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After the death of his father, Nicholas, Duke of Blackbourne, begrudgingly left behind his distinguished naval career to assume his proper role in Society. As he settles into the boring life of an aristocrat, he discovers that he has inherited something far worse than boredom, something that he is wholly unprepared for… an eighteen-year-old ward. Heiress Penelope Foster was banished to Miss Bell’s Finishing School only days after her parents died in a tragic accident. Five years later, she is still bitter about her guardian’s neglect. Her only goal is to avoid the duke and the dreaded marriage mart until she meets her majority. Then she will control not only her inheritance but will have the freedom to marry for love. Nicholas is duty-bound. Penelope is stubborn. Neither expect to find the other so intriguing, but when they are caught in a tangled web of greed and deceit, they will have to decide whether they are willing to risk everything for love. Also part of the Ladies of Miss Bell's Finishing School - The Governess by Elizabeth Johns - The Heiress by Laura Beers - The Beauty by Rebecca Connolly - The Spinster by Bree Wolf

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2019

1035 people are currently reading
323 people want to read

About the author

Laura Beers

76 books496 followers
Laura Beers is an award-winning author. She attended Brigham Young University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. She can't sing, doesn't dance and loves naps.

Laura lives in Utah with her husband, three kids, and her dysfunctional dog. When not writing regency romance, she loves waterskiing, hiking, and drinking Dr Pepper.

You can connect with Laura on Facebook, Instagram, or on her site at www.authorlaurabeers.com.

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5 stars
490 (44%)
4 stars
368 (33%)
3 stars
194 (17%)
2 stars
33 (3%)
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5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
Profile Image for Camille.
Author 35 books562 followers
unfinished
May 9, 2019
So far I’m not clicking with the author’s style and I’m finding the relationship too antagonistic for my tastes. The hero in particular is quite gruff and domineering, to the point of being unlikable. I can’t root for a hero who threatens to beat the heroine with a cane if she doesn’t submit to his orders, even if he “didn’t mean it.” What’s so romantic about a man ordering the love interest around and constantly berating her for being a woman? I’m sure he’ll grow and change, but after already reading a third of the book, I’m not in the mood to continue being patient as I wait for him to get it together, especially when little else is going on except for him and the heroine constantly fighting. The reviews are overall positive so perhaps I’m missing something and I should try and finish this another time, but I’m predicting I never will.
Profile Image for Christina.
800 reviews34 followers
September 8, 2019
A fun and unique story

I really loved this book and the unique take the author put into the storyline. I haven’t come across too many Regency romances where the heroine is the ward of the hero, and I liked the little twists in the plot that kept me guessing at the way things would resolve. Penelope is such a fun and likable protagonist- she is not afraid to speak her mind, stands up for herself and others, and she is witty and kind. Nicholas was a fun hero- botching his interactions with Penelope repeatedly as he learned to understand and communicate with her, and while his comments made me groan sometimes, he was so endearing. Definitely a fun, clean yet swoony romance, with enough adventure thrown in to keep it exciting/interesting. I can’t wait to read the next book, Everett’s story!
Profile Image for HR-ML.
1,273 reviews55 followers
September 4, 2021
England 1812. Note: book #2 had a different author than bk
#1 in this series.

Liked this love story of Nicholas, a former Royal Navy Capt,
now a duke, & his heiress ward, Penelope, 10 yrs his junior.
Until..... a tired, overused trope was utilized before story's
end. If I had $1.00 for every romance I've read w/ this trope,
then I'd be wealthy.

Kudos to gruff, stoic Nick: he apologized to & rewarded a
man he'd misjudged.
Profile Image for Frances.
1,704 reviews6 followers
November 7, 2019
The Heiress

I gave this two stars because the secondary characters had potential. Unfortunately, the book read as if written by a junior in high school and deserved only one star.
Profile Image for Vibliophile.
1,593 reviews130 followers
May 12, 2019
2.5 stars

The story wasn't bad, but it was stiff and a little awkward. It read more like fan fiction. There were several historical issues, as well, not the least being that a guardian couldn't marry his ward. (See Georgette Heyer's "Regency Buck" which this reminds me of & I now want to reread)
Profile Image for Diana Barnett.
397 reviews
April 8, 2019
I love this author. She has done it again. She always gets me at the first page all the way thru, i love how she pulls you into the pages and characters it is like you are there. I am not a person of many words, If you love this time frame you'll going love The Heiress.
845 reviews
July 23, 2019
I really liked “Heiress” by Laura Beers! 18 year-old Penelope Foster is leaving finishing school behind to wait out her majority with her official guardian, Nicholas, Duke of Blackbourne. Penelope was left quite wealthy after the tragic death of her parents several years ago, so she is an ‘orphan’.

The Duke has also been surprised at his new responsibility, as it was his now deceased father that was named original guardian. His new status as an aristocrat forces Nicholas to leave behind his beloved naval career and this new charge just adds complications. Now its Nicholas and his mother’s responsibility to get Penelope out into the husband-mart of London society. Trouble is…Penelope turns out to be a challenge…and difficult...and beautiful...

I liked the personalities of both Nicholas and Penelope. He has some issues to overcome; she is feisty and determined, willing to settle for nothing less than love. Interesting conversations and conflicts make for less than smooth pathway to romance.

Even though the book is 274 pages, it is a very fast read as it is printed with lots of open spaces. I had it easily read in two sittings - not a criticism, just an observation. The story was enjoyable enough that I ordered the other three books in the Finishing School series. Each book is written by a different author; three I am familiar with, one will be new for me. Hopefully they are as fun as this one was!

667 reviews
February 8, 2020
Penelope and Nicholas

Penelope has been home in Brighton for a month after completing Miss Bell's Finishing School. She has ridden her horse Mildred down to the pond when her cousin Baldwin startles her from the other side. He asks if he can come across and she is most happy to see him! They are interrupted of their reunion by one of her horsemen announcing that she is needed back at the house as she has a visitor. When she arrives she is met by a Mr. Fulton, who is there to tell her she is to come with him to London to her guardians mother's home in London where she will be presented to society for the season. She informs Mr. Fulton in no uncertain terms that she will not be going with him and has no desire to be presented. The Duke of Blackbourne, Nicholas is one not to be trifled with. He has just recently received his title, after his father's death, and then being decommissioned from her majesties navy, since he was now a Duke and now he discovers he has an 18 year old ward. What next? When Mr. Fulton informs him of his wards refusal to leave her home in Brighton, he is outraged! His friend the Marquess of Northampton, Everett finds it amusing so offers to escort him to his wards home. What will Penelope do? How will the Duke get her to leave with him? What about her cousin? So much comes after their encounter. Only one way to find out what happens next. Read this great story by Laura Beers. You wont want to put it down till the last word.
Profile Image for Ashley.
581 reviews39 followers
April 17, 2019
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

First off, I enjoy all the books I've read from Laura - her writing is whimsical and always transports me back in time. The Heiress is no exception and the story of Penelope and Nicholas is endearing and frustrating at the same time. Penelope has suffered a significant loss, the death of her parents, and was transferred into the care of a family she never knew. Sent away to finishing school and growing up without any family has been hard for her, but she continues to wear a smile and a positive outlook.

Then her guardian passes away and the responsibility is passed on to another family member, a young ship captain named Nicholas. He has inherited the family position of Duke and must abandon his war ship for aristocracy and to play the role of guardian to Penelope. They are quickly mesmerized by one another but afraid to open their hearts due to trauma they are both overcoming.

A beautiful story about loss, love and the hurdles we must overcome in traumatic circumstances, Beers does not disappoint in this release and I hope you might be able to enjoy it as well.
207 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2019
The Heiress (Miss Bell's Finishing School Book 2)

A "feel good" book; gives the reader a break from the "blood & guts" OR "mind blowing sex" books that seem so common now.

Penelope is the Heiress, plunked in a Finishing School when her parents were killed & her guardian didn't want to bother with a young girl. A couple of guardians down the line & Nicholas more or less "inherits" her through changing of powers just KNOWING he can marry her off in her first "season.". I especially liked his friend Elliott & her cousin Baldwin who rounded out the main cast of characters.

The "rules," should you want to call them that of the " ton" of England definitely left young woman of the area knowing if she wasn't especially pretty or very rich, her chances of marrying many times were pretty much nil as she might go season after season & still remain single leaving her no choice but to become a nanny or remain in her parents homes as a spinster or old maid.

Got a few laughs over the archaic thinking of the males & the young Penelope & her being a woman born before her time.

Fun read. Enjoy.
Profile Image for Kelly Marie.
429 reviews24 followers
April 23, 2019
A very feisty spitfire and a use to his orders being followed duke make for a very fun and interesting couple. They went toe to toe from the start and it was always a laugh to see what would happen. I knew someone was going to try something and it was the person I thought it would be. But they were even creepier than I thought. I had to roll my eyes at the first proposal because I knew he would go back to orders.


Penelope is a quick thinker and won’t be told what to do. I loved her the moment she came up with her plan to make him leave. She could do anything she set her mind to and see right through his gruff persona to his heart.

Nicholas blames himself for a tragic accident and has locked away all emotions. He comes off as a strict person, but you get hints of the real him throughout the books. I loved that he was so protective of her, but also couldn’t hide his feelings.

His mother, best friend, and her cousin all made me smile. They all play important roles in getting them together and providing some laughs at times.

copy provided for an honest and voluntary review
Profile Image for Sasha Owen.
108 reviews
April 8, 2019
“Everyone could do with a little more kindness in their lives, and a smile is the easiest way to warm someone else’s heart.”

And smile is did. I had nothing but a huge smile on my face the whole time I was reading this story. I laughed out loud at several parts and fell in love with every character. Penelope who was sent away to finishing school the day after her parents passed only wanted to feel wanted and loved again. Nicholas is a brooding duke with a large weight in his shoulder after inheriting his status and finding out he had a ward in the process. The story of these two coming to terms with their feelings and their past experiences was highly entertaining. What Laura Beers is wonderful at is witty dialogue and this story was full of it. I fell in love with the side characters Everett and Baldwin and sincerely hope we get their stories in the future.

* i received an arc of this story, these feelings are my own*
Profile Image for Jenn (YeahOrNeighReviews).
1,853 reviews46 followers
April 22, 2019
A charming tale of overcoming obstacles and not judging people at first glance. Sweet romance with a touch of drama. I enjoy not knowing which characters you can truly trust, that truly keep you on your toes throughout the story!
Penelope Foster is left all alone in the world after her parents are killed in an accident, leaving her as a ward to the Duke of Blackbourne. He instantly sends her away to Finishing School and she remains there until she turns eighteen. All she wants is to be left to her own devices until she inherits her family fortune/business at the age of 21.
When Nicholas leaves his place with the Navy to return and take his place as the new Duke of Blackbourne, he discovers his father and uncle have both ignored the Ward placed in their care and vows to rectify the situation.
Profile Image for Chesney.
740 reviews
April 23, 2019
I was lucky to receive an ARC from the author. I love reading Laura’s novels. This was no different. This is part of the Miss Bell’s Finishing School but can be read as a stand-alone. Penelope is a ward of the Duke Of Blackbourne and is an Heiress in her own right. Nicholas is battling his own past when he and Penelope meet which she is becoming a balm to his healing. What they did not plan on was the attraction towards one another. And boy, were they trying to fight it. I felt the story flowed and the chemistry was definitely there which for me makes the story and characters real. Overall a great read.
Profile Image for Toni.
265 reviews8 followers
August 27, 2020
This is the prequel of the series Regency Brides: A Promise of Love. So before reading the first book of the series, I recommend reading this one. Not that you would feel lost in the story, but I like to know better the prominent characters in a book and the duke and duchess of Blackbourne appear prominently in A Clever Alliance.
That being said, I had some issues with this story. I didn't get enough of their developing bond - I mean I couldn't sense how they developed feelings for each other. If the relationship was elaborated, this book would have been much more enjoyable.
Narrative: 3rd person, following Penelope and Nicholas
Religion: none
Sensuality: squeaky clean
Profile Image for Ashley Weston.
58 reviews5 followers
April 23, 2019
Laura Beers always knows how to tell a captivating story! I love reading everything she has written. Even though its a series with other authors, she continues to carry through in her integrity and individualism within her characters. It touches everything she is known for. I love stories that start off with the two main characters not on good footing with each other. The walls that have to be broken in order for love to come through makes it even more enjoyable to turn every pages. Such a fun, entertaining book!
Profile Image for Lori.
83 reviews
April 23, 2019
A Sweet Read

This is a wonderful story of a girl who wants to just be on her own and live her life. Penelope Foster is ward to the Duke of Blackbourne whom she has never seen. She finds the Duke has become a young formal Naval Captain, Nicholas. Nicholas wants nothing more than rid himself of his charge by marrying her off. This story is has some humorous lines, romantic and frustration. I really wanted to shake Nicholas a few times but he finally gets it. This is easily a stand alone novel though it is the second in the series. I enjoyed reading this story.
Profile Image for Terressa.
597 reviews
April 23, 2019
Laura Beers does it again! Her talent for character development and story intrigue mixed with a little mystery and romance captured me once more! This is a fantastic story!! It was just the escape from reality I needed and was written so well that I couldn’t put it down!

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists,
and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive
reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this
in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
Profile Image for Kristy Q.
386 reviews2 followers
April 24, 2019
After reading the first book in this series, I was so excited to read The Heiress by Laura Beers. I’ve loved ALL the books Laura has written, and this book was great! I love how Laura is so good at introducing the characters and making their stories come to life. Nicholas and Penelope find each other intriguing, but their stubbornness gets in the way. It was fun to follow these characters along while tbey discover their love for one another and how to make their relationship work. I’m a sucker for a sweet love story, and this book has it!
Profile Image for Leslie Books and Socks Rock.
893 reviews23 followers
May 27, 2019
Right from the beginning, I loved it! How Penelope and Nickolas first meet each other, to the sweet ending! This book was a roller coaster as Nickolas' mood swings were all over the place, it didn't help that Penelope is so stubborn. And I didnt suspect the "villain" so I appreciated the twist.

I just finished the first of Miss Bell's Finishing School and while I knew this was the second book written by a different author, I was disappointed that you never really saw mention of her friends. But the first book I felt was rushed and too short. This was perfect!
416 reviews3 followers
August 10, 2019
Enjoyable Read

This book is an excellent continuation in the series, with Nicholas the Duke of Blackbourne commuting to terms with his Ducal responsibilities, as well as gaining a ward. Penelope, She had just finished 5years at Miss Bell's Finishing School, and was finding a very different world to get used to. The book was well written and the characters endearing, as Nicholas and Penelope got used to one another their banter was amusing
I would thoroughly recommend this book, as the series continues and the 4 young ladies of Miss Bell's make their way in the world.
Profile Image for Alisa.
793 reviews44 followers
September 4, 2019
I first read "A Clever Alliance" which takes place after this book, but the Duke and Penelope play pretty significant roles in that book and so I wanted to read their story! I was not disappointed. Penelope is a great heroine.

So if you want to read another great story about Everett, the Marquess of Northampton, I recommend his story, too:

A Clever Alliance
Profile Image for Jana Adamson.
6 reviews
April 23, 2019
I love to read Laura Beers' stories! The Heiress did not disappoint. My interest was immediately captured as we met Penelope and Nicholas. Their first encounter was priceless. I greatly enjoyed the mixture of romance and drama. Great storyline, wonderful characters, clean romance, well written and well edited! I am looking forward to reading all the stories in this series.

I received an advanced copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kathy .
1,303 reviews3 followers
June 15, 2019
Delightful

This was a fun and sweet story. Penelope has endured her share of trials but they have only made her stronger. She is a young independent women full of optimism and determination. Her reluctant guardian, Nicholas, is full of guilt and remorse for having inherited a dukedom due to a tragic accident that killed his brother. When these two meet sparks fly and it is only a matter of time before they realize how much they need each other.
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,460 reviews28 followers
August 29, 2019
A ward to heal a heart

Nicholas is ill prepared to be a duke much less a guardian to an 18 year old! He hopes to marry her off quickly! Penelope has been neglected for years and has no intention of being a man's property! Nicholas would rather be out to sea instead of dealing with his intelligent, feisty and beautiful ward! Penelope is conflicted regarding her guardian he's hot one moment and cold the next! An interesting villain in this story! Not who you think!
964 reviews5 followers
September 22, 2019
Cute and clean romance that is a pleasure to read.
Several of the characters are struggling with prejudice from within and with out. Decisions made by others have made a trying path but they rise above as their understanding about themselves and each other grows.
I liked how awkward Nicolas was in trying to deal with Penelope and the frustration that she wasn’t like his crew. Humorous at that realization for sure!
1,369 reviews8 followers
December 27, 2022
Unfortunate Circumstances and Surprises

Orphaned and sent to finishing school for years, Penelope's desire is to hide away until she reaches 21 and control her own life. Her new guardian, Nicholas, has other ideas about her protection. Once again, I enjoyed this author's storyline, characters and dialog. I love capable women and the gentlemen who try to understand them. There is humor and delightful relationships in this story, as well as the happy ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews

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