What do you think?
Rate this book
The Unexpected Heiress
All Clara Cooper wants is something exciting to happen to her for a change. She chafes against the constraints of her society, which would rather see her married off than achieve her artistic dreams. A surprise inheritance turns her life on its head, opening doors she’d never dreamed of.
Addie Barnes is nothing if not pragmatic. Getting by on nothing but her wits and her looks, she turns her savvy eye to Clara and her secret fortune. If she can become Clara’s companion, she’ll be set for life. She initially sees Clara as a means to an end, but as their connection deepens, she grapples with conflicting emotions.
Amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the Great Depression, can they find redemption and love in the face of adversity?
Addie Barnes is nothing if not pragmatic. Getting by on nothing but her wits and her looks, she turns her savvy eye to Clara and her secret fortune. If she can become Clara’s companion, she’ll be set for life. She initially sees Clara as a means to an end, but as their connection deepens, she grapples with conflicting emotions.
Amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the Great Depression, can they find redemption and love in the face of adversity?
216 pages, Paperback
Published August 12, 2025
5 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 24, 2025
My favorite thing about this book was that it took a left turn every time I was sure I had it all figured out. The story starts out around 1930, the very beginning of the American Depression. Hard times for most but there are always some exceptions and Clara Cooper’s aunt is one of those people who remains wealthy. In order to see a bit of the world, Clara agrees to act as her aunt’s companion on a river cruise in France where she meets Addie Barnes, the beautiful and charismatic cruise director. Both mains are sharp and a joy on the page. Sure, the story twists and turns but the characters change as well in unexpected ways. At the beginning, Clara is the naive, small-town gal in love with the world and Addie is the shrewd con artist looking to hook a rich woman. But as the story unfolds, the characters evolve too. I had a great time reading the book although sometimes I had a knot in my stomach wondering what might happen next to Clara and Addie. I recommend for people who like solid storytelling, rags to riches tales, romance, heat, angst, a little bit of grit, and memorable main characters.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc. I am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc. I am leaving a review voluntarily.
August 11, 2025
Clara has zero interest in getting married, but with no financial means or skills, it feels like her only option. On a cruise with her aunt, Clara meets Addie, a beautiful stewardess who catches her eye. Addie is no stranger to struggling and uses her beauty and charm to make do. When Addie discovers that Clara has unexpectedly received an inheritance, well, she sees a meal ticket. With Clara already smitten, it just makes things easier for Addie, so she’ll flutter her lashes here and wink a few times over there. Hook, line, and sinker. She'll just bid her time with Clara and then be on her merry way. The only thing Addie doesn’t count on is falling for the woman.
A historical sapphic romance about two young women who found love during the Great Depression Era. Clara and Addie were opposites in many ways and I thought it made them a unique match. Their journey wasn’t a smooth drive because there was a bump here and a pothole over there, which made it realistic. In the beginning, I was not a fan of Addie, but over time, as I learned more of her background, I sympathized with her. I was pleased with the character development from both sides and proud that one of them was able to come out of her shell. The hardship, poverty, and challenges faced during the Great Depression were depicted well. It always breaks my heart to read about what it was like for the queer community back then and this was no exception. Overall, it’s worth reading this historical romance, and I wasn’t able to put it down until the very end.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the arc. This is my voluntary review.
A historical sapphic romance about two young women who found love during the Great Depression Era. Clara and Addie were opposites in many ways and I thought it made them a unique match. Their journey wasn’t a smooth drive because there was a bump here and a pothole over there, which made it realistic. In the beginning, I was not a fan of Addie, but over time, as I learned more of her background, I sympathized with her. I was pleased with the character development from both sides and proud that one of them was able to come out of her shell. The hardship, poverty, and challenges faced during the Great Depression were depicted well. It always breaks my heart to read about what it was like for the queer community back then and this was no exception. Overall, it’s worth reading this historical romance, and I wasn’t able to put it down until the very end.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the arc. This is my voluntary review.
July 28, 2025
I really liked this novel. I devoured it in one night and am currently a bit lacking in sleep as a result (positive). In some ways it was relatively simple, yet at the same time there were layers upon layers that I greatly appreciated. I liked all of the choices that this novel made (I’m not sure how else to phrase that?) and the way that it wove together all of the different elements. This was a shorter novel and a quick read that didn’t waste any time with unneeded scenes or details. I would recommend this to anyone!
There was no third-act breakup. The “obligatory conflict” occurred earlier in the novel (and throughout) in a much more realistic and organic manner that I preferred to the usual formula in a big way.
Their relationship was nice. It started out complicated and under less than ideal circumstances, but the way the plot progressed we got to see them through many different circumstances and from a variety of perspectives. The way it grew and developed over time was very satisfying and a far cry from insta-love. This wasn’t a direct journey, but watching it follow the wandering path felt very realistic. I loved both of the characters, for different reasons, and enjoyed getting to see both of their stories and journeys unfold.
I liked the depression-era setting; I thought it was well done and immersive without being too involved at the same time. This novel was accessible for someone who doesn’t know the history, yet satisfying for someone that does.
There was no third-act breakup. The “obligatory conflict” occurred earlier in the novel (and throughout) in a much more realistic and organic manner that I preferred to the usual formula in a big way.
Their relationship was nice. It started out complicated and under less than ideal circumstances, but the way the plot progressed we got to see them through many different circumstances and from a variety of perspectives. The way it grew and developed over time was very satisfying and a far cry from insta-love. This wasn’t a direct journey, but watching it follow the wandering path felt very realistic. I loved both of the characters, for different reasons, and enjoyed getting to see both of their stories and journeys unfold.
I liked the depression-era setting; I thought it was well done and immersive without being too involved at the same time. This novel was accessible for someone who doesn’t know the history, yet satisfying for someone that does.
July 20, 2025
This historical novel is a very interesting one that introduces us to two young ladies during the great depression. They come comebfrom different backgrounds but they seem to hit it off right away. Their friendship starts to grow into soething else but with the complications of the time period it makes it difficult to come out into the open with it. Overall I was quite impressed with how things went and enjoyed it.
We are introduced to Clara who has lived a privileged life but she feels smoothed by society. When she comes into an inheritance she deicdes to make the best of it. She then meets Addie who seems to only have eyes for her money. However as the two get to know each other they realize their feelings are more than friendship.
We are introduced to Clara who has lived a privileged life but she feels smoothed by society. When she comes into an inheritance she deicdes to make the best of it. She then meets Addie who seems to only have eyes for her money. However as the two get to know each other they realize their feelings are more than friendship.
October 3, 2025
(rounded up from 2.5)
Another example of telling instead of showing, unfortunately. This was fine, although the characterisation feels so, so uneven. A character is either the nicest, sweetest, most naive person in the whole world ever, or just being cruel for little reason. Another is unfeeling and manipulative, and then suddenly one thousand per cent noble and taking on all suffering and barbs. It feels like there's a severe lack of balance with the characters, so it's difficult for me to get a grip on them or care for them beyond the shallowest aspects.
Another example of telling instead of showing, unfortunately. This was fine, although the characterisation feels so, so uneven. A character is either the nicest, sweetest, most naive person in the whole world ever, or just being cruel for little reason. Another is unfeeling and manipulative, and then suddenly one thousand per cent noble and taking on all suffering and barbs. It feels like there's a severe lack of balance with the characters, so it's difficult for me to get a grip on them or care for them beyond the shallowest aspects.
October 28, 2025
4.5 Stars
A truly enjoyable read. Surprising for me because unfortunately I prejudged the book. Fortunately, I prejudged the book because while having low expectations, the story slowly but surely solidified in front of me, impressing me each stage.
One thing I could attest to is the solid storytelling the author brought forth. The characters (main and side characters) were well founded. Each stage of circumstances changed was followed by the characters’ development with the circumstances surrounding them. The evolution of character was great to witness.
A historical fiction novel worth reading.
A truly enjoyable read. Surprising for me because unfortunately I prejudged the book. Fortunately, I prejudged the book because while having low expectations, the story slowly but surely solidified in front of me, impressing me each stage.
One thing I could attest to is the solid storytelling the author brought forth. The characters (main and side characters) were well founded. Each stage of circumstances changed was followed by the characters’ development with the circumstances surrounding them. The evolution of character was great to witness.
A historical fiction novel worth reading.
Want to read
July 22, 2025SAPPHIC 1920s ROMANCE??????
July 29, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read the ARC.
A sapphic love story that takes place during the Great Depression/flapper era? It did not disappoint. I’m not sure if it was because I read it so fast, but it seemed fast paced, even though it takes place over a year in time.
It was interesting to see how queer people lived during that time and how they could “get away” with having their lovers live with them under the impression that one is a “companion” . We see a little bit of the underground scene and I think it would’ve been cool to expand on that.
I love historial romances and The Unexpected Heiress delivered. It’s hard to imagine a happy ending during that time period, but there is one!
A sapphic love story that takes place during the Great Depression/flapper era? It did not disappoint. I’m not sure if it was because I read it so fast, but it seemed fast paced, even though it takes place over a year in time.
It was interesting to see how queer people lived during that time and how they could “get away” with having their lovers live with them under the impression that one is a “companion” . We see a little bit of the underground scene and I think it would’ve been cool to expand on that.
I love historial romances and The Unexpected Heiress delivered. It’s hard to imagine a happy ending during that time period, but there is one!
August 23, 2025
Clara Cooper met Addie Barnes on a riverboat when she was travelling with her aunt Matilda. On the ship, Clara discovered that she has inherited a small fortune. This meant that she could live an independent life and not rely on getting married. Addie also secretly discovered the news of Clara’s inheritance and place herself in a position to accompany Clara as a companion.
This was in The Great Depression era where queer relationships were not accepted. I liked that part of the book a lot, with speakeasy bars and great poverty. The main characters were ok. Clara is rather gullible. I found her quite lovely. However, I don’t quite like Addie in the beginning as I found her quite conniving. She was still in love with her ex and that was rather clear. And I felt that she was trying to cheat Clara. But halfway into the book, I became more engaged with the story. I loved the characters more then. It felt like the book shift and I could then feel the real feelings the main characters had for each other.
So persist reading beyond the halfway mark as it became a book that I could not put down. Great story.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
This was in The Great Depression era where queer relationships were not accepted. I liked that part of the book a lot, with speakeasy bars and great poverty. The main characters were ok. Clara is rather gullible. I found her quite lovely. However, I don’t quite like Addie in the beginning as I found her quite conniving. She was still in love with her ex and that was rather clear. And I felt that she was trying to cheat Clara. But halfway into the book, I became more engaged with the story. I loved the characters more then. It felt like the book shift and I could then feel the real feelings the main characters had for each other.
So persist reading beyond the halfway mark as it became a book that I could not put down. Great story.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
August 21, 2025
4/5 🌟
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Stroke Books for this ARC!
This was such a cozy read! Two women who start on the same spot, economical difficulties, and one suddenly grows and "changes" social class. It talks about the intricacies of falling in love with someone from another tax bracket, how it can deteriorate the relationship, and specially, how miscommunication is not something that helps building a healthy one.
I absolutely adored how well the characters were built. With that you knew how someone was going to react. I also liked how homophobia was mentioned yet it didn't have that important place on the plot.
In the beginning it was kind of hard to get hooked, but the moment I understood the characters, I really needed to know how it would develop. This was a very nice read so if you like historical romances, this is for you!
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Stroke Books for this ARC!
This was such a cozy read! Two women who start on the same spot, economical difficulties, and one suddenly grows and "changes" social class. It talks about the intricacies of falling in love with someone from another tax bracket, how it can deteriorate the relationship, and specially, how miscommunication is not something that helps building a healthy one.
I absolutely adored how well the characters were built. With that you knew how someone was going to react. I also liked how homophobia was mentioned yet it didn't have that important place on the plot.
In the beginning it was kind of hard to get hooked, but the moment I understood the characters, I really needed to know how it would develop. This was a very nice read so if you like historical romances, this is for you!
July 31, 2025
I do love historical romances, and this one wasn't an exception. My only real issue was that there just wasn't enough of the book.
I enjoyed the characters, especially Addie who wasn't always a very likable person. She was a young woman who was used to fending for herself, no matter what, and it was nice to see her grow. Clara had some good growth, too, moving away from being a naive woman with no self-confidence to an independent artist. I mean, inheriting a cool half million will help with that, of course.
What I meant by there wasn't enough book is that weeks and months would go in book time that could have been filled with how our ladies were growing and experiencing life. Those were some of the things I wanted to know about. The book is less than 200 pages but absolutely could have been longer to give us a better connection to both women.
Overall, I really did enjoy The Unexpected Heiress and recommend it for a nice, light read.
Thanks to BSB and NetGalley for the ebook.
I enjoyed the characters, especially Addie who wasn't always a very likable person. She was a young woman who was used to fending for herself, no matter what, and it was nice to see her grow. Clara had some good growth, too, moving away from being a naive woman with no self-confidence to an independent artist. I mean, inheriting a cool half million will help with that, of course.
What I meant by there wasn't enough book is that weeks and months would go in book time that could have been filled with how our ladies were growing and experiencing life. Those were some of the things I wanted to know about. The book is less than 200 pages but absolutely could have been longer to give us a better connection to both women.
Overall, I really did enjoy The Unexpected Heiress and recommend it for a nice, light read.
Thanks to BSB and NetGalley for the ebook.
August 9, 2025
ARC provided by publisher:
This premise had so much promise! Two women meet on a European river cruise, one with ulterior motives, and their love story, falling out, and reconnecting.
However…. the writing was about 80% telling and maybe 20% showing, which made it hard to ever feel truly present in the story. It read like an inexperienced author leaning on a repetitive “and then she did this, and then she felt this…” style, which left the pacing choppy. We’d go long stretches with that kind of narration before finally getting an actual fleshed-out scene.
Because so much of the story was told rather than shown, the emotional beats and character arcs felt surface level. The third act climax felt especially unearned with the stakes suddenly so much higher after we yada yada’d our way there.
I would have ready 3 separate books of their story! The river cruise love story, their life together in Boston, and the time skip to reconnecting. Squishing it all in one fast paced book isn’t my cup of tea.
I hate to rate it low because I wanted to like it but in the end, I couldn’t get invested. I was never really inside the characters’ worlds and felt like I was just being told about them from a distance.
This premise had so much promise! Two women meet on a European river cruise, one with ulterior motives, and their love story, falling out, and reconnecting.
However…. the writing was about 80% telling and maybe 20% showing, which made it hard to ever feel truly present in the story. It read like an inexperienced author leaning on a repetitive “and then she did this, and then she felt this…” style, which left the pacing choppy. We’d go long stretches with that kind of narration before finally getting an actual fleshed-out scene.
Because so much of the story was told rather than shown, the emotional beats and character arcs felt surface level. The third act climax felt especially unearned with the stakes suddenly so much higher after we yada yada’d our way there.
I would have ready 3 separate books of their story! The river cruise love story, their life together in Boston, and the time skip to reconnecting. Squishing it all in one fast paced book isn’t my cup of tea.
I hate to rate it low because I wanted to like it but in the end, I couldn’t get invested. I was never really inside the characters’ worlds and felt like I was just being told about them from a distance.
October 19, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
As soon as I heard the premise of this book, I was drawn in - sapphic historical romance set in the late 1920’s? Yes, sign me up 🙂↕️
I hate to say it but unfortunately this book did not live up to my high expectations.
We start with a fantastic opening paragraph which progresses into a story with such an interesting concept: two women meeting on a European river cruise - Clara, a guest with no prospects of her own, travelling as the companion to her rich aunt, and Addie, a hostess with ulterior motives. I was compelled to see how their love story would play out, especially after Clara comes into her sudden inheritance, and I will say I found that this story kept me on my toes. It veered into plot points I didn’t see coming and to be honest I think that was the main reason I kept reading, because I was genuinely interested to see where the story would go.
However, this book had the huge and not uncommon problem of mostly telling and rarely showing. We would skip through chunks of time, being told about the growth of Clara and Addie’s relationship, but we wouldn’t actually get to witness it ourselves. This made it difficult to actually root for them as a couple or even get to know them individually.
The romance also progressed far too quickly in my opinion. Within their first few meetings, Clara, who seemed to have had no idea of her own true sexuality, is somewhat besotted with Addie.
By Chapter Three, Clara wonders
‘Could Miss Barnes be somewhere in the bowels of the ship thinking of her right now?’ And has butterflies in her stomach at the thought.
By Chapter Eight, they’re falling into bed together.
This is a huge pet peeve of mine in romance books. All of this was far too immediate.
Where was tension? The yearning?!
If there is one thing I want from a romance, it’s good build up. Especially an historical romance. I also want historically accurate language, or at least an imitation of it, but this was sadly lacking as well.
The writing felt so surface level. Very ‘Clara said this and then she felt this.’ In my opinion it lacked emotional depth. I thought it read a little like a book for a younger audience, a great example being Clara actually saying the words ‘I’m not like these snobby rich people’ in conversation with Addie. Incredibly juvenile language from a grown woman. However, with the more open door sex scenes in the story, I had to reassess my original thoughts.
I did very much like the reference to one of my all time favourite books, A Room with a View, within the story. Clara professes she felt like she was living out a grand romance from ‘one of the novels she loved, like Lucy Honeychurch being romanced by George Emerson in Italy.’
However this was yet another example of telling and not showing. We’re told that Clara feels like this, and we just have to accept it without being shown any build up or actual introspection into their relationship.
I wish this story had had more depth, I wish the characters had been more developed and most of all, I wish we had been given more. I saw someone suggest that this book should have been split into three individual stories - one about the two women falling for each other on the cruise, one about their life in Boston, and one about them reconnecting later. I would have read each one of these and I would have enjoyed the story a lot more after it had been fleshed out. Having it all crammed into just over 200 pages didn’t work. I never felt fully invested in the characters or their story.
However one huge plus for this book in my opinion (as well as the gorgeous cover) is the happy ending. Queer historical romances, in fact queer stories in general, are notorious for their tragic endings, so a book where the two main characters get to ride off into the sunset together (literally in this case) is always appreciated!
2.5 ⭐️
As soon as I heard the premise of this book, I was drawn in - sapphic historical romance set in the late 1920’s? Yes, sign me up 🙂↕️
I hate to say it but unfortunately this book did not live up to my high expectations.
We start with a fantastic opening paragraph which progresses into a story with such an interesting concept: two women meeting on a European river cruise - Clara, a guest with no prospects of her own, travelling as the companion to her rich aunt, and Addie, a hostess with ulterior motives. I was compelled to see how their love story would play out, especially after Clara comes into her sudden inheritance, and I will say I found that this story kept me on my toes. It veered into plot points I didn’t see coming and to be honest I think that was the main reason I kept reading, because I was genuinely interested to see where the story would go.
However, this book had the huge and not uncommon problem of mostly telling and rarely showing. We would skip through chunks of time, being told about the growth of Clara and Addie’s relationship, but we wouldn’t actually get to witness it ourselves. This made it difficult to actually root for them as a couple or even get to know them individually.
The romance also progressed far too quickly in my opinion. Within their first few meetings, Clara, who seemed to have had no idea of her own true sexuality, is somewhat besotted with Addie.
By Chapter Three, Clara wonders
‘Could Miss Barnes be somewhere in the bowels of the ship thinking of her right now?’ And has butterflies in her stomach at the thought.
By Chapter Eight, they’re falling into bed together.
This is a huge pet peeve of mine in romance books. All of this was far too immediate.
Where was tension? The yearning?!
If there is one thing I want from a romance, it’s good build up. Especially an historical romance. I also want historically accurate language, or at least an imitation of it, but this was sadly lacking as well.
The writing felt so surface level. Very ‘Clara said this and then she felt this.’ In my opinion it lacked emotional depth. I thought it read a little like a book for a younger audience, a great example being Clara actually saying the words ‘I’m not like these snobby rich people’ in conversation with Addie. Incredibly juvenile language from a grown woman. However, with the more open door sex scenes in the story, I had to reassess my original thoughts.
I did very much like the reference to one of my all time favourite books, A Room with a View, within the story. Clara professes she felt like she was living out a grand romance from ‘one of the novels she loved, like Lucy Honeychurch being romanced by George Emerson in Italy.’
However this was yet another example of telling and not showing. We’re told that Clara feels like this, and we just have to accept it without being shown any build up or actual introspection into their relationship.
I wish this story had had more depth, I wish the characters had been more developed and most of all, I wish we had been given more. I saw someone suggest that this book should have been split into three individual stories - one about the two women falling for each other on the cruise, one about their life in Boston, and one about them reconnecting later. I would have read each one of these and I would have enjoyed the story a lot more after it had been fleshed out. Having it all crammed into just over 200 pages didn’t work. I never felt fully invested in the characters or their story.
However one huge plus for this book in my opinion (as well as the gorgeous cover) is the happy ending. Queer historical romances, in fact queer stories in general, are notorious for their tragic endings, so a book where the two main characters get to ride off into the sunset together (literally in this case) is always appreciated!
2.5 ⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2025
A special thank you to Net Galley, Bold Strokes Books and Cassidy Crane for this ARC! I am happy to share my honest review.
The Unexpected Heiress was truly a delight to read. A rather short but definitely sweet wlw historical romance set during the depression. I haven’t yet read anything by Cassidy Crane and must say, this book has made me a fan. I will absolutely seek out more from her! I enjoyed every page and was glued to the book until its completion.
In The Unexpected Heiress we meet Addie and Clara who were quite different and likely wouldn't have come together in any other circumstance than by which they have. Clara is lucky enough to have found herself the recipient of a rather sizable inheritance and Addie…well is kind of an opportunist. Addie has spent her life scraping by and doesn’t have much in the way of a morale compass. In fact, she really just sees Clara as a “meal ticket” of sorts and it is only by happenstance or perhaps fate that she falls in love with Clara.
Clara has always desired more from life than what is expected of a young woman in this time period. That is to be absolved within the confines of marriage to a man, have children and disappear. She’s having none of it. When the fates smile upon her in the form of a very sizable fortune she inherits, she feels the shackles of societal expectation removed. She finally feels free! Upon meeting, it appeared to me that Addie had the worst of intentions. She just really wanted to sponge off of Clara and use her to live the easy life she’d always hoped for. To be honest, I wasn’t a fan of Addie’s right away. I’m not one for using people or any of the other unscrupulous behavior we see from Addie. But she turns it around for me. I had to remind myself of the time period and of the little to no options for women back then. Although, there are still a great many unscrupulous folks today with no excuses and there is still quite the disparity in true equality for women but I digress. Without divulging too much detail, the ladies become entangled in one another and the true journey begins.
The book moves fast which is to be expected at around 200 pages or so. We are transported to a time in history where life was difficult for everyone but especially women and most definitely for queer people.. This is something that I feel in many ways is still the case but again, I digress. In any event, the author does a pretty good job of showing this and not just telling us. The ladies take a journey of self discovery and growth. I do feel that both Clara and Addie show true growth of character and find the people they were always meant to be within themselves. Their connection is believable and pure. It was really a joy to watch them fall in love. I found myself really bummed when I finished this book, which, for me, is a tell-tale sign that I really liked it. I definitely recommend this lovely quick read to anyone who enjoys a sweet, feisty wlw historical fiction tale!
The Unexpected Heiress was truly a delight to read. A rather short but definitely sweet wlw historical romance set during the depression. I haven’t yet read anything by Cassidy Crane and must say, this book has made me a fan. I will absolutely seek out more from her! I enjoyed every page and was glued to the book until its completion.
In The Unexpected Heiress we meet Addie and Clara who were quite different and likely wouldn't have come together in any other circumstance than by which they have. Clara is lucky enough to have found herself the recipient of a rather sizable inheritance and Addie…well is kind of an opportunist. Addie has spent her life scraping by and doesn’t have much in the way of a morale compass. In fact, she really just sees Clara as a “meal ticket” of sorts and it is only by happenstance or perhaps fate that she falls in love with Clara.
Clara has always desired more from life than what is expected of a young woman in this time period. That is to be absolved within the confines of marriage to a man, have children and disappear. She’s having none of it. When the fates smile upon her in the form of a very sizable fortune she inherits, she feels the shackles of societal expectation removed. She finally feels free! Upon meeting, it appeared to me that Addie had the worst of intentions. She just really wanted to sponge off of Clara and use her to live the easy life she’d always hoped for. To be honest, I wasn’t a fan of Addie’s right away. I’m not one for using people or any of the other unscrupulous behavior we see from Addie. But she turns it around for me. I had to remind myself of the time period and of the little to no options for women back then. Although, there are still a great many unscrupulous folks today with no excuses and there is still quite the disparity in true equality for women but I digress. Without divulging too much detail, the ladies become entangled in one another and the true journey begins.
The book moves fast which is to be expected at around 200 pages or so. We are transported to a time in history where life was difficult for everyone but especially women and most definitely for queer people.. This is something that I feel in many ways is still the case but again, I digress. In any event, the author does a pretty good job of showing this and not just telling us. The ladies take a journey of self discovery and growth. I do feel that both Clara and Addie show true growth of character and find the people they were always meant to be within themselves. Their connection is believable and pure. It was really a joy to watch them fall in love. I found myself really bummed when I finished this book, which, for me, is a tell-tale sign that I really liked it. I definitely recommend this lovely quick read to anyone who enjoys a sweet, feisty wlw historical fiction tale!
August 12, 2025
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
Set against a Gatsby-esque backdrop, The Unexpected Heiress follows Clara Cooper, a young closeted lesbian who starts crushing on Addie Barnes, one of the hostesses on her cruise abroad. Addie Barnes finds Clara’s puppy love endearing but doesn’t take her seriously, at least not until she learns that Clara recently inherited her grandfather’s wealth. She befriends and seduces Clara, thus beginning the long, dramatic saga of their relationship. How long can Addie keep her true intentions secret? And how can she stop herself from falling for Clara’s talents and kindness?
There are no real villains in The Unexpected Heiress, unless you count headache-inducing misunderstandings. Though Clara and Addie must keep their relationship secret, the only real force keeping them apart is themselves. Their love and chemistry are palpable, but their insecurities, pasts, and lies drive seemingly never-ending wedges between them. I wanted to lock them both in a room and force them to just talk to each other. My favorite toxic lesbians.
There are few supporting characters in the novel, giving readers plenty of time to focus on Clara and Addie’s relationship. None of the side characters were relevant enough to justify more screen time, but there was one woman in the first half of the novel I wished I’d gotten to learn more about. I wished we could have also learned more about Addie’s past relationships, Clara’s brothers, and the grandfather who gave her all the wealth in the first place.
I enjoyed our main pair. Clara started off insecure and clumsy, but readers get to watch her blossom into a secure woman. Addie, who had always been charming, had her own struggles. With one previous lover dead and the rest having given up on her, she’s hesitant to let herself love again.
Though the book is set in 1920s America, readers are given a more lighthearted approach to a sapphic love story—it’s about queer love and joy, not suffering. There are only a few comments about off-screen homophobia. Some might find this unrealistic, but I enjoy that kind of narrative. I don’t always want to read about hate crimes. Sometimes I just want them to cuddle and be happy and drink tea, dammit.
Overall, The Unexpected Heiress was a fun—if sometimes frustrating—love story about two very different women fighting their own demons to come together. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys sapphic romances, 1920s history, or Gatsby-level yearning.
Set against a Gatsby-esque backdrop, The Unexpected Heiress follows Clara Cooper, a young closeted lesbian who starts crushing on Addie Barnes, one of the hostesses on her cruise abroad. Addie Barnes finds Clara’s puppy love endearing but doesn’t take her seriously, at least not until she learns that Clara recently inherited her grandfather’s wealth. She befriends and seduces Clara, thus beginning the long, dramatic saga of their relationship. How long can Addie keep her true intentions secret? And how can she stop herself from falling for Clara’s talents and kindness?
There are no real villains in The Unexpected Heiress, unless you count headache-inducing misunderstandings. Though Clara and Addie must keep their relationship secret, the only real force keeping them apart is themselves. Their love and chemistry are palpable, but their insecurities, pasts, and lies drive seemingly never-ending wedges between them. I wanted to lock them both in a room and force them to just talk to each other. My favorite toxic lesbians.
There are few supporting characters in the novel, giving readers plenty of time to focus on Clara and Addie’s relationship. None of the side characters were relevant enough to justify more screen time, but there was one woman in the first half of the novel I wished I’d gotten to learn more about. I wished we could have also learned more about Addie’s past relationships, Clara’s brothers, and the grandfather who gave her all the wealth in the first place.
I enjoyed our main pair. Clara started off insecure and clumsy, but readers get to watch her blossom into a secure woman. Addie, who had always been charming, had her own struggles. With one previous lover dead and the rest having given up on her, she’s hesitant to let herself love again.
Though the book is set in 1920s America, readers are given a more lighthearted approach to a sapphic love story—it’s about queer love and joy, not suffering. There are only a few comments about off-screen homophobia. Some might find this unrealistic, but I enjoy that kind of narrative. I don’t always want to read about hate crimes. Sometimes I just want them to cuddle and be happy and drink tea, dammit.
Overall, The Unexpected Heiress was a fun—if sometimes frustrating—love story about two very different women fighting their own demons to come together. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys sapphic romances, 1920s history, or Gatsby-level yearning.
August 15, 2025
I received an advanced reader's copy from the author through Netgalley, all of my thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.
Clara and Addie were friends to lovers who were both trying to figure things out along the way during the time of The Great Depression. There were secrets, lies, and manipulation that happened throughout the story. Addie hid behind her lies to create a future for herself in the many wrong ways as possible, given her background. Unfortunately, this book fell flat for me. I had expected more character development from both characters, but there wasn't much. In the first few chapters, there was the whole meet-cute scene with both Addie and Clara. But the majority of the chapters were after the fact of their split, and it was from Addie's perspective that she struggled because her manipulation and lies were caught by Clara, rightfully so. But there wasn't anything that offered Clara's POV, and I wanted to see what she went through.
Almost, if not the majority of the chapter, was just Clara holding a grudge against Addie, which is valid, but it didn't make sense for it to drag on to the end of the book. Despite them both having a HEA, what kind of threw me off was the fact that Addie's narcissism and her admitting that she would only try to stop lying once she was confronted by Clara, and her making that change was very minimal from the start about the genuine her. But also how Addie was written as a gold-digger as one of her character aspects, which again seemed like that's what she was when she was an artist with a talent, and that it could have expanded to how art is her forte, but it was very vague on how she started her artist journey. There were plot holes that completely slowed down the plot and story even more, rather than progressing further.
The book isn't bad; it's just lacking in aspects like showing how both struggled after the split, how one attempted to change their bad habits, especially character development, where initiatives were taken to make changes happen internally and externally.
Clara and Addie were friends to lovers who were both trying to figure things out along the way during the time of The Great Depression. There were secrets, lies, and manipulation that happened throughout the story. Addie hid behind her lies to create a future for herself in the many wrong ways as possible, given her background. Unfortunately, this book fell flat for me. I had expected more character development from both characters, but there wasn't much. In the first few chapters, there was the whole meet-cute scene with both Addie and Clara. But the majority of the chapters were after the fact of their split, and it was from Addie's perspective that she struggled because her manipulation and lies were caught by Clara, rightfully so. But there wasn't anything that offered Clara's POV, and I wanted to see what she went through.
Almost, if not the majority of the chapter, was just Clara holding a grudge against Addie, which is valid, but it didn't make sense for it to drag on to the end of the book. Despite them both having a HEA, what kind of threw me off was the fact that Addie's narcissism and her admitting that she would only try to stop lying once she was confronted by Clara, and her making that change was very minimal from the start about the genuine her. But also how Addie was written as a gold-digger as one of her character aspects, which again seemed like that's what she was when she was an artist with a talent, and that it could have expanded to how art is her forte, but it was very vague on how she started her artist journey. There were plot holes that completely slowed down the plot and story even more, rather than progressing further.
The book isn't bad; it's just lacking in aspects like showing how both struggled after the split, how one attempted to change their bad habits, especially character development, where initiatives were taken to make changes happen internally and externally.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2025
This was a nice fast read played out in from 1929 to early 1930’s in Europe and US. If you like a historical touch to a sapphic romance this can be something for you.
This was a nice fast read played out in from 1929 to early 1930’s in Europe and US. If you like a historical touch to a sapphic romance this can be something for you.
Clara coming from a rather humble background gets a chance to travel in Europe with Aunt Matilda, she relies on handouts from snobby relatives like Matilda. When on a boat trip she meets Addie that is the stewardess. On the boat Clara finds out that she has inherited a lot of money from her grandfather instead of her cousin Harry that tarnished the family name. Aunt Matilda not happy, but she cannot do anything about it. Addie is on the prowl for a new female suitor after her love Eva died. Her initial approach fails, and she starts to look at Clara and even more so when she finds out she has inherited money, then the seduction is in play. They are soon very much involved.
Clara leaves with Addie travel back to US and moves in with her in Boston and they live happily. Addie is convinced that Clara will soon tire of her, and Clara does not tell Addie she loves her. Thus, their whole relationship does not feel that stable, but they are in fact loving each other very much. One day Clara finds out that Addie did not approach her until she knew she had money and has lied about that as well as her background. She breaks up with Addie, throws her out and moves back home where she purchases a house where she can live comfortably with her inherited money.
Addie tries to survive in any way she can but since the depression years she finds no way out in the end besides trying to contact Clara for help. Clara does not trust Addie, but she helps her a bit despite this. From then on Addie’s mission is to do everything in her power to earn back Clara’s trust and love while she tries to build a life for herself. Will they find their HEA in the end?
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and leave a review voluntarily.
This was a nice fast read played out in from 1929 to early 1930’s in Europe and US. If you like a historical touch to a sapphic romance this can be something for you.
Clara coming from a rather humble background gets a chance to travel in Europe with Aunt Matilda, she relies on handouts from snobby relatives like Matilda. When on a boat trip she meets Addie that is the stewardess. On the boat Clara finds out that she has inherited a lot of money from her grandfather instead of her cousin Harry that tarnished the family name. Aunt Matilda not happy, but she cannot do anything about it. Addie is on the prowl for a new female suitor after her love Eva died. Her initial approach fails, and she starts to look at Clara and even more so when she finds out she has inherited money, then the seduction is in play. They are soon very much involved.
Clara leaves with Addie travel back to US and moves in with her in Boston and they live happily. Addie is convinced that Clara will soon tire of her, and Clara does not tell Addie she loves her. Thus, their whole relationship does not feel that stable, but they are in fact loving each other very much. One day Clara finds out that Addie did not approach her until she knew she had money and has lied about that as well as her background. She breaks up with Addie, throws her out and moves back home where she purchases a house where she can live comfortably with her inherited money.
Addie tries to survive in any way she can but since the depression years she finds no way out in the end besides trying to contact Clara for help. Clara does not trust Addie, but she helps her a bit despite this. From then on Addie’s mission is to do everything in her power to earn back Clara’s trust and love while she tries to build a life for herself. Will they find their HEA in the end?
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and leave a review voluntarily.
August 14, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up to 5!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the eARC of this book!
*This review will contain spoilers*
The Unexpected Heiress is a historical sapphic romance featuring a trope I haven't read a lot of but makes me kick my feet thinking about it: sultry seductive con woman falls for her naive, gullible mark.
Clara (our unexpected heiress) starts the novel very unsure of herself, deliberately making herself smaller in the presence of others and absolutely starving for even a hint of kindness. Addie, on the other hand, presents as very worldly, being a stewardess on small ship that travels from England to France, and has been seducing wealthy women to try and create a comfortable life for herself. When Addie finds out about Clara's very sudden inheritance, she decides to pursue Clara and try to become her "companion."
The truth does eventually come out, and I'm not usually someone who likes my main couple to split up, but in this instance, I felt like the break was super important for them to actually have a happy ending. Clara and Addie's initial relationship was based on lies - while Addie grew to love Clara, that's definitely not why she entered into the relationship in the first place. Seeing their relationship fall apart, but then later seeing them slowly come back together, was incredibly sweet, and had me rooting for them!! I loved to see all the character growth, from Clara fully coming into her own and finding her confidence, to Addie realizing how important honesty is in relationships.
I do wish we'd gotten to see a bit more of what Clara was choosing to do with her life once Addie was gone, rather than there just being a time skip, but that's a really minor complaint.
If you like historical, queer romance, you definitely won't be disappointed by this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the eARC of this book!
*This review will contain spoilers*
The Unexpected Heiress is a historical sapphic romance featuring a trope I haven't read a lot of but makes me kick my feet thinking about it: sultry seductive con woman falls for her naive, gullible mark.
Clara (our unexpected heiress) starts the novel very unsure of herself, deliberately making herself smaller in the presence of others and absolutely starving for even a hint of kindness. Addie, on the other hand, presents as very worldly, being a stewardess on small ship that travels from England to France, and has been seducing wealthy women to try and create a comfortable life for herself. When Addie finds out about Clara's very sudden inheritance, she decides to pursue Clara and try to become her "companion."
The truth does eventually come out, and I'm not usually someone who likes my main couple to split up, but in this instance, I felt like the break was super important for them to actually have a happy ending. Clara and Addie's initial relationship was based on lies - while Addie grew to love Clara, that's definitely not why she entered into the relationship in the first place. Seeing their relationship fall apart, but then later seeing them slowly come back together, was incredibly sweet, and had me rooting for them!! I loved to see all the character growth, from Clara fully coming into her own and finding her confidence, to Addie realizing how important honesty is in relationships.
I do wish we'd gotten to see a bit more of what Clara was choosing to do with her life once Addie was gone, rather than there just being a time skip, but that's a really minor complaint.
If you like historical, queer romance, you definitely won't be disappointed by this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2025
Two girls meet on a European river boat, their intentions for each other not really aligning at the beginning.
Clara Cooper is used to being overlooked or worse, bullied, when she experiences a little attention from Addie, she finds herself falling quickly. Being the recipient of an inheritance changes her financial situation for the better, but does her companion love her for who she is or what she has?
Addie Barnes has faced a lot of rejection and loss in her life. Everyone she has ever loved, leaves her. She has learned to look out for herself and herself only, no matter the cost. She feels something for Clara, but can’t figure out if it’s pity or something else. When the perfect opportunity to obtain security falls into her lap, she runs with it. Slowly but surely, she figures out what it is she really feels for Clara but a slip up, makes it all come crashing down. She finds herself alone once again.
I loved Clara and Addie, they were such flawed characters from beginning to end but, each at their own time, wanted to be better. Even when they mess up, one can trace back their mistakes to their traumas. I was rooting for them, separately and together, the entire time. The angst was, for lack of a better word, delicious. It was so well written that I felt the pressure of the deception in my chest.
In summary, I really loved the book. I saw the character growth throughout and it was wonderfully written with a good pace. An instant favorite that I will definitely re-read.
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for providing me with an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Clara Cooper is used to being overlooked or worse, bullied, when she experiences a little attention from Addie, she finds herself falling quickly. Being the recipient of an inheritance changes her financial situation for the better, but does her companion love her for who she is or what she has?
Addie Barnes has faced a lot of rejection and loss in her life. Everyone she has ever loved, leaves her. She has learned to look out for herself and herself only, no matter the cost. She feels something for Clara, but can’t figure out if it’s pity or something else. When the perfect opportunity to obtain security falls into her lap, she runs with it. Slowly but surely, she figures out what it is she really feels for Clara but a slip up, makes it all come crashing down. She finds herself alone once again.
I loved Clara and Addie, they were such flawed characters from beginning to end but, each at their own time, wanted to be better. Even when they mess up, one can trace back their mistakes to their traumas. I was rooting for them, separately and together, the entire time. The angst was, for lack of a better word, delicious. It was so well written that I felt the pressure of the deception in my chest.
In summary, I really loved the book. I saw the character growth throughout and it was wonderfully written with a good pace. An instant favorite that I will definitely re-read.
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for providing me with an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2025
okay, so.. i was really looking forward to this one. a sapphic historical romance during the great depression? with a secret inheritance and two women navigating class, and their feelings? yes, please. i'm a sucker for this kind of setup and i went in fully expecting to fall in love with the story.
and tbf, the premise absolutely delivers. the historical setting is refreshing and the author clearly did her homework. the world-building is solid without being too heavy-handed, and i appreciated how grounded everything felt. you can tell this was written with love for both the genre and the time period.
that said, some parts just didn't quite land for me. the pacing was a bit inconsistent. there were stretches where a lot happened, and i found myself waiting for the emotional payoff that never fully came. the central relationship between clara and addie had potential, but it felt underdeveloped in key moments. i wanted more tension, more longing, more oomph. instead, it sometimes felt like the story was telling me "they have chemistry, just trust us," rather than letting it build organically. i just wished i could've connected with them on a deeper level.
that being said, i do want to shout out the things that worked: the writing style is accessible and flows nicely, and i loved the overall message abt agency, self-discovery, and carving out space for love even in uncertain times. there are some truly sweet and thoughtful moments sprinkled throughout, and if you're someone who enjoys historical fiction with a sapphic lens, this might still hit the spot.
thank you, netgalley and bold stroke books, for the e-arc!
rating: 3.5 ⭐
and tbf, the premise absolutely delivers. the historical setting is refreshing and the author clearly did her homework. the world-building is solid without being too heavy-handed, and i appreciated how grounded everything felt. you can tell this was written with love for both the genre and the time period.
that said, some parts just didn't quite land for me. the pacing was a bit inconsistent. there were stretches where a lot happened, and i found myself waiting for the emotional payoff that never fully came. the central relationship between clara and addie had potential, but it felt underdeveloped in key moments. i wanted more tension, more longing, more oomph. instead, it sometimes felt like the story was telling me "they have chemistry, just trust us," rather than letting it build organically. i just wished i could've connected with them on a deeper level.
that being said, i do want to shout out the things that worked: the writing style is accessible and flows nicely, and i loved the overall message abt agency, self-discovery, and carving out space for love even in uncertain times. there are some truly sweet and thoughtful moments sprinkled throughout, and if you're someone who enjoys historical fiction with a sapphic lens, this might still hit the spot.
thank you, netgalley and bold stroke books, for the e-arc!
rating: 3.5 ⭐
September 14, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!
This book felt really like being transported to the 1930's. I don't know much about that time period, but it felt well-researched and information about it was told quite well as background information.
I did miss a bit of plot in this book. It is very character driven, but I didn't really feel a connection with either MC. Clara is very naive and she definitely felt like she was way younger than she actually was. Addie though, Addie I don't trust for life. On paper, I could see that both characters developed from the beginning of the story (Clara more than Addie), but I didn't exactly feel it. Even at the end, I still have doubts about Addie and her sincerity, as her main focus is getting herself secured. Yeah, maybe Clara is a nice bonus, but it's still all about Addie. If Clara had been/become poor, wouldn't Addie have gone looking for some security elsewhere? I still feel like she would've.
There was also some inconsistencies in pacing. Some things happen very quickly so there's no suspense. In one chapter Clara is saying 'oh no I won't show her my sketches yet, it's too personal' and a literal chapter (!) later she's like 'oh yeah sure I can show you!' (and it happens a couple times more, which draws all the suspense and weight of the decision out of the story). And then other times the story took forever to get somewhere and felt quite too slow at times.
Lastly, I hate misunderstandings that happen because someone refuses to have a proper conversation. Why immediately assume the worst and not talk about it? It really annoyed me and I wished conflict would've been created and resolved in a different manner.
This book felt really like being transported to the 1930's. I don't know much about that time period, but it felt well-researched and information about it was told quite well as background information.
I did miss a bit of plot in this book. It is very character driven, but I didn't really feel a connection with either MC. Clara is very naive and she definitely felt like she was way younger than she actually was. Addie though, Addie I don't trust for life. On paper, I could see that both characters developed from the beginning of the story (Clara more than Addie), but I didn't exactly feel it. Even at the end, I still have doubts about Addie and her sincerity, as her main focus is getting herself secured. Yeah, maybe Clara is a nice bonus, but it's still all about Addie. If Clara had been/become poor, wouldn't Addie have gone looking for some security elsewhere? I still feel like she would've.
There was also some inconsistencies in pacing. Some things happen very quickly so there's no suspense. In one chapter Clara is saying 'oh no I won't show her my sketches yet, it's too personal' and a literal chapter (!) later she's like 'oh yeah sure I can show you!' (and it happens a couple times more, which draws all the suspense and weight of the decision out of the story). And then other times the story took forever to get somewhere and felt quite too slow at times.
Lastly, I hate misunderstandings that happen because someone refuses to have a proper conversation. Why immediately assume the worst and not talk about it? It really annoyed me and I wished conflict would've been created and resolved in a different manner.
October 1, 2025
Exciting and highly emotional
Clara is dreaming of the day her life will become exciting and she can escape society's ideas for her life. Addie meets Clara and knows of her secret fortune so plans to get close to her as her companion to set herself up for life, but when she starts to develop real feelings for Clara, her simple plan starts falling apart.
A story with the perfect amount of drama and humbling for the era it was set in. We are all somewhat familiar with the Great Depression, but this story really immerses you in the times and for both Addie and Clara who are from such different backgrounds, it highlights the difficulties people found themselves in. I got lost with Clara in her dreaming of excitement and it came along in the whirlwind that was Addie turning up in her life! From that moment on I knew this would be fun, but it totally threw me off by throwing in unexpected events and moments that changed the course of the story in the same way the unpredictability of the Depression did to their lives.
When it hit hard, Addie was the worst off and even after all she had done my heart still broke for her. I knew underneath all her charms and playing she was just trying to survive and really did care about Clara. It must have taken such strength to do what she did in going to Clara for help. I understood the conflict Clara felt but knew again the goodness in her would lead her to do the right thing rather than see someone struggle. Especially someone she did care about but had been hurt by.
The whole story made me emotional and I loved every second of it, especially when Addie got a second chance to do right by Clara. Such a great romance!
Clara is dreaming of the day her life will become exciting and she can escape society's ideas for her life. Addie meets Clara and knows of her secret fortune so plans to get close to her as her companion to set herself up for life, but when she starts to develop real feelings for Clara, her simple plan starts falling apart.
A story with the perfect amount of drama and humbling for the era it was set in. We are all somewhat familiar with the Great Depression, but this story really immerses you in the times and for both Addie and Clara who are from such different backgrounds, it highlights the difficulties people found themselves in. I got lost with Clara in her dreaming of excitement and it came along in the whirlwind that was Addie turning up in her life! From that moment on I knew this would be fun, but it totally threw me off by throwing in unexpected events and moments that changed the course of the story in the same way the unpredictability of the Depression did to their lives.
When it hit hard, Addie was the worst off and even after all she had done my heart still broke for her. I knew underneath all her charms and playing she was just trying to survive and really did care about Clara. It must have taken such strength to do what she did in going to Clara for help. I understood the conflict Clara felt but knew again the goodness in her would lead her to do the right thing rather than see someone struggle. Especially someone she did care about but had been hurt by.
The whole story made me emotional and I loved every second of it, especially when Addie got a second chance to do right by Clara. Such a great romance!
December 13, 2025
In this emotional new historical romance novel, readers follow Clara Cooper, an heiress frustrated with the constraints of her society and desperate to pursue her artistic dreams, and Addie Barnes, a clever, streetwise young woman looking for a wealthy and naive heiress to live off of. Running into Clara on a boat in Europe, Addie at first only sees Clara as a means to an end, but the deeper the connection grows, the deeper Addie and Clara’s feelings for each other become. As they negotiate their changing relationship and (involuntarily) share secrets, Clara and Addie must see if they can live with each other and build a future despite their different lives and dreams. Emotional, fun, and charming, this LGBTQ+ historical romance novel is packed with incredible details and set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, where class divisions are at their greatest. This added tension introduces fantastic complexities to their relationship and storylines, and the characters are incredibly written. With alternating perspectives and fantastic details, this novel is entertaining, emotional, and immersive with its multiple storylines and complex character relationships. Brilliantly written and packed with fascinating historical details and fun romance tropes, romance readers and historical fiction fans alike will love this new book from Cassidy Crane.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc., for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc., for the advance copy.
July 29, 2025
The Unexpected Heiress is a beautifully written sapphic historical romance that completely drew me in, and I didn’t want to put it down. The story unfolds with such vivid detail that I felt like I was traveling through Europe alongside Clara, experiencing both the wonder of her journey and the weight of the Depression's impact on those around her. I also really appreciated the thoughtful portrayal of the challenges queer people faced during such a turbulent era.
Addie’s personal growth was a standout for me. Her actions, shaped by years of survival and devastating loss, felt deeply human and complex. Despite the deception, her love for Clara shines through in every moment. Clara’s transformation is just as compelling; watching her evolve from a quiet, hesitant girl into a confident, generous woman was genuinely rewarding.
Overall, the Unexpected Heiress is a beautifully crafted sapphic historical romance that immerses readers in a vivid journey. The novel thoughtfully portrays the struggles of queer individuals during a turbulent time and features compelling character development. Addie’s emotional complexity and growth, shaped by loss and survival, pair powerfully with Clara’s evolution from a timid girl to a confident, philanthropic woman. A heartfelt and moving story that’s hard to put down.
Addie’s personal growth was a standout for me. Her actions, shaped by years of survival and devastating loss, felt deeply human and complex. Despite the deception, her love for Clara shines through in every moment. Clara’s transformation is just as compelling; watching her evolve from a quiet, hesitant girl into a confident, generous woman was genuinely rewarding.
Overall, the Unexpected Heiress is a beautifully crafted sapphic historical romance that immerses readers in a vivid journey. The novel thoughtfully portrays the struggles of queer individuals during a turbulent time and features compelling character development. Addie’s emotional complexity and growth, shaped by loss and survival, pair powerfully with Clara’s evolution from a timid girl to a confident, philanthropic woman. A heartfelt and moving story that’s hard to put down.
August 11, 2025
Clara Copper is traveling with her unkind Aunt Matilda. Her aunt constantly reminds Clara of her lack of money, her need to marry since she is already twenty- five, and her overall shortcomings in life. So when Clara meets Adeline Barnes aboard a boat, she is instantly smitten. Clara becomes aware that Addie is having a summer fling with Miss Windemere, who is a very wealthy woman. But Addie is left high and dry when Miss Windemere gets off on the next stop and won't be taking Addie with her. Addie comes up with a plan to make Clara fall for her. Perhaps Clara can help Addie find a better job or take her with her as a companion when the trip ends.
Clara does fall for Addie, and eventually, Addie does too. Their love story slowly progresses, and their love grows. But too many secrets on Addie's part ruin the life they had started to build. Loved this sapphic love story, how they had to hide their love and the trials they face due to secrets and misunderstandings.
Thank you, Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc. for this ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Clara does fall for Addie, and eventually, Addie does too. Their love story slowly progresses, and their love grows. But too many secrets on Addie's part ruin the life they had started to build. Loved this sapphic love story, how they had to hide their love and the trials they face due to secrets and misunderstandings.
Thank you, Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc. for this ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
July 30, 2025
The Unexpected Heiress is a historical sapphic romance set in the Great Depression era. It kicks off prior with the main characters meeting on a cruise ship. One's an unexpected heiress, the other is an opportunistic professional companion.
I love flawed characters and Addie is a perfectly flawed main character. The type I love to hate, but still end up rooting for. As readers, we are right beside her, learning about her insecurities, watching her open herself to Clara. And constantly being frustrated by her need to hide remain manipulative and vigilant in order to protect herself.
For a short, fast paced read, The Unexpected Heiress covered a whole lot of ground. I was pleasantly surprised that the author even managed to squeeze in a short but necessary third act breakup which allowed us to experience Clara's growth. Glad she wasn't left as a window-dressing love interest.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of the ARC!
I love flawed characters and Addie is a perfectly flawed main character. The type I love to hate, but still end up rooting for. As readers, we are right beside her, learning about her insecurities, watching her open herself to Clara. And constantly being frustrated by her need to hide remain manipulative and vigilant in order to protect herself.
For a short, fast paced read, The Unexpected Heiress covered a whole lot of ground. I was pleasantly surprised that the author even managed to squeeze in a short but necessary third act breakup which allowed us to experience Clara's growth. Glad she wasn't left as a window-dressing love interest.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of the ARC!
August 3, 2025
In the 1920s, when Clara accompanies her aunt on a river cruise in France, they meet Addie, one of the ship's staff. Addie has always lived by her wits, pairing up with rich women as their companions and more recently living with a wealthy lover who died, leaving Addie without an inheritance. While Clara's disagreeable aunt is wealthy, Clara is not, until she unexpectedly receives the bulk of her grandfather's estate and is instantly rich. She and Addie then become lovers and return to Boston. But the secrets Addie is keeping from Clara turn out to be her undoing.
This was a somewhat engaging read, especially the second half after a little bit of a middle lull. Both MCs undergo arcs of change, especially Clara who begins as a shy wallflower and ends up taking charge of her life.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
This was a somewhat engaging read, especially the second half after a little bit of a middle lull. Both MCs undergo arcs of change, especially Clara who begins as a shy wallflower and ends up taking charge of her life.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
August 27, 2025
I am giving an honest review for an advanced reader copy I was provided.
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would and flew through it in no time! I had no trouble being invested in the story. Both our main characters, Addie and Clara, had good character development though I think Addie had more depth. I appreciate an author that is able to take a seemingly unlikable character and transform them into someone you understand and maybe even relate to.
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would and flew through it in no time! I had no trouble being invested in the story. Both our main characters, Addie and Clara, had good character development though I think Addie had more depth. I appreciate an author that is able to take a seemingly unlikable character and transform them into someone you understand and maybe even relate to.
August 30, 2025
(3.5 Stars) An historical romance set in the Depression Era. Clara has no interest in marriage and no skills to support herself. Without much options she accompanies her aunt as a companion on a European river cruise. She meets Addie, a cabin stewardess, who isn’t above using her charms to get by. When Clara gets an inheritance, it is enough for her to invite Addie to return to Boston with her. Is Clara a meal ticket for Addie or could this be the real thing?
I liked both characters and the historical setting. The hardship of the depression is depicted as is the difficulties for queer people. The characters develop and grow over the course of the story and I had empathy for Addie because of her background. It is not a light romance but I enjoyed reading it all the same. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
I liked both characters and the historical setting. The hardship of the depression is depicted as is the difficulties for queer people. The characters develop and grow over the course of the story and I had empathy for Addie because of her background. It is not a light romance but I enjoyed reading it all the same. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
August 8, 2025
There were some nice moments in this book. The change we see in Addie from being a cynical manipulator to someone who actually cares is great. I would however liked to have seen more detail and depth. When Clara comes out from being an innocent there needs more explanation. As soon as someone shows affection she realises she is attracted to women. Where did that come from? What formative experiences helped her into that journey? Her family too were very expecting. I’d have thought attitudes in 1929 would be more or less universally conservative but her brothers and parents did not seem to bat an eyelid.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews