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The Brides of Bellaire Gardens #3
The Heiress's Daughter
A dashing rake must prove he has changed his scandalous ways to win his one true love from the arms of another, in a witty new Regency romance from the national bestselling author of The Rake's Daughter.
Heiress Clarissa Studley yearns to be loved for more than her fortune. Warmhearted, but plain and shy, she wishes to marry, but has two firm rules: no rakes and no fortune-hunters — her father was both, and she’ll never forget the misery he caused.
So, when Race, Lord Randall, starts to pay Clarissa attention, she knows she must keep him at a distance. Attractive and charming he might be, Race’s reputation precedes him and she’s observed first hand his flirtatious ways with London society beauties. But Race sees a beauty in Clarissa that others cannot, and for the first time in his life, he is truly in love. And when a rival for Clarissa's affections appears — a handsome, wounded war hero, heir to his great-aunt’s fortune — Race becomes desperate as Clarissa seems tempted to make a safer, tamer choice.
Can Race convince Clarissa that his love is true and that she can trust him with her heart? And can Clarissa put aside her unhappy past, and follow her heart, despite the risk of loving a rake?
Heiress Clarissa Studley yearns to be loved for more than her fortune. Warmhearted, but plain and shy, she wishes to marry, but has two firm rules: no rakes and no fortune-hunters — her father was both, and she’ll never forget the misery he caused.
So, when Race, Lord Randall, starts to pay Clarissa attention, she knows she must keep him at a distance. Attractive and charming he might be, Race’s reputation precedes him and she’s observed first hand his flirtatious ways with London society beauties. But Race sees a beauty in Clarissa that others cannot, and for the first time in his life, he is truly in love. And when a rival for Clarissa's affections appears — a handsome, wounded war hero, heir to his great-aunt’s fortune — Race becomes desperate as Clarissa seems tempted to make a safer, tamer choice.
Can Race convince Clarissa that his love is true and that she can trust him with her heart? And can Clarissa put aside her unhappy past, and follow her heart, despite the risk of loving a rake?
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 21, 2024
105 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
About the author
Anne Gracie
96 books1,536 followersI've always loved stories. Family legend has it that I used to spend hours playing in the sand pit, with a dog on either side of me and Rocka the horse leaning over me, his head just touching my shoulder, while I told them stories. I have to say, dogs and horses are great audiences, apart from their tendency to drool occasionally. But people are even nicer.
In case you imagine we were a filthy rich horse-owning family, let me assure you we weren't. The horse period was a time when my parents entered a "let's-be-self-sufficient" phase, so we had a horse, but no electricity and all our water came from the rain tank.
As well as the horse and dogs, we had 2 cows (Buttercup and Daisy and one of them always had a calf), a sheep (Woolly,) goats (Billy and Nanny) dozens of ducks, chooks, and a couple of geese, a pet bluetongue lizard and a huge vegie patch. I don't know how my mother managed, really, because both she and Dad taught full time, but she came home and cooked on a wood stove and did all the laundry by hand, boiling the clothes and sheets in a big copper kettle. Somehow, we were always warm, clean, well fed and happy. She's pretty amazing, my mum.
Once I learned to read, I spent my days outside playing with the animals (I include my brother and 2 sisters here) and when inside I read. For most of my childhood we didn't have TV, so books have always been a big part of my life. Luckily our house was always full of them. Travel was also a big part of my childhood. My parents had itchy feet. We spent a lot of time driving from one part of Australia to another, visiting relatives or friends or simply to see what was there. I've lived in Scotland, Malaysia and Greece. We travelled through Europe in a caravan and I'd swum most of the famous rivers in Europe by the time I was eight.
This is me and my classmates in Scotland. I am in the second front row, in the middle, to the right of the girl in the dark tunic.
Sounds like I was raised by gypsies, doesn't it? I was even almost born in a tent --Mum, Dad and 3 children were camping and one day mum left the tent and went to hospital to have me. But in fact we are a family of chalkies (Australian slang for teachers)- and Dad was a school principal during most of my life. And I am an expert in being "the new girl" having been to 6 different schools in 12 years.The last 4 years, however, were in the same high school and I still have my 2 best friends from that time.
No matter where I lived, I read. I devoured whatever I could get my hands on -- old Enid Blyton and Mary Grant Bruce books, old schoolboys annuals. I learned history by reading Rosemary Sutcliffe, Henry Treece and Georgette Heyer. I loved animal books -- Elyne Mitchell's Silver Brumby books and Mary Patchett and Finn the Wolf Hound. And then I read Jane Austen and Dickens and Mary Stewart and Richard Llewellyn and Virginia Woolf and EF Benson and Dick Francis and David Malouf and Patrick White and Doris Lessing and PD James and...the list is never ending.
This is me posing shamelessly on a glacier in New Zealand.
This is me in Greece with my good friend Fay in our village outfits. The film went a funny colour, but you get the idea. I'm the one in the pink apron.
I escaped from my parents, settled down and went to university.To my amazement I became a chalkie myself and found a lot of pleasure in working with teenagers and later, adults. I taught English and worked as a counsellor and helped put on plays and concerts and supervised camps and encouraged other people to write but never did much myself. It took a year of backpacking around the world to find that my early desire to write hadn't left me, it had just got buried under a busy and demanding job.
I wrote my first novel on notebooks bought in Quebec, Spain, Greece and Indonesia. That story never made it out of the notebooks, but I'd been bitten by the writing bug.
My friends and I formed a band called Platform Souls a
In case you imagine we were a filthy rich horse-owning family, let me assure you we weren't. The horse period was a time when my parents entered a "let's-be-self-sufficient" phase, so we had a horse, but no electricity and all our water came from the rain tank.
As well as the horse and dogs, we had 2 cows (Buttercup and Daisy and one of them always had a calf), a sheep (Woolly,) goats (Billy and Nanny) dozens of ducks, chooks, and a couple of geese, a pet bluetongue lizard and a huge vegie patch. I don't know how my mother managed, really, because both she and Dad taught full time, but she came home and cooked on a wood stove and did all the laundry by hand, boiling the clothes and sheets in a big copper kettle. Somehow, we were always warm, clean, well fed and happy. She's pretty amazing, my mum.
Once I learned to read, I spent my days outside playing with the animals (I include my brother and 2 sisters here) and when inside I read. For most of my childhood we didn't have TV, so books have always been a big part of my life. Luckily our house was always full of them. Travel was also a big part of my childhood. My parents had itchy feet. We spent a lot of time driving from one part of Australia to another, visiting relatives or friends or simply to see what was there. I've lived in Scotland, Malaysia and Greece. We travelled through Europe in a caravan and I'd swum most of the famous rivers in Europe by the time I was eight.
This is me and my classmates in Scotland. I am in the second front row, in the middle, to the right of the girl in the dark tunic.
Sounds like I was raised by gypsies, doesn't it? I was even almost born in a tent --Mum, Dad and 3 children were camping and one day mum left the tent and went to hospital to have me. But in fact we are a family of chalkies (Australian slang for teachers)- and Dad was a school principal during most of my life. And I am an expert in being "the new girl" having been to 6 different schools in 12 years.The last 4 years, however, were in the same high school and I still have my 2 best friends from that time.
No matter where I lived, I read. I devoured whatever I could get my hands on -- old Enid Blyton and Mary Grant Bruce books, old schoolboys annuals. I learned history by reading Rosemary Sutcliffe, Henry Treece and Georgette Heyer. I loved animal books -- Elyne Mitchell's Silver Brumby books and Mary Patchett and Finn the Wolf Hound. And then I read Jane Austen and Dickens and Mary Stewart and Richard Llewellyn and Virginia Woolf and EF Benson and Dick Francis and David Malouf and Patrick White and Doris Lessing and PD James and...the list is never ending.
This is me posing shamelessly on a glacier in New Zealand.
This is me in Greece with my good friend Fay in our village outfits. The film went a funny colour, but you get the idea. I'm the one in the pink apron.
I escaped from my parents, settled down and went to university.To my amazement I became a chalkie myself and found a lot of pleasure in working with teenagers and later, adults. I taught English and worked as a counsellor and helped put on plays and concerts and supervised camps and encouraged other people to write but never did much myself. It took a year of backpacking around the world to find that my early desire to write hadn't left me, it had just got buried under a busy and demanding job.
I wrote my first novel on notebooks bought in Quebec, Spain, Greece and Indonesia. That story never made it out of the notebooks, but I'd been bitten by the writing bug.
My friends and I formed a band called Platform Souls a
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
May 15, 2024
I am always so thrilled when there is another Anne Gracie book coming out and this one was an absolute joy to read, she has swept me back into Regency England with the pomp, glamour and love that is all about the hero and heroine and, this one had me turning the pages and I loved Clarissa’s story so much and Race is her perfect hero.
Clarissa Studley wants nothing more than what most young eligible girls want and that is to find love and happiness but being an heiress she must be very careful of fortune hunters and after her childhood Clarissa has a list the her hero must meet and one of the biggest on that list is not be a rake like her father, and there must be love.
Race, Lord Randall met Clarissa at a ball and since then he has wanted her but Clarissa is keeping him away as much as possible you see in her eyes he is a rake and there is no way she will marry a rake, even if her heart is telling her differently, and he feels so strongly that there is something between them, she is supposedly nothing like the beautiful woman he is known to flirt with or so she is convinced and a big flirt he is, will he ever be able to convince her differently, will he ever be able to convince her of how beautiful she is?
Clarissa has attracted a lot of interest this season and Race is doing his best to ensure he will be the one to win her heart but there is another who is getting close to her, a wounded war hero who is not a fortune hunter will Race ensure that it is himself she chooses, when Race comes to the rescue to save a scandal, will this prove his love for Clarissa?
I loved this one from start to finish such awesome characters, I loved being back in Bellaire Gardens with Izzy and Leo, The Tarrant’s and the girls Lady Scattergood and with a new character arriving on the scene this surely means that there will be more in this series, because, yes I want to go back there.
This one is witty, sensual and a gorgeous story, it had me smiling throughout and is one that I highly recommend, don’t miss this one, it is a must read for any lovers of historical romance. A keeper.
My thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
Clarissa Studley wants nothing more than what most young eligible girls want and that is to find love and happiness but being an heiress she must be very careful of fortune hunters and after her childhood Clarissa has a list the her hero must meet and one of the biggest on that list is not be a rake like her father, and there must be love.
Race, Lord Randall met Clarissa at a ball and since then he has wanted her but Clarissa is keeping him away as much as possible you see in her eyes he is a rake and there is no way she will marry a rake, even if her heart is telling her differently, and he feels so strongly that there is something between them, she is supposedly nothing like the beautiful woman he is known to flirt with or so she is convinced and a big flirt he is, will he ever be able to convince her differently, will he ever be able to convince her of how beautiful she is?
Clarissa has attracted a lot of interest this season and Race is doing his best to ensure he will be the one to win her heart but there is another who is getting close to her, a wounded war hero who is not a fortune hunter will Race ensure that it is himself she chooses, when Race comes to the rescue to save a scandal, will this prove his love for Clarissa?
I loved this one from start to finish such awesome characters, I loved being back in Bellaire Gardens with Izzy and Leo, The Tarrant’s and the girls Lady Scattergood and with a new character arriving on the scene this surely means that there will be more in this series, because, yes I want to go back there.
This one is witty, sensual and a gorgeous story, it had me smiling throughout and is one that I highly recommend, don’t miss this one, it is a must read for any lovers of historical romance. A keeper.
My thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
May 18, 2024
I'm sorry to say this is not one of my favorite Anne Gracie novels, and the least successful of the three stories in the Bellaire Gardens series.
With her sister and her guardian off on their honeymoon, Clarissa Studley is facing the London season alone. Well, not quite alone: she has her guardian's protective aunt; her chaperone; and her guardian's best friend, Race Randall, looking out for her as she looks for a prospective spouse. She has a few rules, top of which is that he won't be an inconstant rake like her father had been. In her mind, this rules out Race, who suddenly seems to be everywhere she is. Is he just looking out for her because of her guardian's request, or is it something more?
The romance between Clarissa and Race doesn't quite work. To understand it, you need to have read The Rake's Daughter. It has some pivotal scenes establishing the roots of Race's attraction to Clarissa, who everyone else describes as plain, plump, and uninspiring. As he reflects a few times in the book, Clarissa defending her illegitimate sister at a ball was basically when he fell in love with her. We really should have experienced this in this book from Race's perspective; to have the pivotal "struck by love" scene happening off page and only dispassionately referenced here undermines the romance--and I say this as someone who read the last book and didn't remember this scene particularly well.
Clarissa and Race spend a lot of time apart, and when they are together, there are too many misunderstandings and assumptions that could be cleared up by direct talk between two people who, by all other characterizations, seem to be straight-shooters. When he started reflecting on why he didn't understand how she didn't know how he was courting her, I completely saw how it would go straight over Clarissa's head--it practically went over mine. This leads to a lot of repetition in characters' thoughts and action, and thus a bit of boredom for me.
It's also a pretty passionless romance. There doesn't need to be a constant stream of open-door sex scenes, but it would be nice for the characters to yearn for each other physically or romantically.
There are side plots that don't really add to the story, other than probably setting up a character for a future romance. Once Race and Clarissa are slated to get married, the story drags on with empty will-they-or-won't-they suspense, silly misunderstandings, and sisterly shenanigans.
I wanted to like this book. Clarissa was an interesting character in the last book, and I enjoy many of the residents of the Bellaire Gardens from previous installations in the series. It just was missing the heart that must be shown in romances. All that said, I won't give up on this series, since I suspect we'll be getting Zoe's book next.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley for an honest review.
With her sister and her guardian off on their honeymoon, Clarissa Studley is facing the London season alone. Well, not quite alone: she has her guardian's protective aunt; her chaperone; and her guardian's best friend, Race Randall, looking out for her as she looks for a prospective spouse. She has a few rules, top of which is that he won't be an inconstant rake like her father had been. In her mind, this rules out Race, who suddenly seems to be everywhere she is. Is he just looking out for her because of her guardian's request, or is it something more?
The romance between Clarissa and Race doesn't quite work. To understand it, you need to have read The Rake's Daughter. It has some pivotal scenes establishing the roots of Race's attraction to Clarissa, who everyone else describes as plain, plump, and uninspiring. As he reflects a few times in the book, Clarissa defending her illegitimate sister at a ball was basically when he fell in love with her. We really should have experienced this in this book from Race's perspective; to have the pivotal "struck by love" scene happening off page and only dispassionately referenced here undermines the romance--and I say this as someone who read the last book and didn't remember this scene particularly well.
Clarissa and Race spend a lot of time apart, and when they are together, there are too many misunderstandings and assumptions that could be cleared up by direct talk between two people who, by all other characterizations, seem to be straight-shooters. When he started reflecting on why he didn't understand how she didn't know how he was courting her, I completely saw how it would go straight over Clarissa's head--it practically went over mine. This leads to a lot of repetition in characters' thoughts and action, and thus a bit of boredom for me.
It's also a pretty passionless romance. There doesn't need to be a constant stream of open-door sex scenes, but it would be nice for the characters to yearn for each other physically or romantically.
There are side plots that don't really add to the story, other than probably setting up a character for a future romance. Once Race and Clarissa are slated to get married, the story drags on with empty will-they-or-won't-they suspense, silly misunderstandings, and sisterly shenanigans.
I wanted to like this book. Clarissa was an interesting character in the last book, and I enjoy many of the residents of the Bellaire Gardens from previous installations in the series. It just was missing the heart that must be shown in romances. All that said, I won't give up on this series, since I suspect we'll be getting Zoe's book next.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley for an honest review.
December 20, 2024
Clarissa Studley is plain and rich, and convinced that her guardian's best friend Race, Lord Randall, is only following her around because of a promise to said guardian. Except, nope, Race is actually in love with her like for real, and if he could just have one complete conversation with her maybe he'd be able to convince her of that fact! Once that happens, it's a race to the emotional and sexual finish, kids.
1. This feels like a rushed, incomplete thing. Allow me to expound.
2. This is one of the worst cases of "a good conversation would resolve everything" that I've encountered in a LONG TIME. The first half of the book is literally Clarissa avoiding Race because he makes her tingly, and Race attempting to seek out Clarissa to explain that he's in earnest. And through various ~hilarious shenanigans, all attempts to communicate are foiled! HA!
...except it's not really entertaining or hilarious, but rather frustrating, repetitive, and annoying.
3. And because Clarissa and Race aren't allowed to communicate in any way, shape, or form the actual romance is laughably terrible. Like, instead of actually getting to know one another in this book, the audience is instead expected to believe that Clarissa has been harboring the warm and fuzzies since she first met Race (in a previous book) and that Race fell in love with Clarissa when she stormed across a ballroom to stand with her (half-) sister (which happened....in a previous book).
This is ultimately, at best, a novella. But it's been stretched and pulled into a full-sized book (that's still pretty short) and boy does it suffer for it.
4. Race is a pretty cardboard hero: at one point he handily recounts his brief experience as a veteran...and it's never mentioned again. He reveals that he selfishly ignored a summons to his mother's deathbed (as an 11 year old boy who'd been summoned dozens of times before)...and then shrugs it off. It's a situation where the rake's reputation precedes him, and when that's gone it's not clear who's really left behind other than a lanky jokester. (Which: those kinds of heroes can absolutely work! But Gracie didn't put in the effort to make Race anything more than a sketchy caricature.
5. Clarissa was slightly better shaded, but a lot of that was set up in the previous book, sooooo....
6. Zoe was: fine? I guess? It was just another half-shot thread in this thing that didn't really come to anything beyond...filling page count, perhaps?
7. That's seriously harsh of me, but I cannot stress enough how little development or care was given to the romance. Literally ONE COMPLETE CONVERSATION would have eliminated the need for 3/5 of this book—which is rather unforgivable. Once Clarissa and Race are engaged and ACTUALLY COMMUNICATING, things pick up, but since there's so little book left and so little actual conflict to them getting together things are resolved almost immediately. (So then Gracie pads the book further with an unnecessary tacked on deflowering. Thanks, I guess?)
8. (Seriously the conversation in the carriage in Hyde Park where some Truths are Truthed was actually fairly engaging and decent! But it was HALF OF ONE CHAPTER! UNFORGIVABLE!)
1. This feels like a rushed, incomplete thing. Allow me to expound.
2. This is one of the worst cases of "a good conversation would resolve everything" that I've encountered in a LONG TIME. The first half of the book is literally Clarissa avoiding Race because he makes her tingly, and Race attempting to seek out Clarissa to explain that he's in earnest. And through various ~hilarious shenanigans, all attempts to communicate are foiled! HA!
...except it's not really entertaining or hilarious, but rather frustrating, repetitive, and annoying.
3. And because Clarissa and Race aren't allowed to communicate in any way, shape, or form the actual romance is laughably terrible. Like, instead of actually getting to know one another in this book, the audience is instead expected to believe that Clarissa has been harboring the warm and fuzzies since she first met Race (in a previous book) and that Race fell in love with Clarissa when she stormed across a ballroom to stand with her (half-) sister (which happened....in a previous book).
This is ultimately, at best, a novella. But it's been stretched and pulled into a full-sized book (that's still pretty short) and boy does it suffer for it.
4. Race is a pretty cardboard hero: at one point he handily recounts his brief experience as a veteran...and it's never mentioned again. He reveals that he selfishly ignored a summons to his mother's deathbed (as an 11 year old boy who'd been summoned dozens of times before)...and then shrugs it off. It's a situation where the rake's reputation precedes him, and when that's gone it's not clear who's really left behind other than a lanky jokester. (Which: those kinds of heroes can absolutely work! But Gracie didn't put in the effort to make Race anything more than a sketchy caricature.
5. Clarissa was slightly better shaded, but a lot of that was set up in the previous book, sooooo....
6. Zoe was: fine? I guess? It was just another half-shot thread in this thing that didn't really come to anything beyond...filling page count, perhaps?
7. That's seriously harsh of me, but I cannot stress enough how little development or care was given to the romance. Literally ONE COMPLETE CONVERSATION would have eliminated the need for 3/5 of this book—which is rather unforgivable. Once Clarissa and Race are engaged and ACTUALLY COMMUNICATING, things pick up, but since there's so little book left and so little actual conflict to them getting together things are resolved almost immediately. (So then Gracie pads the book further with an unnecessary tacked on deflowering. Thanks, I guess?)
8. (Seriously the conversation in the carriage in Hyde Park where some Truths are Truthed was actually fairly engaging and decent! But it was HALF OF ONE CHAPTER! UNFORGIVABLE!)
December 6, 2024
Clarissa is a heiress with very low self-esteem due to the way she was treated by her father while she was growing up. She is determined not to fall in love with a fortune hunting rake and have her heart broken like her mother. Lord Randall is captivated by her despite the fact that she's not a conventional beauty and decides to pursue her. Can Clarissa learn to trust him.
This was my first book by Anne Gracie, and it was a super sweet, uncomplicated historical romance. It's the last book of a trilogy, and I could tell there was some backstory that I was missing out on, but ultimately, I think it works just fine as a stand-alone. I hope to eventually get around to reading the other two and more Anne Gracie novels.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This was my first book by Anne Gracie, and it was a super sweet, uncomplicated historical romance. It's the last book of a trilogy, and I could tell there was some backstory that I was missing out on, but ultimately, I think it works just fine as a stand-alone. I hope to eventually get around to reading the other two and more Anne Gracie novels.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
April 24, 2025
The best in the series!!
July 31, 2024
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥.5
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
The Heiresses Daughter is the third installment in the Bellaire Gardens series. I have really had a fun time with this series. Anne Gracie is such a endearing author to read, and one of the few modern authors releasing books where I can truly get into their works. I was able to physically read this one and also do the audiobook for this one. I am a bit behind on this one, as the publisher did give me the ARC, but as I am reading less of these now, just working through the backlogged of ARC so I can clear out my reading queue on Netgalley. I was impressed with this one though. Just like the previous two books, it had a level of charm and regency enticement that only Anne Gracie truly delivers. I think fans of Julia Quinn, Mary Balogh and Victoria Alexander, will have a blast with this one. It does have a bit of blend of modern with authenticity. While there were some things that felt a bit modernistic, it wasn't enough to turn me off and there is still the tone of historical authenticity that still was being reflected.
First Line
"Don't wiggle around like that child," Nanny said.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Race, Lord Randall
The Heroine: Clarissa Studley
Summary
The Heiresses Daughter is a story that begins with seeing our young heroine, and an interaction between Clarissa and her father to really set the stage for our heroine. As an adult, Clarissa knows that she does have a familial duty for marriage but she also doesn't want to just settle. She wants true love and a man that will want her and not just her fortune. She starts the season drawing the notice of two men. One is a friend of her guardian and brother in law who has a history of being a rake and she doesn't find herself worthy of him. Then we have her other suitor, who is a veteran and injured from the war but would suit her a bit better in her own expectations. But as Race start to make more of a invested effort for her, she has her own doubts and her own lack of self worth. But Race, is determined to win Clarissa over. But Clarissa is having mixed feelings as she isn't sure of Race's intentions towards her. But as Clarissa learns to trust in Race, she will discover a love worth fighting for.
What I Loved
This was basically seeing the hero fight through the heroine's insecurity issues and it was just delightful. I love seeing a hero that is willing to fight for his girl. Now from the beginning, and this is where its vital to read the prologue, we see why Clarissa has such insecurities. We see how her father treat her and her mother and she grew up in an environment where she was never enough, no matter how hard she tried. So seeing the heroine really work through her issues was very difficult to watch. But in some ways I resonated with her issues. As women, we have all experienced these insecurities and it felt authentic. Now there were times when some of the language being used was a bit more modern than what I prefer, but I know its probably the author or the publishing pushing it due to the culture we live in now. But it wasn't too much, just enough to pacify those more difficult readers. The romance that builds between Race and Clarissa, was quite endearing. The hero did some great pining and he didn't just give up on Clarissa when misunderstandings happened. He was determined to fight for their relationship and there was some fun banter that is implemented into the story as well that added a unique level of charm and wit to the story that only deepened the enjoyment of it.
What I Struggled With
I didn't really understand why the heroine was so doubtful of Race. Yes he had a history, but he was also the best friend of her brother in law, who actually trusted him enough to take care of her so I didn't get why she was so resistant throughout so much of the book. I could understand it in the beginning, and while yes she had insecurities, she really didn't communicate this honestly until the very end and it felt a bit too dragged out.
Narration
Pretty decent narration for a historical. It might not work for everyone, but I found it mostly enjoyable. If you don't want to deal wit the heavy accent, just speed it up. lol
Overall View
I found the Heiresses Daughter to be a satisfying romance that led me on a merry ride of wit, charm and emotion which quickly resonated. A TRULY IMPACTFUL ROMANCE THAT HAD DEPTH!
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Romance
Time Era: England-Regency Era 1800-1820
Character Types: Protector, Rake/Rogue, Plain Jane
Themes: Pining Hero, Heart/Emotional, Friendships, Family Saga Themes
Tropes: Opposites Attract, Friends to Lovers, Love Triangle
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Mary Balogh
Victoria Alexander
Elisa Braden
Song This Book Inspires
In My Blood by Vitamin String Quartet
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as a standlone, but for familial connections, best to read in order but its not necessary.
Steam/Spice Explanations
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Narrators:
Christine Rendel
May 21, 2024
A pleasure!
Just how was a confirmed rake to woo a young heiress who’s always been told she’s plain and dumpling like?
Lord Randall, Horatio, known to his friends as Race, saw the inner beauty of Clarissa Studley the moment she’d supported her illegitimate sister at a ball years ago.
Clarissa’s strong suppressed feelings are mistaken for insipidness. Race is never confused.
Clarissa’s father had been a thorough going rake and cad. He’d married Clarissa’s mother for her fortune and then left her to wither away on his estate in Hampshire while he cut a swathe through London society. No rakes could not be trusted! Ever!
This story of a rake a-wooing, and the complicated thoughts of his beloved is absolutely a delight.
Of course things get tangled up and others add to that entanglement. There’s the wounded war hero making tentative overtures towards Clarissa. So charming! Race’s blood boils!
A story of hidden strength, with of course a fairytale ending.
A Berkley ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Just how was a confirmed rake to woo a young heiress who’s always been told she’s plain and dumpling like?
Lord Randall, Horatio, known to his friends as Race, saw the inner beauty of Clarissa Studley the moment she’d supported her illegitimate sister at a ball years ago.
Clarissa’s strong suppressed feelings are mistaken for insipidness. Race is never confused.
Clarissa’s father had been a thorough going rake and cad. He’d married Clarissa’s mother for her fortune and then left her to wither away on his estate in Hampshire while he cut a swathe through London society. No rakes could not be trusted! Ever!
This story of a rake a-wooing, and the complicated thoughts of his beloved is absolutely a delight.
Of course things get tangled up and others add to that entanglement. There’s the wounded war hero making tentative overtures towards Clarissa. So charming! Race’s blood boils!
A story of hidden strength, with of course a fairytale ending.
A Berkley ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
May 26, 2024
I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I requested this book midseries because the synopsis appealed to me greatly. I knew it was third in the collection, but I was willing to overlook it for the sake of this particular story. I personally relate to wildflowers and shy heroines. Clarissa was a darling and sweet protagonist with easy likability. I rooted for her from the very beginning, although her stubbornness was a wee frustrating. I wish she would have accepted Race's courtship far earlier, but they got there eventually. He was so patient with her and the slow pace was appropriate for a skittish heroine. I may read the previous installments in The Brides of Bellaire Gardens because of how much I enjoyed this individual couple. I did miss some background info, but that's on me. These two were sweet as pie and I'm so pleased there was a happy ever after for The Heiress's Daughter.
I requested this book midseries because the synopsis appealed to me greatly. I knew it was third in the collection, but I was willing to overlook it for the sake of this particular story. I personally relate to wildflowers and shy heroines. Clarissa was a darling and sweet protagonist with easy likability. I rooted for her from the very beginning, although her stubbornness was a wee frustrating. I wish she would have accepted Race's courtship far earlier, but they got there eventually. He was so patient with her and the slow pace was appropriate for a skittish heroine. I may read the previous installments in The Brides of Bellaire Gardens because of how much I enjoyed this individual couple. I did miss some background info, but that's on me. These two were sweet as pie and I'm so pleased there was a happy ever after for The Heiress's Daughter.
June 21, 2024
3.5 stars.
I don't like rakes since I think they're gross. BUT, if anyone can sell me on a HEA for a rake and a shy, virginal heroine, that's Anne Gracie. I liked that this story was safe in that there is no real OP drama. I also liked that fact that that hero wasn't OTT gross in the past and genuinely seemed like a nice guy. However, the details that he shared with the heroine about said past still made me feel ick. And there honestly wasn't that much character development for him. He was kind of a flat character who just somehow really loved the heroine and was a loyal friend. The details and even conversations were rather repetitive, and not as fun as the The Perfect Rake. Overall, this was an easy and engaging read. Most of the stars are really for the heroine and her friendships with the Bellaire Garden neighbors. (I am curious are to whether or not Milly will get her own book. LOL.)
I don't like rakes since I think they're gross. BUT, if anyone can sell me on a HEA for a rake and a shy, virginal heroine, that's Anne Gracie. I liked that this story was safe in that there is no real OP drama. I also liked that fact that that hero wasn't OTT gross in the past and genuinely seemed like a nice guy. However, the details that he shared with the heroine about said past still made me feel ick. And there honestly wasn't that much character development for him. He was kind of a flat character who just somehow really loved the heroine and was a loyal friend. The details and even conversations were rather repetitive, and not as fun as the The Perfect Rake. Overall, this was an easy and engaging read. Most of the stars are really for the heroine and her friendships with the Bellaire Garden neighbors. (I am curious are to whether or not Milly will get her own book. LOL.)
April 12, 2024
Thank you to Berkeley & NetGalley for this ARC!
This was fine! That's really all I can say about it - didn't love it & didn't hate it. For me, this book majorly dragged until about 60% in... then we got to 70% in and it dragged again until the end. Maybe I would've been more invested had I read the first 2 books in the series! I just felt like the 2 MCs (Clarissa & Race) were almost NEVER together in any scenes, so I was really left wanting. Also I cannot stop thinking about this one scene that went, almost verbatim, like this (I don't even remember who said what at this point, but I was cracking up):
*Race & Clarissa see each other at a ball*
Clarissa: I need to speak with you... tomorrow.
Race: Ok let's speak tomorrow
*Scene ends - cut to the next day*
Like... why?
Anywho, not my favorite Anne Gracie book, but still very sweet.
This was fine! That's really all I can say about it - didn't love it & didn't hate it. For me, this book majorly dragged until about 60% in... then we got to 70% in and it dragged again until the end. Maybe I would've been more invested had I read the first 2 books in the series! I just felt like the 2 MCs (Clarissa & Race) were almost NEVER together in any scenes, so I was really left wanting. Also I cannot stop thinking about this one scene that went, almost verbatim, like this (I don't even remember who said what at this point, but I was cracking up):
*Race & Clarissa see each other at a ball*
Clarissa: I need to speak with you... tomorrow.
Race: Ok let's speak tomorrow
*Scene ends - cut to the next day*
Like... why?
Anywho, not my favorite Anne Gracie book, but still very sweet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2024
2.5 stars
Very, very slow burn.
Very, very slow burn.
November 9, 2025
Clarissa en Race kregen te weinig pagina's samen om elkaar goed te leren kennen en daardoor was er geen romantische opbouw van hun relatie . Enkele grappige gedeeltes maken het toch nog een 3 sterren leeservaring .
November 30, 2023
Gracie creates wonderfully complex characters in her Regency Romances. The Heiress’s Daughter has Clarissa and Lord Randall.
I loved Lord Randall. He was so accepting of Clarissa from the beginning as he saw her value was not in her dowry and her beauty was beyond what was on the surface. He is a much better hero than his best friend Leo from the previous book.
Clarissa was so beaten down by her father’s verbal abuse that it took a while for her to trust her own judgment and to believe that someone could love her, just her, and she could be enough.
The first book in this series continues to be my favorite. I like that Lady Tarrant and her charming step daughters are included in this book.
There was a bit too much waffling back and forth with oh he’s a rake but I so desire him but he’s a rake, etc.
Also not sure the side story of finding a possible long lost half sister was essential.
All in all, another good book in this series.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Lord Randall. He was so accepting of Clarissa from the beginning as he saw her value was not in her dowry and her beauty was beyond what was on the surface. He is a much better hero than his best friend Leo from the previous book.
Clarissa was so beaten down by her father’s verbal abuse that it took a while for her to trust her own judgment and to believe that someone could love her, just her, and she could be enough.
The first book in this series continues to be my favorite. I like that Lady Tarrant and her charming step daughters are included in this book.
There was a bit too much waffling back and forth with oh he’s a rake but I so desire him but he’s a rake, etc.
Also not sure the side story of finding a possible long lost half sister was essential.
All in all, another good book in this series.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2024
Thanks to Anne Gracie, Berkley, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sadly, this book was meh. The plot boils down to an heiress learning to trust a man who's reputation suggests he's untrustworthy, while he endeavors to convince her she can trust him. It's a cycle that loses its intrigue quickly. The heroine is timid and self-conscious about everything except her sisters, which is the part I liked most about her. The hero is nice and charming but seems to do nothing with his time aside from try to get her to take him seriously.
Overall, boring plot, boring heroine, boring hero.
Sadly, this book was meh. The plot boils down to an heiress learning to trust a man who's reputation suggests he's untrustworthy, while he endeavors to convince her she can trust him. It's a cycle that loses its intrigue quickly. The heroine is timid and self-conscious about everything except her sisters, which is the part I liked most about her. The hero is nice and charming but seems to do nothing with his time aside from try to get her to take him seriously.
Overall, boring plot, boring heroine, boring hero.
June 7, 2024
I never thought I would say that about any of Anne Gracie's novels, but this one was boring. Nothing much happened except the heroine acting silly all the time and repeatedly rejecting the hero who obviously adores her. I finished the book, but I could only read it in short installments. I finished 3 other books in the same time frame.
Anne Gracie is one of my favorite romance writers. I own most of her books and re-read them occasionally. She has been on my 'auto-buy' list whenever she published a new book. But this latest one was a disappointment character- and plot-wise. But the narrative was flowing, the editing superb, and my rating reflects that.
Anne Gracie is one of my favorite romance writers. I own most of her books and re-read them occasionally. She has been on my 'auto-buy' list whenever she published a new book. But this latest one was a disappointment character- and plot-wise. But the narrative was flowing, the editing superb, and my rating reflects that.
September 12, 2025
DNF at 60% because I don’t see reason to continue.
Well, it has couple of my favourite tropes but the execution just wasn’t there. The imbalance between how character-developed heroine is, and how much we don’t know about the hero is throwing mi off. This book just feels like a literature written to please women, rather than genuine love story. Race is a handsome rake who is doing all the work and as charming as Clarissa is, she is just a receiver of compliments, effort and genuine interest. She doesn’t give anything in return, she doesn’t seem to see anything past her complexes. I understand where she’s coming from with her childhood trauma, but for 60% of this book, she didn’t grow at all.
I wasn’t a great fan of writing either, it felt rushed and unpolished.
Well, it has couple of my favourite tropes but the execution just wasn’t there. The imbalance between how character-developed heroine is, and how much we don’t know about the hero is throwing mi off. This book just feels like a literature written to please women, rather than genuine love story. Race is a handsome rake who is doing all the work and as charming as Clarissa is, she is just a receiver of compliments, effort and genuine interest. She doesn’t give anything in return, she doesn’t seem to see anything past her complexes. I understand where she’s coming from with her childhood trauma, but for 60% of this book, she didn’t grow at all.
I wasn’t a great fan of writing either, it felt rushed and unpolished.
April 28, 2024
I haven’t read the others in the series but got caught up quickly enough. There were historical inaccuracies, but if the story was faster paced or higher stakes I wouldn’t have minded. I never understood why Race liked Clarissa. It was established in another book so I never got invested because I never saw him fall for her. That and the introspection and misunderstandings and interrupted conversations dragged it out what could have been an entertaining he falls first.
I received an arc from NetGalley
I received an arc from NetGalley
April 16, 2024
3.5 Stars Historical romances can be some of the most fun reads for escapism and The Heiress's Daughter by Anne Gracie pulled me right into the world of the Regency era ton.
Heiress Clarissa Studley has a list of requirements for what she wants from a husband, qualities that add up to the opposite of her rakish father who neglected her and broke her late mother's heart. Clarissa wants to marry for love, not someone who is a rake or wants her for only her fortune. Thus, she has been keeping Race, Lord Randall, at arm's length and is determined not to fall in love with him. Or at least not more than she already is. Though he is wealthy and not after Clarissa's fortune, Race's reputation as a rake has her convinced that he could never be a faithful husband. Race has adored Clarissa since they first met and is determined to prove her--and society--wrong about him. When another suitor vies for Clarissa's affection, Race becomes more desperate to prove to Clarissa that he truly loves her and she can trust him with her heart.
Clarissa and Race were fantastic main characters and it's easy to see why they fell for each other. Though she is insecure and doubts herself, Clarissa is brave, kindhearted, and willing to sacrifice anything for those she loves, especially her half-sisters. Race defies the rumors about him and his reputation; he's willing to fight for Clarissa, support her, and be vulnerable with her, while also respecting her and her boundaries. The side characters were especially fun, especially Zoë and Mrs. Price-Jones. I'm hoping that Zoë's story is next!
Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Heiress Clarissa Studley has a list of requirements for what she wants from a husband, qualities that add up to the opposite of her rakish father who neglected her and broke her late mother's heart. Clarissa wants to marry for love, not someone who is a rake or wants her for only her fortune. Thus, she has been keeping Race, Lord Randall, at arm's length and is determined not to fall in love with him. Or at least not more than she already is. Though he is wealthy and not after Clarissa's fortune, Race's reputation as a rake has her convinced that he could never be a faithful husband. Race has adored Clarissa since they first met and is determined to prove her--and society--wrong about him. When another suitor vies for Clarissa's affection, Race becomes more desperate to prove to Clarissa that he truly loves her and she can trust him with her heart.
Clarissa and Race were fantastic main characters and it's easy to see why they fell for each other. Though she is insecure and doubts herself, Clarissa is brave, kindhearted, and willing to sacrifice anything for those she loves, especially her half-sisters. Race defies the rumors about him and his reputation; he's willing to fight for Clarissa, support her, and be vulnerable with her, while also respecting her and her boundaries. The side characters were especially fun, especially Zoë and Mrs. Price-Jones. I'm hoping that Zoë's story is next!
Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
June 24, 2025
This was hard to finish for me personally. The development of the main heroine was extremely frustrating. The protagonist’s persistent self doubt and internal conflict dominated the majority of the narrative—approximately 90% of the novel—with little progression. Conflicts that could have been resolved through simple, direct conversation were instead unnecessarily prolonged, ultimately detracting from the plot. In fact, there was no plot. Just her hating herself and not thinking she’s good enough, and simultaneously avoiding the guy she is into bc she doesn’t think she’s good enough. And then making conclusions based on her own internal narrative- which was different from reality had she just had a conversation. I was bored and frustrated by this entirely. By the conclusion, I felt more relieved to have completed the book than satisfied by its resolution. The primary reason I continued reading was the introduction of Zoe, the heroine’s long-lost sister, whose storyline is in the next book. Zoe’s emergence was, in my view, the most compelling aspect of this installment, and I persisted with this book mainly to ensure I would have sufficient context moving forward in the series.
But yeah, so utterly drab. So irritating. I wanted to like Clarissa and she of course had redeeming qualities, like her unflinching loyalty to her sister, Izzy. But in general, her personality was overshadowed by her constant insecurity, just excessive even up until the end. Her insecurity is understandable given her upbringing but lasted the whole book and that’s the plot- her not feeling good enough. So it was really just blasted boring, annoying, and not endearing in the least. No offense, Clarissa.
But yeah, so utterly drab. So irritating. I wanted to like Clarissa and she of course had redeeming qualities, like her unflinching loyalty to her sister, Izzy. But in general, her personality was overshadowed by her constant insecurity, just excessive even up until the end. Her insecurity is understandable given her upbringing but lasted the whole book and that’s the plot- her not feeling good enough. So it was really just blasted boring, annoying, and not endearing in the least. No offense, Clarissa.
December 16, 2024
Oh, I just loved this book. Clarissa was a character in the previous book and now gets her own happy ending.
This is the 3rd in a trilogy, so it should be read last. Race is a wonderful hero, humorous, kind, and misunderstood.
Both Clarissa and Race had rakes for their fathers, and it affected both of their lives.
I enjoyed all the characters in this book, even the villains. I love seeing characters from the 2 previous books, which is one of the reasons I read series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC. This is my honest review and I highly recommend the whole series.
This is the 3rd in a trilogy, so it should be read last. Race is a wonderful hero, humorous, kind, and misunderstood.
Both Clarissa and Race had rakes for their fathers, and it affected both of their lives.
I enjoyed all the characters in this book, even the villains. I love seeing characters from the 2 previous books, which is one of the reasons I read series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC. This is my honest review and I highly recommend the whole series.
November 22, 2023
This was a super cute story about Clarissa, an heiress who struggles to believe she deserves the love and attention of a man, and Race, a rake who finds himself falling in love with a truly amazing woman for the first time. Lots of twists and turns, including a forced betrothal. Overall a fun read.
3.5 stars.
*I received a review copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
3.5 stars.
*I received a review copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
April 26, 2025
Good book. Clarissa and her illegitimate half-sister, Izzy, came to London to find husbands. Izzy's story was the previous book in the series, The Rake's Daughter, which gave the girls' background. This one has enough information to provide a good picture of their backstory to read it as a standalone. Izzy and her husband, Leo, also Clarissa's guardian, are off on their honeymoon, leaving Clarissa to navigate the Season without Izzy's support. Clarissa is shy but sweet and not beautiful, which doesn't bode well for a successful husband hunt. Unfortunately, she is also an heiress, which makes her a target for fortune hunters. Clarissa wants what most people want - love and happiness. She also has two requirements - no fortune hunters or rakes, and there must be love. Her father was both, and she wanted nothing to do with a man like him.
Lord Randall, Race, is her guardian's best friend. Leo asked Race to take Clarissa riding occasionally because her chaperone doesn't ride. Race is happy to do so and looks forward to spending time with her. He fell hard for her when she stood up for Izzy in front of Society without caring about her reputation. But he has the reputation of being a rake so she wants nothing to do with him, even though he stirs her senses like no one else ever has. Unfortunately, Clarissa's self-esteem is so low that she can't believe a man known for being with beautiful women is genuinely interested in her.
I ached for Race. He has it bad for Clarissa and nothing he does will convince her that he wants her for herself, as she is. He gets tongue-tied when trying to tell her of his feelings, and she consistently misunderstands what he tries to say to her. Another man is paying attention to her, and Race is determined to win her. I loved how Race came to her rescue when the other man turned out to be the worst kind of cad. I loved that scene so much.
I was very frustrated by Clarissa and her refusal to see past Race's reputation to the man he is. I understood her attitude toward rakes, but he proved himself in so many ways. I loved that she finally dared to share her concerns with him and, by doing so, got everything she could hope for. I loved Race's promise to be open and honest in his answers and how she finally believed in him. The ending was terrific; I can't wait to see them in future books.
In an interesting twist, Clarissa made an unexpected discovery when she went to an orphanage to hire a new lady's maid. She found a young girl, about fifteen years old, who looks like her sister Izzy. Clarissa is sure that she has found another sister. Zoe is wary and reluctant to trust that it is true. I enjoyed watching Clarissa try to convince Zoe that she belongs in the family. I understood Zoe's wariness. I liked the compromise they settled on in the end. I look forward to reading Zoe's story next.
Lord Randall, Race, is her guardian's best friend. Leo asked Race to take Clarissa riding occasionally because her chaperone doesn't ride. Race is happy to do so and looks forward to spending time with her. He fell hard for her when she stood up for Izzy in front of Society without caring about her reputation. But he has the reputation of being a rake so she wants nothing to do with him, even though he stirs her senses like no one else ever has. Unfortunately, Clarissa's self-esteem is so low that she can't believe a man known for being with beautiful women is genuinely interested in her.
I ached for Race. He has it bad for Clarissa and nothing he does will convince her that he wants her for herself, as she is. He gets tongue-tied when trying to tell her of his feelings, and she consistently misunderstands what he tries to say to her. Another man is paying attention to her, and Race is determined to win her. I loved how Race came to her rescue when the other man turned out to be the worst kind of cad. I loved that scene so much.
I was very frustrated by Clarissa and her refusal to see past Race's reputation to the man he is. I understood her attitude toward rakes, but he proved himself in so many ways. I loved that she finally dared to share her concerns with him and, by doing so, got everything she could hope for. I loved Race's promise to be open and honest in his answers and how she finally believed in him. The ending was terrific; I can't wait to see them in future books.
In an interesting twist, Clarissa made an unexpected discovery when she went to an orphanage to hire a new lady's maid. She found a young girl, about fifteen years old, who looks like her sister Izzy. Clarissa is sure that she has found another sister. Zoe is wary and reluctant to trust that it is true. I enjoyed watching Clarissa try to convince Zoe that she belongs in the family. I understood Zoe's wariness. I liked the compromise they settled on in the end. I look forward to reading Zoe's story next.
May 29, 2024
One of the things I most enjoy about Anne Gracie's books is the relationships, especially the families formed. Whether biological, by marriage, or chosen, her family units are treasures that leave me sighing with delight and eager for return visits. In The Heiress's Daughter, we're treated to all three within the lush, private area of Bellaire Gardens.
Of course, comprising those family units are Gracie's characters and developing those characters is another of her many skills. I love the time and care she takes to bring them to life, giving them layers and intricacies that make them feel so very real. Clarissa and Race (who are first introduced in book two of this series, The Rake's Daughter) are excellent examples of that. How could I not love both of them, and especially love them together? If Clarissa's back story did not tug at my heart, I would have no heart. What that woman was put through by someone who should have loved, encouraged, and supported her. To become the kind, generous, loyal woman she is in spite of the treatment she received is testament to the special person she is, one worthy of the great love she feels is beyond her reach.
And then there's Race: handsome, flirtatious, liaisons scattered in his wake, and not a fortune hunter. In other words, a rake, just as Clarissa's father had been. But, is he really? There are so many hidden layers to this character and I'm here for all of them. He falls first. He falls hard. And he's willing to put in the work to convince Clarissa of his genuine feelings for her, which is not easy. It's safe to say I fell just as hard for him as Clarissa eventually does. I love his kindness, his humor, and his steadfast determination to bring Clarissa to the point where she sees - and believes - the beauty that makes her precious to him. Did I mention how much I adore this guy?
If you enjoy character-driven stories with plenty of humor, feel-good emotion, family dynamics, and happy endings, look no further than Anne Gracie's The Heiress's Daughter. It's an absolute delight.
This book stands well on its own but I enjoyed it much more for having read books one, The Scoundrel's Daughter and two, The Rake's Daughter first. Reading book two gave me a much better understanding of Clarissa, her back story, and her relationship with her sister (heroine of book two) while reading book one allowed me to better enjoy the characters from that book as well as the events in their lives that play out in The Heiress's Daughter.
4.5 stars
Of course, comprising those family units are Gracie's characters and developing those characters is another of her many skills. I love the time and care she takes to bring them to life, giving them layers and intricacies that make them feel so very real. Clarissa and Race (who are first introduced in book two of this series, The Rake's Daughter) are excellent examples of that. How could I not love both of them, and especially love them together? If Clarissa's back story did not tug at my heart, I would have no heart. What that woman was put through by someone who should have loved, encouraged, and supported her. To become the kind, generous, loyal woman she is in spite of the treatment she received is testament to the special person she is, one worthy of the great love she feels is beyond her reach.
And then there's Race: handsome, flirtatious, liaisons scattered in his wake, and not a fortune hunter. In other words, a rake, just as Clarissa's father had been. But, is he really? There are so many hidden layers to this character and I'm here for all of them. He falls first. He falls hard. And he's willing to put in the work to convince Clarissa of his genuine feelings for her, which is not easy. It's safe to say I fell just as hard for him as Clarissa eventually does. I love his kindness, his humor, and his steadfast determination to bring Clarissa to the point where she sees - and believes - the beauty that makes her precious to him. Did I mention how much I adore this guy?
If you enjoy character-driven stories with plenty of humor, feel-good emotion, family dynamics, and happy endings, look no further than Anne Gracie's The Heiress's Daughter. It's an absolute delight.
This book stands well on its own but I enjoyed it much more for having read books one, The Scoundrel's Daughter and two, The Rake's Daughter first. Reading book two gave me a much better understanding of Clarissa, her back story, and her relationship with her sister (heroine of book two) while reading book one allowed me to better enjoy the characters from that book as well as the events in their lives that play out in The Heiress's Daughter.
4.5 stars
May 21, 2024
The Heiress's Daughter by Anne Gracie, book three in her The Brides of Bellaire Gardens series, is a captivating story that engages the reader, creating an enjoyable read. Heiress Clarissa Studley, was so beaten down by her father’s verbal abuse, it took a while for her to trust her own judgment and believe that someone could love her, just her, and she could be enough.
Scarred she vowed to avoid rakes and fortune-hunters as she searches for a husband; wanting only to marry for love. She has been keeping Race, Lord Randall, at arm's length and is determined not to fall in love with him; or at least not more than she already is. Though he is wealthy and not after Clarissa's fortune, Race's reputation as a rake has her convinced that he would an unfaithful husband. Race has adored Clarissa since they first met and is determined to prove her, and society, wrong about him. Clarissa is captivated by Lord Randall, who sees her unique beauty. When a wounded war hero starts to pursues her, Race becomes more desperate to prove to Clarissa that he truly loves her and she can trust him with her heart.
Clarissa and Race were fabulous characters and it's understandable why they fell for each other. Though she is insecure and doubts herself, Clarissa is brave, kindhearted, and willing to sacrifice anything for those she loves, especially her half-sisters. Race defies the rumors about him and his reputation; he's willing to fight for Clarissa, support her, and be vulnerable with her, while also respecting her and her boundaries. The side characters added so much to the story: including the indomitable Lady Scattergood, wreathed in brilliant scarves and surrounded by her dogs, Mrs Price-Jones, who has been employed as Clarissa’s chaperone, and Zoë, another surprise half-sister.
Ms. Gracie created an enchanting romance that was an enjoyable read, a wonderful story of the ones who can’t help but to fall in love with wanting and being in love.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#Berkley #NetGalley
Scarred she vowed to avoid rakes and fortune-hunters as she searches for a husband; wanting only to marry for love. She has been keeping Race, Lord Randall, at arm's length and is determined not to fall in love with him; or at least not more than she already is. Though he is wealthy and not after Clarissa's fortune, Race's reputation as a rake has her convinced that he would an unfaithful husband. Race has adored Clarissa since they first met and is determined to prove her, and society, wrong about him. Clarissa is captivated by Lord Randall, who sees her unique beauty. When a wounded war hero starts to pursues her, Race becomes more desperate to prove to Clarissa that he truly loves her and she can trust him with her heart.
Clarissa and Race were fabulous characters and it's understandable why they fell for each other. Though she is insecure and doubts herself, Clarissa is brave, kindhearted, and willing to sacrifice anything for those she loves, especially her half-sisters. Race defies the rumors about him and his reputation; he's willing to fight for Clarissa, support her, and be vulnerable with her, while also respecting her and her boundaries. The side characters added so much to the story: including the indomitable Lady Scattergood, wreathed in brilliant scarves and surrounded by her dogs, Mrs Price-Jones, who has been employed as Clarissa’s chaperone, and Zoë, another surprise half-sister.
Ms. Gracie created an enchanting romance that was an enjoyable read, a wonderful story of the ones who can’t help but to fall in love with wanting and being in love.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#Berkley #NetGalley
May 21, 2024
The Brides of Bellaire Gardens, of which The Heiress's Daughter is the third entry in the series, is a collection of romances reminiscent of traditional Regencies. When I finished The Rake's Daughter, I was really looking forward to this book: it features Clarissa, a "plain" heroine who often fades into the background. She was a great supporting character in her sister's book, and I was hyped for her HEA.
Well, the book didn't disappoint. As it opens, the MMC (Race, Lord Randall) has already decided that Clarissa is his perfect bride. Now he just has to convince her of two things:
1. He's serious about her and not just being a protective friend;
2. That his rakish reputation is overblown.
This guy literally spends two thirds of the book trying to figure out how he can convince Clarissa that he's serious about marrying her. He's a "catch" and hasn't developed any skills in encouraging eligible young women to pursue him; he's focused his energy on dissuading them from ever thinking he's serious. Too bad for him, then, that Clarissa really needs a man who makes his intentions very obvious. (She's got a lot of reservations about marriage thanks to her parents' awful union and the way she's been treated in comparison to her hot sister.)
So most of the book is Race racking his brain with how to make his feelings more and more obvious to Clarissa, until he's got to convince her that's truly not a rake. It's low angst, low steam, and charming in the best way. The Heiress's Daughter is out now!
CN: Do note that there is an attempted SA by a grody fortune hunter in case that would be difficult for any reader!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Well, the book didn't disappoint. As it opens, the MMC (Race, Lord Randall) has already decided that Clarissa is his perfect bride. Now he just has to convince her of two things:
1. He's serious about her and not just being a protective friend;
2. That his rakish reputation is overblown.
This guy literally spends two thirds of the book trying to figure out how he can convince Clarissa that he's serious about marrying her. He's a "catch" and hasn't developed any skills in encouraging eligible young women to pursue him; he's focused his energy on dissuading them from ever thinking he's serious. Too bad for him, then, that Clarissa really needs a man who makes his intentions very obvious. (She's got a lot of reservations about marriage thanks to her parents' awful union and the way she's been treated in comparison to her hot sister.)
So most of the book is Race racking his brain with how to make his feelings more and more obvious to Clarissa, until he's got to convince her that's truly not a rake. It's low angst, low steam, and charming in the best way. The Heiress's Daughter is out now!
CN: Do note that there is an attempted SA by a grody fortune hunter in case that would be difficult for any reader!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
June 4, 2024
3.5 stars
This book could have been amazing if it had been better edited. Clarissa had potential to be an outstanding heroine but she was reduced to this insecure, untrusting person who didn't communicate and repeated bad thoughts in her head over and over and over and over and over and over and over.
She flat-out didn't trust the hero when he said he would be faithful to her in marriage. Based on what? When has he ever given her reason to mistrust him? He hasn't. Sure, he had a reputation as a rake, but that doesn't mean he was a liar. Yeah, she learned about rakes from her father's behavior, but any intelligent person knows one person's actions don't mean everyone who is in that category acts exactly the same.
Add that to constant misdirection where for more than half the book, he's earnestly courting her and she has no clue because they keep being interrupted or he keeps being denied a moment with her, and it's incredibly unsatisfying for most of the book, for stupid reasons. Seriously, one solid discussion and the problem is over. But noooo, avoid avoid avoid avoid. Way too frustrating.
That said, the hero is especially strong and the heroine does have potential to be. The way she treats her family and the people she loves is excellent. But the way she treats herself is shitty to the extreme. This is observed, and I wish it were more than just a superficial hanging a lantern onto a serious plot problem. But it's way too annoying a problem and after a while, I lose a lot of respect for her. She comes off as immature and stupid. And I know that's not the intention.
Overall, this is a great series and I love the characters in it. I even love Clarissa, despite the fact she's so insecure. It could have been done so well. It almost was. But it missed the mark and landed in annoying self-pity land instead.
This book could have been amazing if it had been better edited. Clarissa had potential to be an outstanding heroine but she was reduced to this insecure, untrusting person who didn't communicate and repeated bad thoughts in her head over and over and over and over and over and over and over.
She flat-out didn't trust the hero when he said he would be faithful to her in marriage. Based on what? When has he ever given her reason to mistrust him? He hasn't. Sure, he had a reputation as a rake, but that doesn't mean he was a liar. Yeah, she learned about rakes from her father's behavior, but any intelligent person knows one person's actions don't mean everyone who is in that category acts exactly the same.
Add that to constant misdirection where for more than half the book, he's earnestly courting her and she has no clue because they keep being interrupted or he keeps being denied a moment with her, and it's incredibly unsatisfying for most of the book, for stupid reasons. Seriously, one solid discussion and the problem is over. But noooo, avoid avoid avoid avoid. Way too frustrating.
That said, the hero is especially strong and the heroine does have potential to be. The way she treats her family and the people she loves is excellent. But the way she treats herself is shitty to the extreme. This is observed, and I wish it were more than just a superficial hanging a lantern onto a serious plot problem. But it's way too annoying a problem and after a while, I lose a lot of respect for her. She comes off as immature and stupid. And I know that's not the intention.
Overall, this is a great series and I love the characters in it. I even love Clarissa, despite the fact she's so insecure. It could have been done so well. It almost was. But it missed the mark and landed in annoying self-pity land instead.
May 19, 2024
The Heiress’s Daughter is the third book in the Brides of Bellaire Gardens series. This is a new to me author and this could be read as a standalone. Although I wondered if there was some character building for the FMC in the previous books because when her interests were mentioned in this book, it came off more as an offhand comment than to help understand more about the character.
The FMC has been emotionally scarred from the treatment she and her mother received from her father when she was young. Now that she is grown and both parents have passed, she creates a list of attributes to help her choose a husband that will give her a different marital experience than her mother had. The MMC is a known rake but has had everything turned upside down by the FMC and has a hard time convincing her.
Unfortunately, I didn’t connect with this book or with the characters. I liked Lord Randell well enough and thought him steadfast and determined in his feelings for the heroine. However, I didn’t feel the same for Clarissa. Her journey fell flat for me and I still wasn’t rooting for her in the end. When the MC were on page together, there was too much push between them and not enough pull.
I gave this book three stars as I didn’t have any major issues with the story but while it wasn’t my cup of tea, others may connect better than I did. The most connected I felt with the MC was during their one encounter. I enjoyed the writing and pacing of this scene.
CW: There is reference to the FMC and SA.
I received an advance ebook from Berkeley Publishing via Net Galley. All opinions are my own.
The FMC has been emotionally scarred from the treatment she and her mother received from her father when she was young. Now that she is grown and both parents have passed, she creates a list of attributes to help her choose a husband that will give her a different marital experience than her mother had. The MMC is a known rake but has had everything turned upside down by the FMC and has a hard time convincing her.
Unfortunately, I didn’t connect with this book or with the characters. I liked Lord Randell well enough and thought him steadfast and determined in his feelings for the heroine. However, I didn’t feel the same for Clarissa. Her journey fell flat for me and I still wasn’t rooting for her in the end. When the MC were on page together, there was too much push between them and not enough pull.
I gave this book three stars as I didn’t have any major issues with the story but while it wasn’t my cup of tea, others may connect better than I did. The most connected I felt with the MC was during their one encounter. I enjoyed the writing and pacing of this scene.
CW: There is reference to the FMC and SA.
I received an advance ebook from Berkeley Publishing via Net Galley. All opinions are my own.
May 21, 2024
Studly Park Manor, Hampshire
1806
On her 7th birthday, Clarissa Studley is thrilled to have a beautiful new dress and shoes that match her mother’s dress. When she heads downstairs, her father comes through the door. As he rarely comes home, she is so happy to see him reminding him that it’s her birthday. He roughly shoves her aside telling her she is ugly and worthless just like her mother. The man has always been very cruel to them and Clarissa believes that she is ugly.
1818 - London
Clarissa is staying with her chaperone and a lady friend. Some years ago, she discovered that she had an illegitimate half sister, Isobel (Izzy) who had been cast off by their father into an orphanage. Izzy has just married Leo Lord Salcott, and is now a Countess. They are off on their honeymoon. Before leaving, Leo asked his best friend Race, Lord Randall, to keep an eye on Clarissa and take her out horseback riding. But for some reason, the woman she is staying with thinks that he is a rake and will not allow him into her home. In truth, Race is a very wealthy and friendly man. Clarissa is also wealthy as she inherited a vast sum of money from her mother that is held in trust for her. Race is not to be daunted so he finds other ways to see Clarissa and help keep her away from fortune hunters. Will Race and Clarissa find a match?
This is such a delightful book with stories within stories and lots of humor. I loved the characters and the “work” that Race had to put into winning Clarissa’s hand. It’s simply swoon-worthy. Enjoy!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
1806
On her 7th birthday, Clarissa Studley is thrilled to have a beautiful new dress and shoes that match her mother’s dress. When she heads downstairs, her father comes through the door. As he rarely comes home, she is so happy to see him reminding him that it’s her birthday. He roughly shoves her aside telling her she is ugly and worthless just like her mother. The man has always been very cruel to them and Clarissa believes that she is ugly.
1818 - London
Clarissa is staying with her chaperone and a lady friend. Some years ago, she discovered that she had an illegitimate half sister, Isobel (Izzy) who had been cast off by their father into an orphanage. Izzy has just married Leo Lord Salcott, and is now a Countess. They are off on their honeymoon. Before leaving, Leo asked his best friend Race, Lord Randall, to keep an eye on Clarissa and take her out horseback riding. But for some reason, the woman she is staying with thinks that he is a rake and will not allow him into her home. In truth, Race is a very wealthy and friendly man. Clarissa is also wealthy as she inherited a vast sum of money from her mother that is held in trust for her. Race is not to be daunted so he finds other ways to see Clarissa and help keep her away from fortune hunters. Will Race and Clarissa find a match?
This is such a delightful book with stories within stories and lots of humor. I loved the characters and the “work” that Race had to put into winning Clarissa’s hand. It’s simply swoon-worthy. Enjoy!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 7, 2024
This was a very sweet, low-angst story.
Heiress Clarissa is quiet and shy. Though she knows she is plain and plump, (a fact that her late father reiterated ad-nauseum) she just wants to be loved for herself, not her money. Unfortunately, her awful father was a cheating reprobate who married a plain woman for her fortune and then repeatedly broke his wife's heart, thus giving Clarissa a healthy fear of rakish fortune hunters.
Race, Lord Randall, met Clarissa in the previous book in the series, when his best friend Leo became her guardian. Race is impressed by Clarissa's skills as an equestrienne, but it's her loyalty to her family and her determination to protect her loved ones at all costs that draws him most.
To protect himself from overly eager matchmakers Race has cultivated an exaggerated reputation as a rake. Unfortunately, this puts him at odds with Clarissa, who falls for his charm and kindness, while being wary of his motives.
Though Clarissa is not a beauty by society's standards, Race still finds her very attractive and struggles with jealousy over her other prospective suitors (all of whom appear to him to be fortune-hunters or opportunistic rakes). This aspect of the story vaguely reminded me of Pru and Lord Carradice in The Perfect Rake. She was also considered 'plain', but in the eyes of her hero she was flawless.
This book contains a mildly descriptive love scene.
Heiress Clarissa is quiet and shy. Though she knows she is plain and plump, (a fact that her late father reiterated ad-nauseum) she just wants to be loved for herself, not her money. Unfortunately, her awful father was a cheating reprobate who married a plain woman for her fortune and then repeatedly broke his wife's heart, thus giving Clarissa a healthy fear of rakish fortune hunters.
Race, Lord Randall, met Clarissa in the previous book in the series, when his best friend Leo became her guardian. Race is impressed by Clarissa's skills as an equestrienne, but it's her loyalty to her family and her determination to protect her loved ones at all costs that draws him most.
To protect himself from overly eager matchmakers Race has cultivated an exaggerated reputation as a rake. Unfortunately, this puts him at odds with Clarissa, who falls for his charm and kindness, while being wary of his motives.
Though Clarissa is not a beauty by society's standards, Race still finds her very attractive and struggles with jealousy over her other prospective suitors (all of whom appear to him to be fortune-hunters or opportunistic rakes). This aspect of the story vaguely reminded me of Pru and Lord Carradice in The Perfect Rake. She was also considered 'plain', but in the eyes of her hero she was flawless.
This book contains a mildly descriptive love scene.
December 24, 2024
I was so excited to see this on the shelves at the local library as I didn't realize a new Anne Gracie novel had been published. She's one of my favourite romance authors, and for very good reason.
We first met Clarissa and Race as Izzy's sister and Leo's best friend in The Rake's Daughter where there was pretty clear foreshadowing that they would fall for each other.
Race is vaguely reminiscent of Gideon in The Perfect Rake in that he sees Clarissa as beautiful, not understanding why society would consider her plain but figuring that's their loss. Gotta love a hero who is just inherently good, kind and head over heels for his heroine.
Apart from that, this is very much its own story and, despite the connections to other books in this series, could easily be read as a standalone. The strong female friendships that are Ms. Gracie's trademark feature once again despite Izzy's absence for most of the book as the next book's heroine (based on the blurb) is introduced.
Sweet and light, this book gave me warm fuzzies.
We first met Clarissa and Race as Izzy's sister and Leo's best friend in The Rake's Daughter where there was pretty clear foreshadowing that they would fall for each other.
Race is vaguely reminiscent of Gideon in The Perfect Rake in that he sees Clarissa as beautiful, not understanding why society would consider her plain but figuring that's their loss. Gotta love a hero who is just inherently good, kind and head over heels for his heroine.
Apart from that, this is very much its own story and, despite the connections to other books in this series, could easily be read as a standalone. The strong female friendships that are Ms. Gracie's trademark feature once again despite Izzy's absence for most of the book as the next book's heroine (based on the blurb) is introduced.
Sweet and light, this book gave me warm fuzzies.
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