The Heiress Gets a Duke

St. George (the To Wed a Viking series) delivers a new twist on a love triangle in the addictive introduction to her Gilded Age Heiresses series. Evan Sterling, Duke of Rothschild, is drowning in debt left by his irresponsible father and must make a wealthy match if he hopes to provide for his mother and sisters. His mother arranges for him to marry American heiress Violet Crenshaw--but Violet's heart belongs to another, and her bluestocking older sister, August, makes it her mission to save Violet from the match. When August encounters Evan, she realizes she's met him once before without knowing his name--and the two shared a blistering kiss. Though August loves her work at her father's company and is uninterested in marriage, Evan is captivated by her strength, wit, and willfulness, and switches his suit from Violet to August, setting off a seductive game of emotional tug-of-war. When their attraction deepens into a true connection, Evan struggles with guilt over knowing that August does not want to be married, while August feels pressured to choose between love and career. The result is a fun, fresh historical romance that gives both formidable characters their due. Agent: Nicole Resciniti, the Seymour Agency. (Jan.)

The Duke of Rothschild, Evan Sterling, needs a wealthy bride to rid his family of the ruinous debt his late father amassed. August Crenshaw, American heiress to a railway fortune, believes her parents would never stoop to an arranged marriage, until they auction her dutiful younger sister to the duke. Using unladylike antics to block Evan from courting her sister, August consequently gains the duke's interest. Initially indifferent to August's reluctance, Evan eventually strives to gain her respect. Though Evan doesn't always act the hero, his character's growth redeems him, and August is a heroine to cheer for: a woman who stands on her own, protects her sister at all costs, and refuses to be wed without bargaining for her rights. VERDICT St. George (Falling for Her Viking Captive) heartrendingly depicts Victorian women bartered away for wealth and status, but the deep affection and witty dialog August and Evan share outshines a grim if realistic beginning. Fans of Courtney Milan and Scarlett Peckham will enjoy this "The Gilded Age Heiresses" series opener.--Eve Stano, Ball State Univ. Muncie, IN

The Duke of Rothschild, Evan Sterling, needs a wealthy bride to rid his family of the ruinous debt his late father amassed. August Crenshaw, American heiress to a railway fortune, believes her parents would never stoop to an arranged marriage, until they auction her dutiful younger sister to the duke. Using unladylike antics to block Evan from courting her sister, August consequently gains the duke's interest. Initially indifferent to August's reluctance, Evan eventually strives to gain her respect. Though Evan doesn't always act the hero, his character's growth redeems him, and August is a heroine to cheer for: a woman who stands on her own, protects her sister at all costs, and refuses to be wed without bargaining for her rights. VERDICT St. George (Falling for Her Viking Captive) heartrendingly depicts Victorian women bartered away for wealth and status, but the deep affection and witty dialog August and Evan share outshines a grim if realistic beginning. Fans of Courtney Milan and Scarlett Peckham will enjoy this "The Gilded Age Heiresses" series opener.—Eve Stano, Ball State Univ. Muncie, IN

St. George (the To Wed a Viking series) delivers a new twist on a love triangle in the addictive introduction to her Gilded Age Heiresses series. Evan Sterling, Duke of Rothschild, is drowning in debt left by his irresponsible father and must make a wealthy match if he hopes to provide for his mother and sisters. His mother arranges for him to marry American heiress Violet Crenshaw—but Violet's heart belongs to another, and her bluestocking older sister, August, makes it her mission to save Violet from the match. When August encounters Evan, she realizes she's met him once before without knowing his name—and the two shared a blistering kiss. Though August loves her work at her father's company and is uninterested in marriage, Evan is captivated by her strength, wit, and willfulness, and switches his suit from Violet to August, setting off a seductive game of emotional tug-of-war. When their attraction deepens into a true connection, Evan struggles with guilt over knowing that August does not want to be married, while August feels pressured to choose between love and career. The result is a fun, fresh historical romance that gives both formidable characters their due. Agent: Nicole Resciniti, the Seymour Agency. (Jan.)