Goodreads says, "A fake engagement brings together a lady with bold and daring dreams, and the heir whose heart she captured—perfect for fans of Bridgerton! Tall, dark, and brooding—to say that American Maxwell Crenshaw stood out in the glittering ballrooms of London, is an understatement. He vowed never to set foot in England again, but when a summons from his father, along with an ultimatum to secure his legacy, has him crossing the Atlantic for the last time, reuniting him with the delectable Lady Helena March, he can’t deny the temptation she presents. Or the ideas she inspires... Lady Helena March is flirting with scandal. Instead of spending her time at teas and balls in search of another husband, as is expected of a young widow, Helena pours her energy into The London Home for Young Women. But Society gives no quarter to unmarried radicals who associate with illegitimate children and fallen women, and Helena’s funding is almost run out. So when the sinfully seductive Crenshaw heir suggests a fake engagement to save them both—him from an unwanted marriage and her from scorn and financial ruin—Helena finds herself too fascinated to refuse the sexy American. As their arrangement of convenience melts oh so deliciously into nights of passion, their deception starts to become real. But if Max knew the true reason Helena can never remarry, he wouldn’t look at her with such heat in his eyes. Or might the Crenshaw heir be willing to do whatever it takes to win the one woman he’s never been able to forget...."
Lady Helena March is a young widow who has some big plans. Instead of doing what is expected of her, like attend boring balls, she is inspired to start The London Home for Young Women. Well, society (and her father) don't look upon this as a reputable endeavor, but Helena persists; however, she realizes that this charity will need a lot more funding. Maybe having a husband or a connection to an heir might help? Cue Maxwell Crenshaw, an American and heir to Crenshaw Iron Works. His father told him that it is up to him to continue with the family's legacy and therefore, he must marry soon. Looks like Helena and Maxwell have more in common than they thought. What better idea than a fake engagement to get rid of both Helena and Maxwell's problems! As time goes on during their courtship, Helena finds it hard to resist Maxwell and his charm. This fake engagement is starting to get serious from both parties, but can they put aside the plans they have for their lives for this unlikely romance? Harper St. George's third installment in The Gilded Age Heiresses series, The Lady Tempts an Heir, is tremendously fun; fans of the series won't be disappointed.
Helena is the type of character I enjoy in The Lady Tempts an Heir. She wants so much more for her life and isn't merely a wallflower. Helena has her charitable endeavors that she loves to support despite the fact that many feel it isn't respectable. Maxwell could bring her some credibility to her charity (not to mention some funding), so when they both realize their need for a possible marriage, these unlikely friends work together to achieve their goals. Plus, they aren't *really* going to go through with a marriage. Once Maxwell has to go back to America, their engagement will be broken. However, sparks fly between the two and it has Helena questioning their plans. There's one major problem that Helena has though--her infertility--and she thinks it would be a deal breaker for Maxwell, so they couldn't actually form a real attachment....or could they?
Maxwell is an interesting character in The Lady Tempts an Heir. He is very similar to his sisters August and Violet from the previous books in the series and I love that his sisters make cameos in this novel. Maxwell feels the pressure from his father as the legacy of Crenshaw Iron Works lies all on him, so he feels he needs to get engaged and the sooner the better. He already has a rapport with Helena, albeit an awkward one, but they both could benefit from a coupling. I loved his bravado and his attitude and how it was the opposite at times to Helena's quiet confidence. Their witty banter was the best. Even though I had an idea of how the novel would end, I enjoyed getting there, very much so that I enjoyed The Lady Tempts an Heir more than book two in the series.
I will say that St. George dealt with the tough topic of infertility very well and it was something that I was surprised to see addressed in a historical novel; nonetheless, it was done well. I also got major Bridgerton's Duke and I vibes from The Lady Tempts an Heir with the fake engagement trope; however, St. George made it fun and fresh.
If you are looking for a historical romance that will whisk you away to the Gilded Age, give The Lady Tempts an Heir a try as well as the Gilded Age Heiresses series. It's a delight! So, are you a fan of St. George? Have you read any of the books from The Gilded Age Heiresses series? Let me know in the comments below.
I've read the first book and really enjoyed it, looking forward to continuing the series!
ReplyDeleteIt's such a fun series and one that I really have come to enjoy. It's the perfect wintertime escape for me! I'm glad you hear you enjoyed book one, too. Thanks for visiting, Angela.
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