Alexander Trenton, Duke of Hargrave, while she is staying with his aunt who is a friend of the family. Alex, who has been hurt by a past fiancé, is suspicious of the American girl and is determined to prove she is scheming to marry a title. Now, plans don’t always work. This is a delightful story that is reminiscent of The Parent Trap. Alex and Evie may be at odds, but they are attracted. They do have a few interests in common and their chemistry is strong. What will happen when Alex finds out about the swap? He has been betrayed before. This well-written story has great characters, a bit of angst and mistrust, some twists and surprises, and a wonderful happy ending.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
This was an absolutely delightful story about two people who would have unlikely met had it not been for the identity swap that caused them to cross paths and find love when and where they least expected.
Both Evie and Alex were compelling characters with unique histories. I found their connection over their shared interest in paleontology to be an endearing trait and it colored their interactions in ways that were special to only the two of them.
While a secret identity trope is not at the top of my list of favorites, I thought that Michaels did a wonderful job of allowing Evie's truly genuine and kind nature to shine when she interacted with Alex and other characters.
The pacing of this novel was perfect and these were characters I wanted to spend time with; additionally, I found myself getting into the story and telling myself, "one more chapter!".
The only aspect of the story that threw my rating off a bit (and this is not unique to this author), is the way in which solutions-which drove some of the tension of the plot-just miraculously appear all at once in the third act. I had to suspend my belief, but it did not impact my overall enjoyment of this book.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series! It looks like it will be an enemies-to-lovers/class difference romance featuring Evie's cousin, Aimee. We get a peek at a few moments in this book between Aimee and the gentleman, and if the next book is anything like Evie's story, I'm here for it!
I read and reviewed an advanced eARC of this book thanks to Entangled Publishing via NetGalley. All honest opinions are my own.
4.5✨’s
Really well written fast paced story. If you like mistaken identity or identity swapping stories with lots of intrigue, I recommend this!
4.5 Stars
English Evie Jenkins would do almost anything for her American cousin, Aimee. At 16, Evie was taken in by her uncle and swept away to New York. Yerning to show her father she can contribute to his successful business, Aimee want to take Evie’s place participating in a six week crash course as a secretary at the London branch of her father’s company. Evie would pretend to be Aimee and spend six weeks as an heiress looking for a husband. When Evie finally agrees, she never fathoms that her life will change forever.
Alexander “Alex” Trenton, Duke of Hargrave, can’t stand American Dollar Princesses such as Aimee (Evie). He thinks they are all title hungry, but as he gets to know the beautiful and intelligent lady, his views begin to waiver. As Alex tries to save his cousin, Sam, for falling into the trap of an American Dollar Princess, he accidentally gets caught himself. Thus Evie and Alex concoct a fake engagement.
Through all the kisses, miscommunications, and a whirlwind adventure, Evie and Alex fall in love. Maddison Micheals, once again, had me laughing, crying, and hollering as I furiously turned each page. I loved the transition that Evie goes through while she gets to know the people she is surrounded by in her time as Aimee. Strong, yet shy, Evie blooms as Alex and his cousins show her a London she’d never believed she’d see. Alex’s transition is full of stops and starts. His past heartbreak with Americans spoils his opinion of Aimee but he can’t help himself from falling in love.
While the story focuses on Evie and Alex, Aimee also has an interesting time as she masquerades as Evie. Is there a story there? Hopefully, Maddison Michaels will let us know soon.
I received The Heiress Swap for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice:🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Fake engagement, historical romance, murder plot, princess and the pauper retelling, mistaken identity, enemies to lovers
It's been a while since I read a historical romance and I knew from the start that I'd love this one! Evie is the "poor relation" to her cousin Aimee who wants nothing more than to spend the summer working at her father's business...undercover. To pull this off Aimee and Evie must switch places for the entire summer!
While pretending to be Aimee, Evie meets Duke Alexander Trenton -and they immediately don't get along. As they grow to know each other - and after they are forced into a fake engagement - they slowly realize how alike they are. The banter, the slow burn, and their mutual obsession with fossils was absolutely wonderful and I loved watching them fall in love.
I do think some of the scenes went on longer than necessary while the characters went back and forth saying the same things in different ways. There was a lot of repetition and that would slow down the pace of the story for me. But otherwise the pace was fun, the characters were funny and captivating, and I completely enjoyed the book! Thank you so much to Netgalley and Maddison Michaels for the ARC provided for my honest review
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for allowing me to have a copy of this book in return for a review. I have never read any of Maddison Michaels’ books before but I enjoyed this one enough to have me look forward to more from her. Evie was such a fun and refreshing character from other historical romances that I looked forward to her POV.
Alex on the other hand was hard to get through for the first quarter of the book. He seemed so wishy-washy. He spent tons of time complaining in the first bit that I almost was going to make 3 stars if it didn’t develop into something of more substance but after a bit I realized it was to show the growth of the character.
Their chemistry was pretty spicy 🌶️ (not erotica) so if readers don’t want spice move on. However, I thought it was a refreshingly realistic amount as Evie just accepted who she really was and wanted.
This historical romance is full of my favorite tropes… swapping places, fake dating, and grumpy/sunshine. It was a fun read and very well-written. I loved that both of the leads were obsessed with fossils because that’s not something you find in romance books every day lol. The banter and steam were perfect! Loved it!
Thanks to the author, Entangled, and Net Galley for the advance copy!
I thought that this sounded like a pretty fun read, and it was. Of course, with any book or movie that uses the old switch places trope you kind of have to be able to suspend reality a bit and keep an open mind. If that isn't an issue for you, I think you will find this read enjoyable, I know I did. Alexander and Evie were likable, and their chemistry could not be denied. The sparks really flew, the banter was sharp, and the blend of drama, emotions, tension and twists was highly entertaining.
Thank you @entangled_publishing @maddisonmichaelsauthor @tlcbooktours for my gifted book. My thoughts are my own.
Two cousins swap identities leading to unexpected consequences in this enjoyable Victorian romance.
When Aimee’s mother wants to send her abroad for a London season, Aimee is reluctant to go until she sees the opportunity to secretly work for her father’s business. She convinces her cousin Evie to swap places with her and Aimee goes to work while Evie enjoys a season among London’s upper crust society. Aimee tells Evie to turn down any wedding proposals.
When Alexander Trenton–the sixth Duke of Hargrave first meets Evie, he is convinced that she is an “American Diamond Princess” hoping to marry a man for his title and a place in London’s Society. Alex sets out to prove her dishonesty; however, when they are caught kissing, they must become betrothed, according to the rules of London society.
Alex and Evie secretly agree to a fake engagement and Alex is pleasantly surprised when he learns that Evie enjoys scholarly pursuits, including paleontology. They begin to spend time together but soon they discover that someone is attempting to murder one of them. Alex and Evie work together to determine who is at the bottom of this plot.
This was my first book by this author so I wasn’t sure what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised. This novel incorporates several tropes, including secret identity, rags to riches, fake engagement, and forced proximity - all tied together with a murder plot and a bit of spice! The pace moves quickly to a satisfying conclusion.
This was a little slow at first but then after the engagement, the pace improved. Yvette had always played second fiddle to her cousin Aimee, so who could blame for for taking her chance at experiencing things for herself. Alex, Duke of Hargrove, has a very traumatic upbringing and this affected how he felt towards women. He was attracted to Yvette and she to Alex but Alex wasn’t aware of her true identity. Yvette knew it would all be over once he knew the truth. This was an entertaining read with elements of danger. I thought I had sussed out the culprit but I was wrong! I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Maddison Michaels whisks readers away to Regency-era England in her enchanting romance novel, "The Heiress Swap." Seamlessly blending wit, charm, and suspense, Michaels delivers a delightful tale of mistaken identity, passion, and the power of love.
"The Heiress Swap" benefits from Michaels' skillful attention to historical detail, immersing readers in the opulence and traditions of the Regency period. The elegant ballrooms, swoon-worthy fashion, and society's intricate rules come to life on the pages, providing a rich backdrop for the romance that unfolds.
Michaels' prose is evocative and expressive, easily transporting readers to the heart of 19th-century England. Her attention to dialogue and Regency-era language adds authenticity to the story, making it a delightful read for historical romance enthusiasts.
In conclusion, "The Heiress Swap" is a charming Regency romp that will leave readers enchanted and longing for more. Maddison Michaels' talent for creating compelling characters and her meticulous research into the historical era shine through, making this book a must-read for lovers of romantic escapades in the Regency setting. If you're seeking a captivating romance with a dash of mystery and plenty of swoon-worthy moments, this novel is a perfect addition to your reading list.
The Heiress Swap by Maddison Michaels is the story of Alexander “Alex” Trenton, the Duke of Hargrave and Yvette “Evie” Jenkins. Evie is a poor orphan who has had to move from family to family. Now she is helping her well off cousin Aimee in America but she is asked to switch places by Aimee. Alex has trust issue with women which along with his friends have sparked a interest in Evie. Enjoyed this book.
I give this book 4,5 stars.
I love this book which is a great historical romance with a lot of drama and angst. At times I sat at the edge of my seat because it got a little too thrilling and intense in a good way. I had a lot of fun while reading it.
Alex Trenton, the sixth Duke of Hargrave, has had a very though childhood with a mother who left him and his father for an American and a father who was very angry and strict with him.
He doesn’t have the greatest luck with women either. He was engaged to an American heiress, an American Dollar Princess, who he found cheating on him the day before their wedding. So he is very much against American heiresses and only believes that they come to England in search of a title.
Enter Evie Jenkins who has switched places with her American cousin Aimee Thornton-Jones so she can ward off all the wedding offers that comes along because Aimee wants to prove to her father that she doesn’t need a husband to take over her father’s company.
So Aimee becomes Evie and Evie becomes Aimee in the eight weeks they are in England.
One day at a ball Alex and Evie gets caught in a compromising position and they have to get engaged and then the adventure, fairy tale begins
The romance is wonderful but I had a little trouble with liking Alex in the beginning because he is very hot and cold towards Evie. It was like “I hate you” and two seconds later “I want to kiss you so badly”. I know he was supposed to be conflicted but for me it was a little too much. But even because of this I loved them together and I could really feel their chemistry and their feelings for each other build throughout the story.
I also loved that there was a suspenseful part in the story and it felt a little bit like Indiana Jones or “Romancing the stone” and I was very surprised at who did it.
The found family aspect and many of the side characters were amazing.
I can definitely recommend this book
I got this book from Entangled publishing and Netgalley and this is my honest opinion and my voluntary review.
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.
ARC received from publisher. Fair and unbiased review.
Secret identity, enemies-to-lovers, fake engagement and attempted murder. What fun this was!
The Heiress Swap follows Evie Jenkins who is the illegitimate half American/half English cousin of heiress Aimee Thornton-Jones. Aimee has been invited to spend six weeks in England and Evie is to accompany her to train as a secretary for her uncles company. Aimee however, wants nothing more than to prove to her father that she can take over the family business so she manages to convince Evie to swap places with her. All Evie must do is speak with an American accent, attend balls and absolutely, under no circumstances accept any proposals. Simple enough, at least until she meets the Duke of Hargrave.
Alexander Trenton, the Duke of Hargrave, is determined to prove that Evie is just another American Dollar Princess after an English title. When his cousin Sam expresses interest in Evie, Alex makes it his mission to seduce her. After all, he's a Duke so who better for her to set her sights on? This decision is only encouraged when he learns of her interest in fossils.
I love that Alex and Evie share a passion for paleontology. At first Alex refuses to believe her interest is genuine but soon realizes that her knowledge is too vast to be faked and the more time they spend together, the harder it is to ignore their growing attraction. The chemistry between them was perfect and the banter was incredibly entertaining!
I also enjoyed the mystery of who was trying to harm/scare Evie away. I honestly had no clue who was behind it.
I'm hoping this is the start of a series because I would love to read more about Aimee and what happened while she was pretending to be Evie!
Yvette Jenkins is an orphan from England who lives with her cousin, Aimee Jones-Thornton and her parents in New York. Aimee is being sent to England to search for a husband but she gets Yvette, Evie to agree to swap identities while in England. Evie will stay with her aunt's friend, Countess Brexton as her chaperone and Aimee will take a secretarial internship intended for Evie so that she can learn her father's business with the hope of working with him. Evie meets Alex, Duke of Hargrave, while posing as Aimee and he accuses her of being an American heiress in search of an English title. Alex and Evie are attracted to each other and they both have a love of paleontology but neither of them want marriage. Evie cannot marry because of her birth status and Alex was put off marriage when his American fiancee betrayed him the night before their wedding day. Alex's cousin, Sam, knows that Alex is attracted to Evie and he pretends to like Evie in order to force Alex to act on his attraction to Evie. After they are caught in a compromising position, Alex agrees to an engagement. Evie knows that she must get Alex to agree to a pretend engagement until she goes back to New York because he is not aware that she isn't who she says she is. The story is also enhanced by a villain who tries to scare Evie to force her to return to New York and break her engagement to Alex. When Evie and Aimee's deception is revealed, will Alex forgive her? Can their relationship be repaired given his trust issues after his past broken betrothal?
I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review
I do so enjoy this authors most recent series! This one was great, I kind of liked that the hero did not need the mo eh he thought the heroine had, I liked that the issues their relationship faced did not include money. The fact they had a similar hobby/passion was also great as it allowed us to see why they would be drawn to each other other than physical looks. This was great, can’t wait till the next one.
Little does Evie Jenkins realise that when she agreed to switch places with her American heiress cousin, that she would end up betrothed to Alexander Trenton, the sixth Duke of Hargrave. Alex had set out to prove that Evie was just another American "Dollar Princess" desperate for an English title, by attempting to seduce her. However, when they find a simple kiss turning into something wild and very public, Alex feels that he must propose to save her reputation.
The romance between Evie and Alexander is intense and passionate. I loved seeing how despite his initial thoughts, Alex is drawn to Evie, especially as she talks about fossils. Evie does not treat Alex as a duke and engages him, like no one else has, which was endearing. I found myself immersed in this storyline which was engaging and entertaining. I also look forward to reading about Evie’s cousin, Aimee in the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.