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A Duke's Heiress #2
Heiress In Red Silk
USA Today Bestseller
A sparkling new love story from a historical romance legend, perfect for Bridgerton fans and readers of Sabrina Jeffries, Eloisa James, and Grace Burrowes.
In one life-changing windfall, Rosamund Jameson goes from struggling shopkeeper to heiress—and co-owner of a new business. Not only will her sudden fortune allow her to move her millinery shop to fashionable London, but Rosamund will be able to provide her younger sister with a proper entry into society. The only hitch for resourceful Rosamund is her arrogant, infuriatingly handsome business partner...
Kevin Radnor is shocked that his late uncle, the Duke of Hollinburgh, bequeathed half his company to a total stranger—worse, a beguiling beauty who can only hinder his enterprise. But Rosamund insists on an active, equal partnership, so Kevin embarks on a plan: a seduction that will lead to a marriage of convenience, giving Rosamund the social status she needs, and guaranteeing him the silent partner he desires. Yet as this charismatic gentleman sets his flirtation in motion, he begins to wonder who is seducing whom—and if he can learn to share himself body and mind, without losing his heart . . .
A sparkling new love story from a historical romance legend, perfect for Bridgerton fans and readers of Sabrina Jeffries, Eloisa James, and Grace Burrowes.
In one life-changing windfall, Rosamund Jameson goes from struggling shopkeeper to heiress—and co-owner of a new business. Not only will her sudden fortune allow her to move her millinery shop to fashionable London, but Rosamund will be able to provide her younger sister with a proper entry into society. The only hitch for resourceful Rosamund is her arrogant, infuriatingly handsome business partner...
Kevin Radnor is shocked that his late uncle, the Duke of Hollinburgh, bequeathed half his company to a total stranger—worse, a beguiling beauty who can only hinder his enterprise. But Rosamund insists on an active, equal partnership, so Kevin embarks on a plan: a seduction that will lead to a marriage of convenience, giving Rosamund the social status she needs, and guaranteeing him the silent partner he desires. Yet as this charismatic gentleman sets his flirtation in motion, he begins to wonder who is seducing whom—and if he can learn to share himself body and mind, without losing his heart . . .
341 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 27, 2021
440 people are currently reading
6210 people want to read
About the author
Madeline Hunter
102 books2,107 followersMadeline Hunter is a nationally bestselling author of historical romances who lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons. Her books have won two RITA awards and seven nominations, and have had three starred reviews in Publishers Weekly. In a parallel existence to the one she enjoys as a novelist, Madeline has a Ph.D. in art history and teaches at an East Coast university.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 386 reviews
June 5, 2023
The second book that I have read in a row about the hero lacking or not able to pick up on social cues. Ok enough about me. I read the first book in the series, and this can be read as a standalone but if you looking to solve the mystery that is set up in book 1 this does little to help move it forward. An enjoyable read about how 2 people can complete and complement each other. Perhaps I missed something but the Duke leaving his money to the heroine did not advance the mystery. 3.75* I may never know who killed the Duke as the last book is not on kindle unlimited.
April 27, 2021
I think everyone dreams occasionally of somehow, without any effort, acquiring a fortune. It doesn’t matter if the money comes from the lottery, Publisher’s Clearing House, a long lost relative or a stranger’s generosity. The latter is the premise behind the Duke’s Heiress series of which Heiress in Red Silk is the second book.
Oh, the way the money will be spent we think; on a new house, education funds, travel and of course charity. I’m guessing from hearing the titles of a few junk TV shows it doesn’t quite work out that way. Usually it seems to be relatives that bust the dream wide open so the money pours out.
So far the late Duke of Hollinburgh is my favorite character, because he does seem to have had a lovely character. He has decided his relatives have milked him enough, even the ones he likes. So he sets out to fulfill the other part of our fantasy-having so much money that he gives huge amounts away to strangers.
In the first book Heiress for Hire the Duke’s will is read and his nominal heirs are shocked to find his true heirs are three women who are total strangers to them, and it seems, the late Duke. He leaves only their names and no directions for finding them. Only the entailed property falls to the new Duke, Nicholas Radnor.
The usual suspects such as mistresses, whores and other loose women are soon eliminated as the three missing heirs.
The term suspects is not out of place as the new Duke and a few of his more reasonable cousins believe the last Duke was murdered, so they have a double search for the killer and the heiresses.
After a months long search the second heiress, Rosamund Jameson, is discovered when a hat is delivered to a whore house that Kevin Radnor is visiting. Oh those frisky, trashy, Regency men. Radnor is one of the heirs who has really been hurt by the Duke’s will. Rosamund is a talented, imaginative milliner in Richmond, outside of London. Her name is on the hatbox delivered to the whore.
Serves Radnor right to my prudish mind that Rosamund not only inherits a fortune, but a half ownership of Radnor’s newest company. Radnor was close to the old Duke and he can not understand why he has lost control of his company to a know-nothing, lower class milliner.
Rosamund Jameson is a delightful character. Smart, imaginative, hard working, she chooses to follow the Galatea path to “better” herself, as Rosamund is a woman with dreams, secrets and responsibilities. Kevin and the other disinherited are the ones who need to better themselves. What a useless bunch except for the new Duke, occasionally Kevin, and a few others.
Madeline Hunter painted Radnor as somewhat of an anti-hero, although he is a imaginative, brilliant businessman and inventor. He just doesn’t realize what a business asset Rosamund could be; not to mention being a full and true life partner. He has no idea of how to treat a woman, except for the ones he pays. Hard lessons await him, while Rosamund has no illusions of what is to come.
This is an updated version of the usual Regency Historical. The women seek their own paths, the men are aware of more than Tattersalls and gaming hells. This is a refreshing series, with Heiress in Red Silk a wonderful addition.
The first two books are engaging, well written with characters to boo and other characters to admire.
Thank go to NetGalley for an ARC for review purposes.
Oh, the way the money will be spent we think; on a new house, education funds, travel and of course charity. I’m guessing from hearing the titles of a few junk TV shows it doesn’t quite work out that way. Usually it seems to be relatives that bust the dream wide open so the money pours out.
So far the late Duke of Hollinburgh is my favorite character, because he does seem to have had a lovely character. He has decided his relatives have milked him enough, even the ones he likes. So he sets out to fulfill the other part of our fantasy-having so much money that he gives huge amounts away to strangers.
In the first book Heiress for Hire the Duke’s will is read and his nominal heirs are shocked to find his true heirs are three women who are total strangers to them, and it seems, the late Duke. He leaves only their names and no directions for finding them. Only the entailed property falls to the new Duke, Nicholas Radnor.
The usual suspects such as mistresses, whores and other loose women are soon eliminated as the three missing heirs.
The term suspects is not out of place as the new Duke and a few of his more reasonable cousins believe the last Duke was murdered, so they have a double search for the killer and the heiresses.
After a months long search the second heiress, Rosamund Jameson, is discovered when a hat is delivered to a whore house that Kevin Radnor is visiting. Oh those frisky, trashy, Regency men. Radnor is one of the heirs who has really been hurt by the Duke’s will. Rosamund is a talented, imaginative milliner in Richmond, outside of London. Her name is on the hatbox delivered to the whore.
Serves Radnor right to my prudish mind that Rosamund not only inherits a fortune, but a half ownership of Radnor’s newest company. Radnor was close to the old Duke and he can not understand why he has lost control of his company to a know-nothing, lower class milliner.
Rosamund Jameson is a delightful character. Smart, imaginative, hard working, she chooses to follow the Galatea path to “better” herself, as Rosamund is a woman with dreams, secrets and responsibilities. Kevin and the other disinherited are the ones who need to better themselves. What a useless bunch except for the new Duke, occasionally Kevin, and a few others.
Madeline Hunter painted Radnor as somewhat of an anti-hero, although he is a imaginative, brilliant businessman and inventor. He just doesn’t realize what a business asset Rosamund could be; not to mention being a full and true life partner. He has no idea of how to treat a woman, except for the ones he pays. Hard lessons await him, while Rosamund has no illusions of what is to come.
This is an updated version of the usual Regency Historical. The women seek their own paths, the men are aware of more than Tattersalls and gaming hells. This is a refreshing series, with Heiress in Red Silk a wonderful addition.
The first two books are engaging, well written with characters to boo and other characters to admire.
Thank go to NetGalley for an ARC for review purposes.
February 9, 2021
3.5/5. What happens when two calculating people cross path? You get a iron-clad business arrangement where each detail is pondered and negotiated over, leaving absolutely no room for romance. Oh, there's physical attraction alright, but that's something concrete that they can lock down. Feelings - well, that's more airy-fairy stuff and best left for the romantics and definitely not applicable to either protagonist. Solid writing as expected from Hunter but marked down for the almost complete lack of emotional regard between the two leads until the last few pages.
ARC from NetGalley.
ARC from NetGalley.
Read
August 1, 2025Dnf at 51%. First of all I’m dumb and this is the second book in the series. That was my fault. The story started off interesting but kind of lost my interest as the story went on. The characters felt flat to me and th marriage proposal kind of came out of nowhere. Plus the unecessary sexual assault scene of the mfc didn’t make sense so for that reason I can’t finish this book.
May 28, 2023
I enjoyed this second book in the Duke's Heiress trilogy. I liked Kevin, the clever, serious and focussed inventor who had little time for relationships, until he fell for Rosamund. Rosamund was an appealing character as well. From a lower class, she was already building a solid future for herself with her millinery business, even before she received the unexpected windfall from the duke's will. Clearly Rosamund is a savvy business woman, and her behaviour always speaks of honesty and integrity. Both MCs were characters you could like and respect.
There was very little in this book of the mystery (established in Book 1) of the duke's suspicious death. A few little clues, but nothing substantial. All to be revealed in Book 3, no doubt.
This book could be read as a standalone, but IMO it's good to have read Book 1 first, for context and background of the previous events and the cast of characters. Kevin certainly has an interesting family! A very readable and enjoyable HR from Ms Hunter. Looking forward to #3.
There was very little in this book of the mystery (established in Book 1) of the duke's suspicious death. A few little clues, but nothing substantial. All to be revealed in Book 3, no doubt.
This book could be read as a standalone, but IMO it's good to have read Book 1 first, for context and background of the previous events and the cast of characters. Kevin certainly has an interesting family! A very readable and enjoyable HR from Ms Hunter. Looking forward to #3.
March 13, 2021
I enjoyed the story and characters in this book, and I thought the plot more focused and rewarding than book 1 of the series. While I liked the h&h both separately and together and I thought they had good sexual chemistry, I do not think it really progressed beyond lust for me, at least not in a convincing manner.
Kevin is an inventor and has found out the stake his grandfather owned in his invention was inherited by an unknown female, who has been difficult to find. It turns out this unknown female is a milliner, who has a head for business. The two butt heads at times, but they do have complimentary skills. She is who Kevin needs to turn his invention into a successful business.
I enjoy Hunter’s writing and stories. I appreciate that they are a bit different and tend to have more substance than many others out there. But here, and several of her more recent offerings, the romance has been lackluster. I just wasn’t feeling that aspect. The h&h were compatible, but the development of the characters or the romantic connection was not at the level that Hunter has shown in the past. All in all this was a diverting read, but it probably won’t stick with me for long.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book. Views are my own.
Kevin is an inventor and has found out the stake his grandfather owned in his invention was inherited by an unknown female, who has been difficult to find. It turns out this unknown female is a milliner, who has a head for business. The two butt heads at times, but they do have complimentary skills. She is who Kevin needs to turn his invention into a successful business.
I enjoy Hunter’s writing and stories. I appreciate that they are a bit different and tend to have more substance than many others out there. But here, and several of her more recent offerings, the romance has been lackluster. I just wasn’t feeling that aspect. The h&h were compatible, but the development of the characters or the romantic connection was not at the level that Hunter has shown in the past. All in all this was a diverting read, but it probably won’t stick with me for long.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book. Views are my own.
March 7, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
Me ha gustado mucho más que el primer libro de la saga. Rosemund y Kevin me han ganado, mi pega es que han quedado cosas abiertas que no creo que la autora cierre en el siguiente libro
Me ha gustado mucho más que el primer libro de la saga. Rosemund y Kevin me han ganado, mi pega es que han quedado cosas abiertas que no creo que la autora cierre en el siguiente libro
April 6, 2021
Review originally published at Romancing Romances.
I received an eARC at no cost from the publisher, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.
2.5*
Heiress in Red Silk is the second book in the series A Duke’s Heiress. Here, we meet Rosamund Jameson, the milliner who receives a large inheritance from a Duke she barely knew.
I liked that Rosamund was very focused on her job, but also interested in the new enterprise that came with the inheritance. This, in turn, was something that made Kevin Radnor very upset.
Kevin is an inventor, and he created a model of something that would improve the trains at the time. But he doesn’t really trust anyone with his invention and its construction, which makes it very hard to move it forward.
This book attempts a bit of a My Fair Lady/Pygmalion trope, but for me it was left a bit incomplete.
Kevin annoyed me, and although I liked Rosamund, I didn’t really feel much of a connection between these two characters. The first little bump and they were done. It didn’t feel much like love…
I liked seeing Minerva and Chase, and their story from the first book had much more appeal to me. [Read the review for their book here.]
The mystery of the first book is still present here, but it even though the hero was definitely a suspect to some people, it just never felt like he was ever in dire need of help. And if in the first book I felt wrapped by the whole mystery, this one just made the story a bit boring.
I’m still interested in knowing what happened to the old duke, and who the next heiress is, but to be honest, Kevin and Rosamund’ story wasn’t the best.
I received an eARC at no cost from the publisher, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.
2.5*
Heiress in Red Silk is the second book in the series A Duke’s Heiress. Here, we meet Rosamund Jameson, the milliner who receives a large inheritance from a Duke she barely knew.
I liked that Rosamund was very focused on her job, but also interested in the new enterprise that came with the inheritance. This, in turn, was something that made Kevin Radnor very upset.
Kevin is an inventor, and he created a model of something that would improve the trains at the time. But he doesn’t really trust anyone with his invention and its construction, which makes it very hard to move it forward.
This book attempts a bit of a My Fair Lady/Pygmalion trope, but for me it was left a bit incomplete.
Kevin annoyed me, and although I liked Rosamund, I didn’t really feel much of a connection between these two characters. The first little bump and they were done. It didn’t feel much like love…
I liked seeing Minerva and Chase, and their story from the first book had much more appeal to me. [Read the review for their book here.]
The mystery of the first book is still present here, but it even though the hero was definitely a suspect to some people, it just never felt like he was ever in dire need of help. And if in the first book I felt wrapped by the whole mystery, this one just made the story a bit boring.
I’m still interested in knowing what happened to the old duke, and who the next heiress is, but to be honest, Kevin and Rosamund’ story wasn’t the best.
May 28, 2025
Loved the independent,working class h, who challenges the H. He's single minded, prickly and mistrusts most people. Loved her cleverness, and how she challenged him to be better.
April 8, 2021
After learning of a bequest from the late Duke of Hollinburgh, Rosamund Jameson goes from struggling milliner to heiress overnight. Her stroke of good luck means Rosamund can now open a millinery shop in London and improve her younger sister’s prospects. But her inheritance also comes with a half interest in a business and an all too handsome, self-assured business partner.
Kevin Radnor is alarmed to learn his late uncle endangered his company by leaving his interest to a beautiful woman who is sure to bring trouble. Rosamund decides on being a true partner with a voice in business decisions so Kevin decides to try his hand at seducing her. A marriage of convenience will ensure no one else can encroach on his business and keep him in control. But Kevin finds himself all too enthralled with Rosamund and begins to wonder how close he can allow her without risking his heart.
This heroine was very off-putting to me, especially at first. She came off as unbending and entitled somehow, despite her humble origins. She grew on me eventually but her harshness toward Kevin, not all of which he deserved, and her rather pompous manner were unappealing. She redeemed herself with the faith she put in Kevin and her protectiveness of him, but I would’ve liked more communication between them. Their true romance only really took off near the end of the book and then culminated in a rather abrupt ending that left me slightly unsatisfied. Otherwise, I found Kevin to be quite an original and possibly neurodiverse hero; he’s nearly a savant so his struggles with social situations, especially given his neglectful upbringing, were interesting and unique. Practical Rosamund was a good match for him, and I liked how these two stood up for each other against Kevin’s awful family. Overall, their connection needed a bit more development for the romance to be there, but this was an enjoyable enough read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Kevin Radnor is alarmed to learn his late uncle endangered his company by leaving his interest to a beautiful woman who is sure to bring trouble. Rosamund decides on being a true partner with a voice in business decisions so Kevin decides to try his hand at seducing her. A marriage of convenience will ensure no one else can encroach on his business and keep him in control. But Kevin finds himself all too enthralled with Rosamund and begins to wonder how close he can allow her without risking his heart.
This heroine was very off-putting to me, especially at first. She came off as unbending and entitled somehow, despite her humble origins. She grew on me eventually but her harshness toward Kevin, not all of which he deserved, and her rather pompous manner were unappealing. She redeemed herself with the faith she put in Kevin and her protectiveness of him, but I would’ve liked more communication between them. Their true romance only really took off near the end of the book and then culminated in a rather abrupt ending that left me slightly unsatisfied. Otherwise, I found Kevin to be quite an original and possibly neurodiverse hero; he’s nearly a savant so his struggles with social situations, especially given his neglectful upbringing, were interesting and unique. Practical Rosamund was a good match for him, and I liked how these two stood up for each other against Kevin’s awful family. Overall, their connection needed a bit more development for the romance to be there, but this was an enjoyable enough read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
April 13, 2021
Series: The Dukes Heiresses #2
Publication Date: 4/27/21
Number of Pages: 304
** 3.5 Stars Rounded Up **
As we learned in the first book of the series, Heiress for Hire, the Duke of Hollinburgh changed his will just prior to his mysterious death. That change was to the detriment of his family and to the benefit of three women the family doesn’t know. Now, they have to find those women and give them their very sizable inheritances. Once you meet the duke’s brothers and sisters, you’ll definitely understand why the duke would want to leave them out of the will, but the ones he really hurt were his nephews – and he was really close to them. Those nephews also have to solve the mystery of their uncle’s death. I don’t think the duke was trying to hurt his nephews – I think he was matchmaking. The first book saw his nephew Chase find a love match with the heiress Minerva – and this one pairs up his nephew Kevin with the heiress Rosamund. Nothing in this book furthered the investigation into the duke’s death, so that thread will either fizzle out and go nowhere or maybe it will be finally solved in the next book.
Inventor Kevin Radnor is incensed at what his uncle has done to him. Kevin has invented a part that will eventually be used in every steam engine that is made. It is unique and he’s very, very secretive about it because someone else could easily steal it. He is incensed that his uncle, who was a fifty-percent partner, has left his portion of the enterprise to some woman nobody has ever heard of. They’ve spent over a year looking for her – a year in which Kevin cannot do anything toward furthering his invention because his new partner isn’t there to okay any expenses. They need to find her and convince her to sell her share or at least allow him to make all of the decisions. He’s in for a big surprise when she turns out to be beautiful, intelligent, and disinclined to turn over any part of her inheritance to him – and that includes allowing him to solely manage the company. Uh-Oh. She definitely gives as good as she gets.
Daughter of tenant farmers, Rosamund Jameson, met the Duke of Hollinburgh only one time. He was grateful to her for nursing a friend of his and gave her a bag of coins that amounted to ten guineas. She had never seen so much money in her life and she was thrilled. She could use that money to open up the millinery shop she’d always wanted to have. The shop, located in Richmond – just outside London – has become quite successful. She will be forever grateful for that gift. So, imagine her shock when she learns that the very same duke has died and has left her an enormous amount of money as well as half interest in a company.
Poor Kevin gets off to a very bad start with Rosamund. The poor man is absolutely brilliant but socially inept. He doesn’t make small-talk, he doesn’t make polite statements – many consider him just rude. What he really is, is honest. He says what he’s thinking and it doesn’t always come out in a politically correct manner. Kevin is hyper-focused on whatever subject has him interested at the moment – and right now, that is his newest invention. He doesn’t understand why Rosamund won’t just let him run things as he likes – it is his invention. Rosamund doesn’t think Kevin knows anything about running a successful enterprise.
I really liked both Kevin and Rosamund – and I liked them together – and the lust was definitely there, but somehow, I just didn’t see how they got to the long-lasting love. Most of the on-page time was either arguing with each other or spent in bed and they’d go days without seeing each other. There just didn’t seem to be any time of working together and sharing and getting to know each other. I still enjoyed the read, I just didn’t get all of the warm-and-fuzzies for them as a couple.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 4/27/21
Number of Pages: 304
** 3.5 Stars Rounded Up **
As we learned in the first book of the series, Heiress for Hire, the Duke of Hollinburgh changed his will just prior to his mysterious death. That change was to the detriment of his family and to the benefit of three women the family doesn’t know. Now, they have to find those women and give them their very sizable inheritances. Once you meet the duke’s brothers and sisters, you’ll definitely understand why the duke would want to leave them out of the will, but the ones he really hurt were his nephews – and he was really close to them. Those nephews also have to solve the mystery of their uncle’s death. I don’t think the duke was trying to hurt his nephews – I think he was matchmaking. The first book saw his nephew Chase find a love match with the heiress Minerva – and this one pairs up his nephew Kevin with the heiress Rosamund. Nothing in this book furthered the investigation into the duke’s death, so that thread will either fizzle out and go nowhere or maybe it will be finally solved in the next book.
Inventor Kevin Radnor is incensed at what his uncle has done to him. Kevin has invented a part that will eventually be used in every steam engine that is made. It is unique and he’s very, very secretive about it because someone else could easily steal it. He is incensed that his uncle, who was a fifty-percent partner, has left his portion of the enterprise to some woman nobody has ever heard of. They’ve spent over a year looking for her – a year in which Kevin cannot do anything toward furthering his invention because his new partner isn’t there to okay any expenses. They need to find her and convince her to sell her share or at least allow him to make all of the decisions. He’s in for a big surprise when she turns out to be beautiful, intelligent, and disinclined to turn over any part of her inheritance to him – and that includes allowing him to solely manage the company. Uh-Oh. She definitely gives as good as she gets.
Daughter of tenant farmers, Rosamund Jameson, met the Duke of Hollinburgh only one time. He was grateful to her for nursing a friend of his and gave her a bag of coins that amounted to ten guineas. She had never seen so much money in her life and she was thrilled. She could use that money to open up the millinery shop she’d always wanted to have. The shop, located in Richmond – just outside London – has become quite successful. She will be forever grateful for that gift. So, imagine her shock when she learns that the very same duke has died and has left her an enormous amount of money as well as half interest in a company.
Poor Kevin gets off to a very bad start with Rosamund. The poor man is absolutely brilliant but socially inept. He doesn’t make small-talk, he doesn’t make polite statements – many consider him just rude. What he really is, is honest. He says what he’s thinking and it doesn’t always come out in a politically correct manner. Kevin is hyper-focused on whatever subject has him interested at the moment – and right now, that is his newest invention. He doesn’t understand why Rosamund won’t just let him run things as he likes – it is his invention. Rosamund doesn’t think Kevin knows anything about running a successful enterprise.
I really liked both Kevin and Rosamund – and I liked them together – and the lust was definitely there, but somehow, I just didn’t see how they got to the long-lasting love. Most of the on-page time was either arguing with each other or spent in bed and they’d go days without seeing each other. There just didn’t seem to be any time of working together and sharing and getting to know each other. I still enjoyed the read, I just didn’t get all of the warm-and-fuzzies for them as a couple.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 17, 2022
I enjoyed the first book in the series much more. I did not find any more clues about who killed the Duke in this story, but my main problem was the hero. I didn't find him believable or likable. Sexually explicit rant below:
September 27, 2021
This is second book in the series and having not read book number 1 disappointed me a little cause I was not able to reconcile the trope and side characters story
Rosamund is a milliner that inherited a big sum from a duke and Kevin a young resourceful Inventor
They do a business deal and the story then do not take off !
No nilch nada null zero chemistry
2 stars
Rosamund is a milliner that inherited a big sum from a duke and Kevin a young resourceful Inventor
They do a business deal and the story then do not take off !
No nilch nada null zero chemistry
2 stars
April 28, 2021
3.5 stars, rounded up
Just before his untimely and suspicious death, the Duke of Hollingburgh changed his will and left generous bequests to three women, three women that are unknown to the family and stand to inherit the bulk of the late duke’s wealth – much to the dismay of his family, but after almost a year of searching, two of the heiresses are yet to be found – but that changes when the duke’s grandson, Kevin Radnor discovers the whereabouts of Rosamund Jamieson – a milliner in Richmond and Kevin’s new business partner!
Rosamund is shocked to learn that the duke left her a fortune and half ownership in a business venture with Kevin Radnor. She is thrilled and can’t wait to improve her situation – but much to Kevin’s annoyance, she is not willing to give up the business. Even more annoying, he is attracted to her and even offers marriage – which she refuses. But when her dream of her happily ever after is shattered, she reconsiders but is firm about their partnership – she will not give up her interest!
I thought this was a well-written, nicely paced story with very interesting characters and some very steamy love scenes – but I was expecting more. I expected this story to move along the mystery of the Duke’s death and it didn’t – if anything, it brought up more questions without any revelations. And for me – there was a major ICK moment when we learn that Rosamund is good friends with one of Kevin’s previous lovers, who is more than willing to dish about it – YUCK and then later another TMI moment with another lover is injected for no good reason, at least not in my opinion. I liked this book, but I really wanted to love it and I didn’t. Mainly because I never felt a connection between Kevin and Rosamund and was disappointed that the mystery of the duke’s death was not addressed. Hopefully, Nicholas’s book will tie up the loose ends and give us some answers!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. *
Just before his untimely and suspicious death, the Duke of Hollingburgh changed his will and left generous bequests to three women, three women that are unknown to the family and stand to inherit the bulk of the late duke’s wealth – much to the dismay of his family, but after almost a year of searching, two of the heiresses are yet to be found – but that changes when the duke’s grandson, Kevin Radnor discovers the whereabouts of Rosamund Jamieson – a milliner in Richmond and Kevin’s new business partner!
Rosamund is shocked to learn that the duke left her a fortune and half ownership in a business venture with Kevin Radnor. She is thrilled and can’t wait to improve her situation – but much to Kevin’s annoyance, she is not willing to give up the business. Even more annoying, he is attracted to her and even offers marriage – which she refuses. But when her dream of her happily ever after is shattered, she reconsiders but is firm about their partnership – she will not give up her interest!
I thought this was a well-written, nicely paced story with very interesting characters and some very steamy love scenes – but I was expecting more. I expected this story to move along the mystery of the Duke’s death and it didn’t – if anything, it brought up more questions without any revelations. And for me – there was a major ICK moment when we learn that Rosamund is good friends with one of Kevin’s previous lovers, who is more than willing to dish about it – YUCK and then later another TMI moment with another lover is injected for no good reason, at least not in my opinion. I liked this book, but I really wanted to love it and I didn’t. Mainly because I never felt a connection between Kevin and Rosamund and was disappointed that the mystery of the duke’s death was not addressed. Hopefully, Nicholas’s book will tie up the loose ends and give us some answers!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. *
April 12, 2021
I've read other Madeline Hunter novels and although I did not read the first in this series, I think this was more of a standalone read. I thought the story and characters were enjoyable, however I did feel a bit disconnected from them also. The only two that seemed more cohesive were Chase and Minerva. The story was about and inventor and a milliner...both who were left to split an inheritance from a wealthy duke.
It was a well-written plot and I thought the chemistry build between the H/h was nicely done. There was angst, and quite a bit of banter between the two that led to a slow building intimate relationship. Both the H/h carried this sense of entitlement that had me disliking them early on but as the story went on, they became two warmhearted individuals. I did like this story because there was the difference in classes that felt genuine because regardless of your station, love can conquer.
Nicely done by Ms. Hunter, but this story left me missing something. Not sure if it was the romance that I just couldn't grasp my mind around, if it was the trying to somehow connect the two characters into a plausible romance, the secret about one of the jobs the heroine held or just the many finger pointing fill-ins to the hero killing his grandfather. Enjoyed but could have been more for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
It was a well-written plot and I thought the chemistry build between the H/h was nicely done. There was angst, and quite a bit of banter between the two that led to a slow building intimate relationship. Both the H/h carried this sense of entitlement that had me disliking them early on but as the story went on, they became two warmhearted individuals. I did like this story because there was the difference in classes that felt genuine because regardless of your station, love can conquer.
Nicely done by Ms. Hunter, but this story left me missing something. Not sure if it was the romance that I just couldn't grasp my mind around, if it was the trying to somehow connect the two characters into a plausible romance, the secret about one of the jobs the heroine held or just the many finger pointing fill-ins to the hero killing his grandfather. Enjoyed but could have been more for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 18, 2021
Heiress in Red Silk: An Entertaining Enemies to Lovers Regency Romance Novel
A Duke's Heiress Romance Series #2
Madeline Hunter
https://www.facebook.com/MadelineHunter
Release Date 04/27/2021
Publisher Kensington : Zebra Books
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F2X53FL/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
A sparkling new love story from a historical romance legend, perfect for Bridgerton fans and readers of Sabrina Jeffries, Eloisa James, and Grace Burrowes.
In one life-changing windfall, Rosamund Jameson goes from struggling shopkeeper to heiress—and co-owner of a new business. Not only will her sudden fortune allow her to move her millinery shop to fashionable London, but Rosamund will be able to provide her younger sister with a proper entry into society. The only hitch for resourceful Rosamund is her arrogant, infuriatingly handsome business partner...
Kevin Radnor is shocked that his late uncle, the Duke of Hollinburgh, bequeathed half his company to a total stranger—worse, a beguiling beauty who can only hinder his enterprise. But Rosamund insists on an active, equal partnership, so Kevin embarks on a plan: a seduction that will lead to a marriage of convenience, giving Rosamund the social status she needs, and guaranteeing him the silent partner he desires. Yet as this charismatic gentleman sets his flirtation in motion, he begins to wonder who is seducing whom—and if he can learn to share himself body and mind, without losing his heart . . .
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will he find in him to trust her to make the right choice ...
I loved this partnering of these two very unconventional persons.
Rosamund after struggling for years is finally making it in her own way. No big success but finally her own business with the deserved reward for her hard work.
Until everything is turned upside down by an unexpected bequeath.
And if she will be no easy prey to flattering nor bullying fellow as she sees past their false smiles and dubious games. She also sees a way to change hers and her sister’s circumstances.
But first she must fend off her partner’s insistence to give up her share. And while her now half associate is no toady, his bluntness verging on insult nearly put her off.
I remember Kevin from the first book, he went quite crazy when he learned his grandfather’s change of will. And the beginning of the book shows him as a driven man, rather smug, such he never saw coming Rosamund’s own stubbornness to resist his complacent talk because she sees fit to decide for herself instead of letting him think for.
I loved how while they began on the wrong foot, they make slowly peace one step at a time, getting to know one another, listening to finally little by little trust the other. But it no easy feat with Kevin’s difficulties to let go some of his control freakiness over his project.
Their romance is on the long term, what began as a simple attraction, turns from an unwanted association to friendship then more.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen detailed lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Kensington, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
A Duke's Heiress Romance Series #2
Madeline Hunter
https://www.facebook.com/MadelineHunter
Release Date 04/27/2021
Publisher Kensington : Zebra Books
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F2X53FL/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
A sparkling new love story from a historical romance legend, perfect for Bridgerton fans and readers of Sabrina Jeffries, Eloisa James, and Grace Burrowes.
In one life-changing windfall, Rosamund Jameson goes from struggling shopkeeper to heiress—and co-owner of a new business. Not only will her sudden fortune allow her to move her millinery shop to fashionable London, but Rosamund will be able to provide her younger sister with a proper entry into society. The only hitch for resourceful Rosamund is her arrogant, infuriatingly handsome business partner...
Kevin Radnor is shocked that his late uncle, the Duke of Hollinburgh, bequeathed half his company to a total stranger—worse, a beguiling beauty who can only hinder his enterprise. But Rosamund insists on an active, equal partnership, so Kevin embarks on a plan: a seduction that will lead to a marriage of convenience, giving Rosamund the social status she needs, and guaranteeing him the silent partner he desires. Yet as this charismatic gentleman sets his flirtation in motion, he begins to wonder who is seducing whom—and if he can learn to share himself body and mind, without losing his heart . . .
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will he find in him to trust her to make the right choice ...
I loved this partnering of these two very unconventional persons.
Rosamund after struggling for years is finally making it in her own way. No big success but finally her own business with the deserved reward for her hard work.
Until everything is turned upside down by an unexpected bequeath.
And if she will be no easy prey to flattering nor bullying fellow as she sees past their false smiles and dubious games. She also sees a way to change hers and her sister’s circumstances.
But first she must fend off her partner’s insistence to give up her share. And while her now half associate is no toady, his bluntness verging on insult nearly put her off.
I remember Kevin from the first book, he went quite crazy when he learned his grandfather’s change of will. And the beginning of the book shows him as a driven man, rather smug, such he never saw coming Rosamund’s own stubbornness to resist his complacent talk because she sees fit to decide for herself instead of letting him think for.
I loved how while they began on the wrong foot, they make slowly peace one step at a time, getting to know one another, listening to finally little by little trust the other. But it no easy feat with Kevin’s difficulties to let go some of his control freakiness over his project.
Their romance is on the long term, what began as a simple attraction, turns from an unwanted association to friendship then more.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen detailed lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Kensington, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
September 1, 2023
3.5/5⭐️
4/5🌶
Este segundo libro de las herederas del duque me gustó más que el anterior.
Los protagonistas los sentí más profundos y complejos.
Estoy pensando porque no termina de cerrar la historia y creo que es la forma en que se une todo. Me gustaron ellos y sus personalidades. El pasado es interesante, a los protagonistas les han ocurrido cosas. La trama es dinámica. Pero siento que todo no termina de unirse.
La forma de ser de Kevin se acentúa recién al final, al inicio solo es "peculiar".
Ella sigue siendo un poco ilusa para la vida que llevó.
Igualmente la historia atrapa. Espero que el tercer libro cierre todos los misterios.
4/5🌶
Este segundo libro de las herederas del duque me gustó más que el anterior.
Los protagonistas los sentí más profundos y complejos.
Estoy pensando porque no termina de cerrar la historia y creo que es la forma en que se une todo. Me gustaron ellos y sus personalidades. El pasado es interesante, a los protagonistas les han ocurrido cosas. La trama es dinámica. Pero siento que todo no termina de unirse.
La forma de ser de Kevin se acentúa recién al final, al inicio solo es "peculiar".
Ella sigue siendo un poco ilusa para la vida que llevó.
Igualmente la historia atrapa. Espero que el tercer libro cierre todos los misterios.
April 30, 2021
I gave Heiress in Red Silk a C+ at All About Romance.
I suspect readers who enjoyed the first book in the Duke’s Heiress series (me!), will have mixed feelings about this second novel. I didn’t feel the same connection to the principal characters or their relationship (which isn’t very romantic), and the mystery surrounding the death of the eccentric former Duke of Hollinburgh goes nowhere. Hunter fans will still find things to like in Heiress in Red Silk, but it’s an underwhelming follow up to the terrific Heiress for Hire.
After the sudden death of the Duke of Hollinburgh, his family learns he bequeathed the majority of his wealth to three unknown women. In Heiress for Hire, Chase Radnor, the duke’s nephew, is tasked by the new duke with finding the women and investigating his uncle’s somewhat suspicious death. Chase finds the first woman, Minerva Hepplewhite, living in London, and unaware she’s received a life changing legacy from a man she never met. Chase initially suspects Minerva might have killed the duke, but by the end of the novel he’s eliminated her from his list of suspects, and they are deeply in love. Chase still isn’t certain what happened to his uncle, but he advises his cousin, Kevin Radnor – who lied about his whereabouts the night Hollinburgh died and was seen arguing with him days earlier, to be ready to leave the country if necessary.
Rosamund Jameson grew up on a tenant farm in Oxfordshire before going into service for a London family. She was dismissed without reference after her employer discovered she was involved in an affair with their eldest son, Charles. Desperate and hungry, Rosamund found work as a chambermaid at Mrs. Darling’s, an upscale brothel – a brothel, we later learn, the former Duke of Hollinburgh frequented. After two years, she left Mrs. Darling’s and apprenticed with a milliner, and she now owns her own millinery shop in Richmond. Rosamund has dreams of one day owning a shop in Mayfair and is determined to provide a better life for her younger sister Lily. She also sometimes fantasizes about finding Charles and marrying him. When Minerva Radnor enters Jameson’s Millinery and asks to speak with Rosamund Jameson, it’s been five years since Rosamund was thrown out of the Copley home. When asked by Minerva if she knew the duke, she nervously admits she once met him, but declines to elaborate on the meeting. Minerva doesn’t probe, but informs Rosamund that the duke left her a legacy of many thousands of pounds and fifty percent ownership of a business. She encourages her to come to London as soon as possible.
Kevin Radnor is an inventor and businessman, and something of a black sheep amongst his family members. He’s rudely dismissive of most of his relatives, single and content to gratify his sexual needs with prostitutes, is quick to anger, blunt in his opinions, impulsive and often distracted. After an acrimonious final meeting with his Uncle Frederick wherein the duke refused to give him additional funds for their business partnership, Kevin was further devastated to learn Hollingsworth left his stake in their fledgling manufacturing company to a complete stranger. When he finally meets Rosamund, his new partner – after a stern admonishment from Minerva to behave – he’s caught off-guard by her beauty. But much to his dismay, his attempts to intimidate her with rapid fire questions about the enterprise don’t work. Rosamund stubbornly refuses to give up her share of the partnership or cede control to him. Kevin eventually realizes he’s misjudged and underestimated her. Rosamund won’t be bullied or cajoled and insists on an active and equal partnership. So Kevin decides to try a different approach: Seduction, followed by a marriage of convenience.
The set-up to this affair doesn’t sound very appealing does it? Kevin is scheming for control of the enterprise, and Rosamund – busy establishing herself in London – spends the first half of the novel pining after someone else! Hunter attempts to show us the best and worst parts of her principal characters via their relationship to each other, but I was never invested in either of them, or their hot/cold relationship. Rosamund is smart and tough, and beautiful; Kevin is mercurial, brainy and handsome. He’s initially enthralled by her beauty, but dismissive of her ability to contribute meaningfully to their enterprise. Bitter and frustrated, he behaves like a toddler with a toy he won’t share. And he also has a terrible habit of mansplaining things to Rosamund. You can see his appeal. Ahem. Reader, I wanted to like them both! But he doesn’t improve on knowing him longer, and she makes choices at odds with her initial characterization.
I won’t spoil how or why Rosamund finally decides to embark on an affair with Kevin, but it’s an abrupt change of heart precipitated by a predictable plot development. The author attempts to convey passion and abandon in their lovemaking, but each time they’re together it mostly feels like she’s checking off a list of scandalous sex acts. When the pair agree to marry because it makes practical business sense, it’s simply another reminder that this romantic affair feels anything but. Friends, I’m not here for practical love affairs! I want the swoony, crazy in love feels! And I can’t be the only one who thinks it’s strange that Rosamund is totally fine with Kevin proving his prowess in the bedroom with tricks he’s learned from his liaisons with prostitutes. Am I?
Anyway. Once Rosamund and Kevin agree to marry, the family predictably freaks out, but the couple does it anyway, and find they rub along well enough during the day while steaming up the sheets with inventive lovemaking at night. Kevin begins to trust Rosamund’s business instincts, and Rosamund marvels at Kevin’s quick mind and willingness to do whatever hard work is required to make the enterprise a success. The novel shows us snapshots of the contented pair (and surprisingly little of the downside or negative repercussions of their union) until Rosamund meets with a potential business partner without asking Kevin for permission first. Uh oh. Trouble in conveniently married paradise.
I was intrigued by Kevin Radnor after Heiress for Hire, and I had high hopes for this second book in the series. But with the exception of how Rosamund knew the duke (which is a supremely underwhelming reveal), the blurb pretty much sums up this entire story. Unlike the clever and moving Heiress for Hire, Heiress in Red Silk is mostly a story about two attractive strangers with very little chemistry trying to make a go at a business partnership who also have a lot of sex on the side. She’s not as innocent as she looks, and he’s not nearly as unaffected as he pretends. We still don’t know anything new about the duke’s death; the extended Radnor family are still a bunch of unlikeable, bitter snobs; and the principal couple seemingly only fall in love as a side effect of spending time together! Not even entertaining cameos from...
Read the rest of this review at All About Romance.
I suspect readers who enjoyed the first book in the Duke’s Heiress series (me!), will have mixed feelings about this second novel. I didn’t feel the same connection to the principal characters or their relationship (which isn’t very romantic), and the mystery surrounding the death of the eccentric former Duke of Hollinburgh goes nowhere. Hunter fans will still find things to like in Heiress in Red Silk, but it’s an underwhelming follow up to the terrific Heiress for Hire.
After the sudden death of the Duke of Hollinburgh, his family learns he bequeathed the majority of his wealth to three unknown women. In Heiress for Hire, Chase Radnor, the duke’s nephew, is tasked by the new duke with finding the women and investigating his uncle’s somewhat suspicious death. Chase finds the first woman, Minerva Hepplewhite, living in London, and unaware she’s received a life changing legacy from a man she never met. Chase initially suspects Minerva might have killed the duke, but by the end of the novel he’s eliminated her from his list of suspects, and they are deeply in love. Chase still isn’t certain what happened to his uncle, but he advises his cousin, Kevin Radnor – who lied about his whereabouts the night Hollinburgh died and was seen arguing with him days earlier, to be ready to leave the country if necessary.
Rosamund Jameson grew up on a tenant farm in Oxfordshire before going into service for a London family. She was dismissed without reference after her employer discovered she was involved in an affair with their eldest son, Charles. Desperate and hungry, Rosamund found work as a chambermaid at Mrs. Darling’s, an upscale brothel – a brothel, we later learn, the former Duke of Hollinburgh frequented. After two years, she left Mrs. Darling’s and apprenticed with a milliner, and she now owns her own millinery shop in Richmond. Rosamund has dreams of one day owning a shop in Mayfair and is determined to provide a better life for her younger sister Lily. She also sometimes fantasizes about finding Charles and marrying him. When Minerva Radnor enters Jameson’s Millinery and asks to speak with Rosamund Jameson, it’s been five years since Rosamund was thrown out of the Copley home. When asked by Minerva if she knew the duke, she nervously admits she once met him, but declines to elaborate on the meeting. Minerva doesn’t probe, but informs Rosamund that the duke left her a legacy of many thousands of pounds and fifty percent ownership of a business. She encourages her to come to London as soon as possible.
Kevin Radnor is an inventor and businessman, and something of a black sheep amongst his family members. He’s rudely dismissive of most of his relatives, single and content to gratify his sexual needs with prostitutes, is quick to anger, blunt in his opinions, impulsive and often distracted. After an acrimonious final meeting with his Uncle Frederick wherein the duke refused to give him additional funds for their business partnership, Kevin was further devastated to learn Hollingsworth left his stake in their fledgling manufacturing company to a complete stranger. When he finally meets Rosamund, his new partner – after a stern admonishment from Minerva to behave – he’s caught off-guard by her beauty. But much to his dismay, his attempts to intimidate her with rapid fire questions about the enterprise don’t work. Rosamund stubbornly refuses to give up her share of the partnership or cede control to him. Kevin eventually realizes he’s misjudged and underestimated her. Rosamund won’t be bullied or cajoled and insists on an active and equal partnership. So Kevin decides to try a different approach: Seduction, followed by a marriage of convenience.
The set-up to this affair doesn’t sound very appealing does it? Kevin is scheming for control of the enterprise, and Rosamund – busy establishing herself in London – spends the first half of the novel pining after someone else! Hunter attempts to show us the best and worst parts of her principal characters via their relationship to each other, but I was never invested in either of them, or their hot/cold relationship. Rosamund is smart and tough, and beautiful; Kevin is mercurial, brainy and handsome. He’s initially enthralled by her beauty, but dismissive of her ability to contribute meaningfully to their enterprise. Bitter and frustrated, he behaves like a toddler with a toy he won’t share. And he also has a terrible habit of mansplaining things to Rosamund. You can see his appeal. Ahem. Reader, I wanted to like them both! But he doesn’t improve on knowing him longer, and she makes choices at odds with her initial characterization.
I won’t spoil how or why Rosamund finally decides to embark on an affair with Kevin, but it’s an abrupt change of heart precipitated by a predictable plot development. The author attempts to convey passion and abandon in their lovemaking, but each time they’re together it mostly feels like she’s checking off a list of scandalous sex acts. When the pair agree to marry because it makes practical business sense, it’s simply another reminder that this romantic affair feels anything but. Friends, I’m not here for practical love affairs! I want the swoony, crazy in love feels! And I can’t be the only one who thinks it’s strange that Rosamund is totally fine with Kevin proving his prowess in the bedroom with tricks he’s learned from his liaisons with prostitutes. Am I?
Anyway. Once Rosamund and Kevin agree to marry, the family predictably freaks out, but the couple does it anyway, and find they rub along well enough during the day while steaming up the sheets with inventive lovemaking at night. Kevin begins to trust Rosamund’s business instincts, and Rosamund marvels at Kevin’s quick mind and willingness to do whatever hard work is required to make the enterprise a success. The novel shows us snapshots of the contented pair (and surprisingly little of the downside or negative repercussions of their union) until Rosamund meets with a potential business partner without asking Kevin for permission first. Uh oh. Trouble in conveniently married paradise.
I was intrigued by Kevin Radnor after Heiress for Hire, and I had high hopes for this second book in the series. But with the exception of how Rosamund knew the duke (which is a supremely underwhelming reveal), the blurb pretty much sums up this entire story. Unlike the clever and moving Heiress for Hire, Heiress in Red Silk is mostly a story about two attractive strangers with very little chemistry trying to make a go at a business partnership who also have a lot of sex on the side. She’s not as innocent as she looks, and he’s not nearly as unaffected as he pretends. We still don’t know anything new about the duke’s death; the extended Radnor family are still a bunch of unlikeable, bitter snobs; and the principal couple seemingly only fall in love as a side effect of spending time together! Not even entertaining cameos from...
Read the rest of this review at All About Romance.
May 1, 2021
I absolutely adored Heiress For Hire, the first book in this series, so when I saw this one come up for review, I jumped right on it. And it’s got a lot of the elements I really enjoyed about the first book; a strong, self-made heroine with more than a little trauma in her background she’s learned to move past, more in the overarching mystery of who killed the previous duke and why exactly he left a large chunk of his fortune to three apparently random strangers and a hero who’s definitely not from the cookie-cutter mold of most romance heroes.
Unfortunately, that last is also where the book fell down a bit for me, because Kevin Radnor is someone I struggled to buy into as a romance hero. He’s clearly written to be on the autism spectrum, with hyperfocus, extraordinary intelligence, failure to consider other people’s feelings and the obvious recognition by his family that he’s liable to unintentionally cause offence just by being himself. And in a lot of ways, I was really rooting for him, because people on the spectrum absolutely deserve to find love too. The problem was that Kevin’s inner dialogue was not only somewhat callous when it came to calculating how he could manipulate Rosamund to do what he wanted, he was downright derogatory towards her for a lot of the book. Even when he began to admire her beyond the physical, he was still completely dismissive that her opinion might amount to anything.
Rosamund had to put up with a lot from his family - including bullying leading all the way up to sexual and physical assault - and his inability to recognise that he was just adding to her burdens was too much. She had to go to extreme lengths to demonstrate that he’d gone too far, and I didn’t honestly have faith that he wouldn’t do exactly the same thing again next time he thought he knew best.
I loved Rosamund from the first time she met Kevin and pointed out to him that of the two of them, she was the one with experience running a successful business. Kevin had his moments, but for the most part, I couldn’t quite see why Rosamund would fall in love with him, and I genuinely didn’t buy that he even understood what love actually is.
You could definitely read this one without having read the first in the series; though Minerva and Chase do appear here (and I’m still delighted with them) it’s not necessary to have read their story. I’m looking forward to Nicholas’s story too in the third book, and I’ll be looking out for it… but I think this one was a bit of a mis-step, because despite some excellent storytelling and a great heroine, I didn’t enjoy the romance. Three stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
Unfortunately, that last is also where the book fell down a bit for me, because Kevin Radnor is someone I struggled to buy into as a romance hero. He’s clearly written to be on the autism spectrum, with hyperfocus, extraordinary intelligence, failure to consider other people’s feelings and the obvious recognition by his family that he’s liable to unintentionally cause offence just by being himself. And in a lot of ways, I was really rooting for him, because people on the spectrum absolutely deserve to find love too. The problem was that Kevin’s inner dialogue was not only somewhat callous when it came to calculating how he could manipulate Rosamund to do what he wanted, he was downright derogatory towards her for a lot of the book. Even when he began to admire her beyond the physical, he was still completely dismissive that her opinion might amount to anything.
Rosamund had to put up with a lot from his family - including bullying leading all the way up to sexual and physical assault - and his inability to recognise that he was just adding to her burdens was too much. She had to go to extreme lengths to demonstrate that he’d gone too far, and I didn’t honestly have faith that he wouldn’t do exactly the same thing again next time he thought he knew best.
I loved Rosamund from the first time she met Kevin and pointed out to him that of the two of them, she was the one with experience running a successful business. Kevin had his moments, but for the most part, I couldn’t quite see why Rosamund would fall in love with him, and I genuinely didn’t buy that he even understood what love actually is.
You could definitely read this one without having read the first in the series; though Minerva and Chase do appear here (and I’m still delighted with them) it’s not necessary to have read their story. I’m looking forward to Nicholas’s story too in the third book, and I’ll be looking out for it… but I think this one was a bit of a mis-step, because despite some excellent storytelling and a great heroine, I didn’t enjoy the romance. Three stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
May 18, 2021
This is such a hard book to review. I think really, this is a 2.5 star read, but it's a terribly unbalanced book, if that makes sense. Rosamund is a terrific heroine- smart, constantly underestimated but always thinking of ways to get around obstacles in her way. It was great to see Chase, Nicholas, and Minerva again, and good to see the Hollinburgh family is still as awful as it was in book 1.
But Kevin? Kevin I wanted to hit with a brick. His obsession with his invention and his repeated insults of Rosamund's intelligence and capability drove me absolutely nuts. He rarely showed any appreciation of her beyond her beauty, and his declaration, once it FINALLY comes, rang totally hollow. He did not redeem himself or grovel nearly enough for my taste, and frankly, he didn't deserve Rosamund at the end. Ugh.
But Kevin? Kevin I wanted to hit with a brick. His obsession with his invention and his repeated insults of Rosamund's intelligence and capability drove me absolutely nuts. He rarely showed any appreciation of her beyond her beauty, and his declaration, once it FINALLY comes, rang totally hollow. He did not redeem himself or grovel nearly enough for my taste, and frankly, he didn't deserve Rosamund at the end. Ugh.
April 4, 2021
Kevin is a stubborn inventor who is intent on seducing the woman who has inherited half of his business. Rosamund is a millinery shopkeeper who goes from struggling to heiress in a flash.
This is the second installment of the series called the Duke's Heiress. I did not read the first book but I have read several books by this author. This is a comical book in the beginning and turns more serious near the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
This is the second installment of the series called the Duke's Heiress. I did not read the first book but I have read several books by this author. This is a comical book in the beginning and turns more serious near the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Want to read
May 24, 2020FIRST , I'D LIKE TO BUY IT! AND I LOVE ANYTHING BY MADELINE HUNTER. PLUS I'D LIKE TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE TWO EARLIER CHARACTERS IN "HEIRESS FOR HIRE" SO JUST WHEN WILL THIS BOOK BE OUR FOR SALE?
April 29, 2021
Great story
This second book in a Dukes heiress romance series is just as enjoyable and captivating as the first. I'm looking forward to Nicholas's story next. Highly recommend.
This second book in a Dukes heiress romance series is just as enjoyable and captivating as the first. I'm looking forward to Nicholas's story next. Highly recommend.
April 25, 2021
Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
When a shopkeeper learns of a life-changing inheritance it sets the stage for a battle of wills between her and the man whose enterprise she now owns half of. Heiress in Red Silk is the second book in Madeline Hunter’s Duke’s Heiress trilogy and while I liked the heroine and enjoyed the fact pace of the book, I had mixed feelings about the story overall.
Rosamund Jameson is nobody’s fool. A smart, sensible businesswoman and a gifted milliner, Rosamund is easy to like. She’s a genuinely nice person and her small vulnerabilities endeared her to me. When she finds out that her inheritance includes half a business enterprise, she isn’t cowed by the other owner, Kevin Radnor. Kevin wants her to give up her half of his enterprise or at the very least to be a silent partner. Rosamund has no interest in doing either. She knows what it takes to make a successful business even if no one wants to give her credit because she’s a tenant farmer’s daughter. Her only fault was trusting someone she should not have and trying to be someone other than herself sometimes in order to fit into a mold. She’s smart, successful, and practical and I stayed up reading Heiress in Red Silk because I wanted to see her succeed.
Kevin is where I had trouble with Heiress in Red Silk . He’s not a bad person per se; in fact, there are times when he comforts Rosamund that he’s got true potential. But oh does that man have trust issues and a short temper. He’s quick to blow up and blow things out of proportion, especially when it comes to his invention. I understood a bit of it but it grew wearing when he didn’t grow. His default is to try to take over, belittle others when he’s angry, and he’s so distrustful I’m not sure why Rosamund fell for him. There’s definite lust between them and – to give Hunter credit – genuine chemistry. I liked the practicalities of their relationship that Kevin and Rosamund discussed. But love? I didn’t buy it. Unearned declarations at the eleventh hour didn’t satisfy me on the romance part.
As I previously mentioned, Heiress in Red Silk is the second book in the Duke’s Heiress trilogy. I didn’t enjoy it as much as Heiress for Hire but it was still and OK read for me. My biggest issues were the hero and the romance that fell a bit flat, so since I happen to like Kevin’s cousin quite a bit, I’m eager to see him find the last remaining heiress and finish the trilogy on a high note.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
When a shopkeeper learns of a life-changing inheritance it sets the stage for a battle of wills between her and the man whose enterprise she now owns half of. Heiress in Red Silk is the second book in Madeline Hunter’s Duke’s Heiress trilogy and while I liked the heroine and enjoyed the fact pace of the book, I had mixed feelings about the story overall.
Rosamund Jameson is nobody’s fool. A smart, sensible businesswoman and a gifted milliner, Rosamund is easy to like. She’s a genuinely nice person and her small vulnerabilities endeared her to me. When she finds out that her inheritance includes half a business enterprise, she isn’t cowed by the other owner, Kevin Radnor. Kevin wants her to give up her half of his enterprise or at the very least to be a silent partner. Rosamund has no interest in doing either. She knows what it takes to make a successful business even if no one wants to give her credit because she’s a tenant farmer’s daughter. Her only fault was trusting someone she should not have and trying to be someone other than herself sometimes in order to fit into a mold. She’s smart, successful, and practical and I stayed up reading Heiress in Red Silk because I wanted to see her succeed.
Kevin is where I had trouble with Heiress in Red Silk . He’s not a bad person per se; in fact, there are times when he comforts Rosamund that he’s got true potential. But oh does that man have trust issues and a short temper. He’s quick to blow up and blow things out of proportion, especially when it comes to his invention. I understood a bit of it but it grew wearing when he didn’t grow. His default is to try to take over, belittle others when he’s angry, and he’s so distrustful I’m not sure why Rosamund fell for him. There’s definite lust between them and – to give Hunter credit – genuine chemistry. I liked the practicalities of their relationship that Kevin and Rosamund discussed. But love? I didn’t buy it. Unearned declarations at the eleventh hour didn’t satisfy me on the romance part.
As I previously mentioned, Heiress in Red Silk is the second book in the Duke’s Heiress trilogy. I didn’t enjoy it as much as Heiress for Hire but it was still and OK read for me. My biggest issues were the hero and the romance that fell a bit flat, so since I happen to like Kevin’s cousin quite a bit, I’m eager to see him find the last remaining heiress and finish the trilogy on a high note.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
February 16, 2025
I struggled with this. The hero is really condescending and pushy. He talks down on the heroine and her background the the point where it gets repetitive. And mind you, he barely apologizes for it. Like she runs away from him at the end and everything is fine a couple of weeks later.
Speaking of repetitive, all the stuff about the business dealings in this book were so tiresome. I never want to hear the word “enterprise” again. I felt like the whole invention thing was super vague, for as often as it got brought up. It was just really annoying.
I don’t know. Normally, I’d give an extra star for the audiobook narration. But the actress wasn’t very good. Everyone sounded about ten years older than their descriptions. Also, I feel like she’d put weird stresses on random words some times.
If skip this one, if I were you.
Speaking of repetitive, all the stuff about the business dealings in this book were so tiresome. I never want to hear the word “enterprise” again. I felt like the whole invention thing was super vague, for as often as it got brought up. It was just really annoying.
I don’t know. Normally, I’d give an extra star for the audiobook narration. But the actress wasn’t very good. Everyone sounded about ten years older than their descriptions. Also, I feel like she’d put weird stresses on random words some times.
If skip this one, if I were you.
May 11, 2021
When least expected, something great happens and it seems your dreams have come true. That is the case when Rosamund Jameson met the Duke of Hollingburgh, who gave her a generous bag of coins for helping him. What is more surprising is when she finds out he has left her money in his will and part of a business!
Kevin, one of the Duke's nephews cannot believe it when he finds out his uncle has left half his company to a total stranger! But when he tracks her down, the sparks fly!
Another great addition to this enchanting series, full of mystery (what happened to the Duke?) and humor and of course a chance at true love!
Kevin, one of the Duke's nephews cannot believe it when he finds out his uncle has left half his company to a total stranger! But when he tracks her down, the sparks fly!
Another great addition to this enchanting series, full of mystery (what happened to the Duke?) and humor and of course a chance at true love!
November 26, 2022
It had it's fun moments and reads really we, but not much is new or creative.
February 6, 2021
Love it! Full review to come soon.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2021
I loved the first book in this trilogy, so I couldn’t wait to see what the second book had in store. In this story we meet Rosamund, who is a milliner, & we re-meet Kevin Radnor. Rosamund is his newest partner in his enterprise & he wants her gone so he can go about his business. Well, his plans don’t go his way because she’s not about to step down. I love these characters, even the side characters. Which we meet a lot of them in the first book, so I highly recommend reading that first. Although, this one didn’t have the “flair” of the first book, but I still enjoyed it. I liked Rosamund and Kevin together. I liked that she didn’t back down from him & that she was strong and independent. Kevin was a good hero, not one that I fell in love with, but I like him nonetheless.
I’m really falling in love with Madeline Hunter’s writing. I have to wait an entire year for the third book & that’s so disappointing because I can not wait for that story! I was hoping it would be about Nicholas & it is!!
*Than you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I’m really falling in love with Madeline Hunter’s writing. I have to wait an entire year for the third book & that’s so disappointing because I can not wait for that story! I was hoping it would be about Nicholas & it is!!
*Than you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 26, 2021
I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Rosamund James, a struggling hat maker, recieves an unexpected sum of money instantly making her an heiress and part owner of a business venture with Kevin Radnor. This story revolves around these two trying to make their business relationship work, and trying to decide if their desire can blossom into love.
I'm so conflicted about how I feel about this book. At times, I really enjoyed it and at other times it fell a little flat for me.
Firstly, I love Rosamund. She is an intelligent business woman already, and pretty self sufficient. She wants to be an equal partner to Kevin, and wants to help decide the direction of the company. She doesn't enjoy when Kevin thinks that she doesn't understand or know what she is doing. She wants to be seen as capable and not being easily taken advantage of.
I even enjoyed Kevin as a character. I like that he didn't care what his family thought whatsoever. He was not going to let them dictate how his life was going to be. He was an inventor, and very passionate about his dreams. I liked that he wasn't an aristocrat who just sat around doing the same old stuff in romance novels.
My problems with this book stem from that while the story and the premise were enjoyable, I felt absolutely zero romance or passion at all. Their love story was vanilla bland boring. Some of their sex scenes got robotic and odd that I almost had a hard time reading them because of the language of them. None of their interactions revealed the depth of them falling in love, and honestly I'm shocked how either one figured out they were in love with each other in the end.
So, I liked the idea, the story, and the characters. I missed the romance, and if that had been better then this would have gotten a higher rating from me.
Rosamund James, a struggling hat maker, recieves an unexpected sum of money instantly making her an heiress and part owner of a business venture with Kevin Radnor. This story revolves around these two trying to make their business relationship work, and trying to decide if their desire can blossom into love.
I'm so conflicted about how I feel about this book. At times, I really enjoyed it and at other times it fell a little flat for me.
Firstly, I love Rosamund. She is an intelligent business woman already, and pretty self sufficient. She wants to be an equal partner to Kevin, and wants to help decide the direction of the company. She doesn't enjoy when Kevin thinks that she doesn't understand or know what she is doing. She wants to be seen as capable and not being easily taken advantage of.
I even enjoyed Kevin as a character. I like that he didn't care what his family thought whatsoever. He was not going to let them dictate how his life was going to be. He was an inventor, and very passionate about his dreams. I liked that he wasn't an aristocrat who just sat around doing the same old stuff in romance novels.
My problems with this book stem from that while the story and the premise were enjoyable, I felt absolutely zero romance or passion at all. Their love story was vanilla bland boring. Some of their sex scenes got robotic and odd that I almost had a hard time reading them because of the language of them. None of their interactions revealed the depth of them falling in love, and honestly I'm shocked how either one figured out they were in love with each other in the end.
So, I liked the idea, the story, and the characters. I missed the romance, and if that had been better then this would have gotten a higher rating from me.
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