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kspoonerfish's review
4.0
This is the third book in the Duke’s Heiress series and I chose it because I remember reading and enjoying her Seducer’s Series back in the early 2000’s. This story is fun because Iris is a book dealer and I loved hearing about the books she found and sold. Nicholas, the Duke of Hollinburgh, inherited his title when his eccentric uncle died but he didn’t inherit much wealth so he is trying to figure out how to maintain his properties. His uncle left his money to three young women. I did not read the stories of the other two women that are married to Nicholas’ two cousins and while this book stood well by itself, I probably would have been more familiar with the characters if I had read their books first.
Iris is the third woman to receive an inheritance and there is a mystery as to why the uncle chose to leave it to her. There is also a mystery of a valuable book that disappeared that her grandfather was accused of stealing. The duke is attracted to Iris and hires her to catalog his books, which gave them a chance to get to know each other. It also gives Iris the opportunity to look for the missing book that she believes is part of his collection. I also liked Bridget, Iris’ partner at the bookshop and her feisty cat, King Arthur.
This was a slow burn romance and I wondered how it would all come together. I hoped to see a little more of Nicholas and Iris once they were a couple but enjoyed the story, especially the mysteries. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for this advanced copy.
Iris is the third woman to receive an inheritance and there is a mystery as to why the uncle chose to leave it to her. There is also a mystery of a valuable book that disappeared that her grandfather was accused of stealing. The duke is attracted to Iris and hires her to catalog his books, which gave them a chance to get to know each other. It also gives Iris the opportunity to look for the missing book that she believes is part of his collection. I also liked Bridget, Iris’ partner at the bookshop and her feisty cat, King Arthur.
This was a slow burn romance and I wondered how it would all come together. I hoped to see a little more of Nicholas and Iris once they were a couple but enjoyed the story, especially the mysteries. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for this advanced copy.
bettybumpkins's review
2.5
There were scenes I enjoyed, but overall I was bored with the mystery plot and felt this was a letdown after the first two books.
Ending felt rushed and I didn't like the explanation about the book, the duel and the family history.
Ending felt rushed and I didn't like the explanation about the book, the duel and the family history.
diandra_s's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
chandelierskies's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
sabakne's review
emotional
funny
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
This was such a disappointing read.
One of the biggest reason behind my disappointment was the title. With a title like that, you expect as specific storyline, a specific trope, but there was none of it. The heroine was never a bride, a fiancée at best but even then, it does not happen until the very last chapter.
The book felt dragged, I was skimming through the pages more often than not, because it failed to grab my attention. Things were happening but nothing was interesting or attention grabbing. I was never able to get feel connected to the characters.
The saddest bit is that being the romance enthusiast that I am, I would’ve enjoyed the book if the main couple had chemistry but unfortunately, they did not. In fact, I had a hard time believing that they were even in love. There was no spark between them. Not only that, but the link between their families, which was revealed at the end, made things a little odd for me.
Another issue I had was the way the plot lines were executed. The resolution of the “missing book” did not sit right with me. Throughout the book, Iris is desperate to find it in order to mend her grandfather’s reputation but once the book is found, the way she handles it is disappointing. In addition to that, the textile factory plot line felt unnecessary, it adds absolutely nothing to the storyline and honestly, its end was lacking.
This was my very first read from this author, and this book does a terrible job at being a standalone. If I’m being honest, I’m not planning on reading the rest of the series.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC, and for giving me the opportunity to read this book. My opinions are my own.
One of the biggest reason behind my disappointment was the title. With a title like that, you expect as specific storyline, a specific trope, but there was none of it. The heroine was never a bride, a fiancée at best but even then, it does not happen until the very last chapter.
The book felt dragged, I was skimming through the pages more often than not, because it failed to grab my attention. Things were happening but nothing was interesting or attention grabbing. I was never able to get feel connected to the characters.
The saddest bit is that being the romance enthusiast that I am, I would’ve enjoyed the book if the main couple had chemistry but unfortunately, they did not. In fact, I had a hard time believing that they were even in love. There was no spark between them. Not only that, but the link between their families, which was revealed at the end, made things a little odd for me.
Another issue I had was the way the plot lines were executed. The resolution of the “missing book” did not sit right with me. Throughout the book, Iris is desperate to find it in order to mend her grandfather’s reputation but once the book is found, the way she handles it is disappointing. In addition to that, the textile factory plot line felt unnecessary, it adds absolutely nothing to the storyline and honestly, its end was lacking.
This was my very first read from this author, and this book does a terrible job at being a standalone. If I’m being honest, I’m not planning on reading the rest of the series.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC, and for giving me the opportunity to read this book. My opinions are my own.
thrivingduck's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
3.5
Super abrupt ending haha. Tied up a lot of loose ends but the ending was like.. two paragraphs??
taraminter's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
loverofromance's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Introduction
The Heiress Bride is the third book in the Duke's Heiress trilogy and I really had a great time with this one. This is the conclusion to the heiresses' mystery and I really enjoyed seeing what Madeline Hunter did with this one here. Madeline Hunter just writes some great solid historical romance and I love that her writing style hasn't become too modern. It really has that classic Avon feel to her writinig and I really appreciate that. So if you are fans of Anne Gracie or Elisa Braden, then this author you will really enjoy. This had a solid mystery that was attached to it, pacing solid and just was a solid story that I enjoyed fully.
Summary
Nicholas Radnor, is the Duke of Hollinburgh and there are pressures to marry an heiress and also locate the mysterious woman in his late uncle's will. She is the last of the three heiresses mentioned but when a strange woman approaches him for a book she was authenticating for auction for his uncle, he is intrigued and believes she could be the lost heiress and that there is more to her presence than meets the eye. He wants to fulfill the late duke's promise to Iris though while at the same time determining if she has ill will towards his family. But soon love and passion enter the playing field between them and a family mystery with secrets to be unveiled.
My Outlook
I absolutely adored this one here, and while the pacing wasn't perfect in this book, I absolutely adored everything else about this story. I do want to give a fair warning on the narration. I tried it in narration and it wasn't that good. The accent is super super thick and I found it to be more distracting. The writing in this one is very easy to read for the most part, so you will be easily sucked into the story. I really love how this author writes her books though. Her writing is just really enjoyable to fall into. I found this story to be quite a solid read and if you love a good mystery being unveiled, this story really tackles the mystery very well. It ended up being something I actually didn't expect. So the author really mixed me up here with the reveal but at the same time I really enjoyed how it all played out. I really loved the banter that we see in the previous two couples here and I really need to read the second book in this series, because I just need Kevin's book.
What I really enjoyed though was the way that this couple interacted with each other. I loved how they each have their own agenda, but at the same time, you see the way their chemistry builds the more they interact and the way that they both balance their personal agenda with how their relationship is changing throughout the story. The growth of their bond was truly wonderful and their kissing scenes!!! WOWZA I really felt like it was so powerful in these intimate moments. The only complaint that I have in this story is the pacing was a bit stagnated in the middle way through of the story and I really struggled pushing through it. But I am glad that I stuck with it and was able to see the way this story comes to completion. Because it did end up being such a beautiful story in the end here.
Overall View
The Heiress Bride is a captivating romance that delivered on authentic historical feels, a sensual strong relationship that delivers on top with a stunning mystery to keep you heart tuned in from beginning to end.
Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 4
World Building: 4
Cover:4
Hero: 4
Heroine: 3.5
Steam: 3.5
Heart & Feels:3.5
Ending:4
Overall View: 3.75
Introduction
The Heiress Bride is the third book in the Duke's Heiress trilogy and I really had a great time with this one. This is the conclusion to the heiresses' mystery and I really enjoyed seeing what Madeline Hunter did with this one here. Madeline Hunter just writes some great solid historical romance and I love that her writing style hasn't become too modern. It really has that classic Avon feel to her writinig and I really appreciate that. So if you are fans of Anne Gracie or Elisa Braden, then this author you will really enjoy. This had a solid mystery that was attached to it, pacing solid and just was a solid story that I enjoyed fully.
Summary
Nicholas Radnor, is the Duke of Hollinburgh and there are pressures to marry an heiress and also locate the mysterious woman in his late uncle's will. She is the last of the three heiresses mentioned but when a strange woman approaches him for a book she was authenticating for auction for his uncle, he is intrigued and believes she could be the lost heiress and that there is more to her presence than meets the eye. He wants to fulfill the late duke's promise to Iris though while at the same time determining if she has ill will towards his family. But soon love and passion enter the playing field between them and a family mystery with secrets to be unveiled.
My Outlook
I absolutely adored this one here, and while the pacing wasn't perfect in this book, I absolutely adored everything else about this story. I do want to give a fair warning on the narration. I tried it in narration and it wasn't that good. The accent is super super thick and I found it to be more distracting. The writing in this one is very easy to read for the most part, so you will be easily sucked into the story. I really love how this author writes her books though. Her writing is just really enjoyable to fall into. I found this story to be quite a solid read and if you love a good mystery being unveiled, this story really tackles the mystery very well. It ended up being something I actually didn't expect. So the author really mixed me up here with the reveal but at the same time I really enjoyed how it all played out. I really loved the banter that we see in the previous two couples here and I really need to read the second book in this series, because I just need Kevin's book.
What I really enjoyed though was the way that this couple interacted with each other. I loved how they each have their own agenda, but at the same time, you see the way their chemistry builds the more they interact and the way that they both balance their personal agenda with how their relationship is changing throughout the story. The growth of their bond was truly wonderful and their kissing scenes!!! WOWZA I really felt like it was so powerful in these intimate moments. The only complaint that I have in this story is the pacing was a bit stagnated in the middle way through of the story and I really struggled pushing through it. But I am glad that I stuck with it and was able to see the way this story comes to completion. Because it did end up being such a beautiful story in the end here.
Overall View
The Heiress Bride is a captivating romance that delivered on authentic historical feels, a sensual strong relationship that delivers on top with a stunning mystery to keep you heart tuned in from beginning to end.
Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 4
World Building: 4
Cover:4
Hero: 4
Heroine: 3.5
Steam: 3.5
Heart & Feels:3.5
Ending:4
Overall View: 3.75
srivalli's review
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
4.0
4 Stars
One Liner: Entertaining and easy to read
Nicholas Radnor, the new Duke of Hollinburgh, is doing his best to handle the responsibilities of his position. Dealing with annoying aunts, managing a draining estate, and trying to find out more about his uncle’s sudden death are keeping him occupied.
Iris Barrington arrives at the last hour, demanding that he fulfill his uncle’s promise and find a rare book that could be hidden somewhere in the estate’s libraries. However, Iris is also the third heir to the dead duke and now is eligible to claim a substantial portion of funds. Iris is shocked by the developments. After all, she is a woman of trade, a rare book dealer traveling across the Continent, and an independent woman.
Nicholas and his family are suspicious of Iris, and she sure has secrets to keep. Yet, as the two come closer, someone is determined to do anything to keep Iris away from her new inheritance.
The story comes in the third-person POV of Nicholas and Iris.
My Thoughts:
Historical romances have their own charm. Lovely dresses, balls, elaborate dinners, house parties, headstrong heroines, and handsome heroes. Of course, we also get a good dose of the snobbish ton as a reflection on the times.
Though this is the third book in the trilogy (?), it works perfectly as a standalone. The couples from the previous two books have an active role in this one and add to the entertainment value.
The writing is easy to read and keeps things simple. It’s not overtly historical but not modern, either. That works for me well.
The lead characters, Nicholas and Iris, are strong and independent. I wish their past is explored a little more, but we get enough to understand their actions and decisions.
There’s a bit of mystery as well (a couple of attacks) that is solved at the end (one is left open-ended and makes me wonder if there will be another book in the series). However, this is predominantly a romance with some steam in the second half (2.5-ish).
The vagaries of the ton are well presented, along with a desire for extravagance without any thought to practicality. Aunt Agnes and Dolores are the typical relatives who decide a person’s worth based on their birth and yearly income rather than their character.
The book has quite a few scenes and discussions about books, though most of it is in terms of the book’s value. After all, the heroine is a rare book dealer.
However, my biggest question is- why is there no epilogue! Why? Historical romances feel so incomplete with an epilogue. I need to know about Iris’s wedding dress, Minerva’s child, Miss Paget, and a few other itsy bits details that neatly tie up the end. Sigh!
There’s a thirty-pound tabby, King Arthur. However, our heroine isn’t a cat lover. She is a no-nonsense woman with a business-oriented mind, which makes her worry more about cat hair on precious books (valid point!). But then, when did cats bother about trivial issues like that?
To summarize, The Heiress Bride is an entertaining historical romance with likable main characters and well-etched supporting characters. Carry it to the beach or pick it up on a lazy afternoon.
Thank you, NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Zebra, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheHeiressBride
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault