⭐⭐⭐⭐ Was I hooked by that book? Yes. Childhood rivals become lovers in this beguiling and fun romance.

August Wade was never meant to be the Duke of Courtland. Now he’s inherited the title from his uncle along with the poorly managed ducal estates. After months of attempting to remedy the situation, August concludes that he must wed an heiress. Specifically, Miss Hazel Dartmont, only child of an obnoxiously wealthy textile merchant. Not only is Miss Dartmont wealthy, but she is several years on the shelf and far beneath him socially. She will be thrilled to draw the attention of a duke. Desperate, even. Hazel only accepted the invitation to Lady Talbot’s house party to escape London and the attentions of an overly amorous gentleman. As a wealthy heiress, albeit one with a pedigree most of society turns their noses up at, Hazel is accustomed to being targeted by every desperate dandy in London. Now well past marriageable age, Hazel delights in her independence and has no intention of ever taking a husband. Not even the rakish Duke of Courtland can change her mind.

MY THOUGHTS

An Heiress for August is the eighth book in The Rake Review series, one book for each month of the year written by different authors. And reminiscent of Bridgerton, it comes complete with its own scandal sheet, The Rake Review, penned by the Brazen Belle. Mr. August in our calendar of rakes is the truly rakish August Wade, Duke of Courtland.

August was unpleasant as a child and that is how Hazel remembered him.  So she was thoroughly discombobulated when he showed up at her friend’s matchmaking house party, looking nothing like the spoilt little brat she used to know and loathe. August, on the other hand, was completely enchanted by Hazel, even more so after he realized who she was.

August’s efforts to capture Hazel’s attention were amusing, as well as their initial sniping. And then they slowly realized that maybe a person can change and that the past didn’t necessarily define you. They had some beautifully tender moments between them that gradually shifted their attitudes towards each other.

I enjoyed the author’s light-hearted writing style. And even though this is more of a novella, the pacing ensured that everything fit in really well, without feeling rushed or incomplete. This is a lovely series if you like steamy historical romance.

Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Were you hooked by that book? Let me know in the comments below.

Genre: Historical Romance
Published: August 1, 2024
Sensuality Rating: Warm
Series: The Rake Review
Other books in the series: Jilted in January, The Fake February Rake, Mad Duke March, It’s Raining Rakes in April, One Fine May, The Scot Who Made June Hot, A Scandal in July