The Devil and the Heiress (The Gilded Age Heiresses Book 2)

Will his deceit destroy any hope for a future together …After reading the eldest daughter’s story, I have been quite curious about Violet’s.Even more as it would be related with Christian’s, a fun supporting character in the previous book.Violet is the obedient, demure in appearance girl, when there is much more of her. She just is not one for confrontation so she keeps quiet to avoid bumping heads, especially with her parents, much determined to see their plans come to fruition. Yet as they stay deaf to her plight, for once, she must take things in hand. Which is a complete novelty for her, as until now, her life had been ruled by her kin, she to follow the flow.Christian never had anyone to show him how to do things, nor was he surrounded by affection and caring. So he shaped himself without anyone real influence. Why he is so controlling, he is no bad man, but he built himself with a hateful sire, a deserting mother as background picture and the image of his haughty peers. Which changed the lost boy he was once in a manipulative man. He is no abusive fellow, but he likes to organize things the way he wants them to go, not always thinking how it might be perceived as deceitful.And one thing he is certain is that he wants Violet, at first for her wealth and also as she intrigues him, then as he gets to know her, for her and herself only. But the wheels are already in motion, and as he is sincere in his feelings, he maneuvered their circumstances this lied to her about part of his actions.This is the kind of story where you await when the second shoes would drop.As even if there are dents and holes in Christian’s plan, everything seems to go accordingly until it does not. So the story turned from a merry road trip to a angsty tale as each has to reconcile with their deeds and choices.A beautiful tale demonstrating love, and its declaration is no enough, as, if not followed by trust and facts, it has little value.Violet in the main time learns to become herself, she shreds off her girl’s garments to find her way as an adult, she grows into an independent woman while Christian learns love exists and demands more that a few word, it is a sentiment that must be cajoled, caressed and cherished.5 stars𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes

I adored Christian and Violet’s story! This was a fast-paced, passionate, and extravagant wild ride of a novel! The dynamic connection between the couple was off the charts sizzling. The journey complete with lust and deception resonates with the reader.Christian Halston, the Earl of Leigh, is an impoverished nobleman searching for a wealthy heiress to fill his coffers with her dowry. At first sight, Violet catches his eye and he becomes obsessed with her. Yet his suit for her is dismissed by a greedy father. Christian seeks more nefarious means to pursue. He wants Violet. Violet’s passion is writing. She is getting inundated with pressure to wed the suitor her father has picked to be her husband. All Violet wants is the ability to write and be free from a dominating male. Violet falls under Christian’s spell, but is he the man he claims to be? The physical connection between the couple had an ebb and flow. Their relationship is complicated and multi-faceted. The romantic element wasn’t formulaic or standard. It had a flare and was unpredictable. Their relationship kept the reader guessing as to where it would lead next. The couple’s emotions were messy and confusing; this made their confrontations resonate as organic and believable. The couple's issues were not easily reconciled, and it took the majority of the book to work through them. Christian and Violet had to learn to trust each other even when there was no reason to trust. The leap of faith the couple takes was breathtaking. Their happily ever after was hard-fought yet beautiful in its resolution.The plot had so much happening; I felt I was on a rollercoaster in the best possible way. The fast pace grabbed me and was relentless. The action was mixed with the emotional to create a well-rounded story. I cared deeply about these characters; they were vibrant. The storyline was fresh and imaginative. The secondary characters were well-rounded and contributed to the story.I had a high expectation for this novel, as I didn’t think anything could overshadow the first book, which I gave five stars. I was wrong. I enjoyed this novel more than the brilliant first one. The sisters in these two books have a brother, and I can only hope he gets his book, as I do not want this saga to end! Christian and Violet’s love story outshines the usual stories of this time period. The story was a unique, fascinating, romantic read. I advise reading the first book in the series before this one to get a more well-rounded experience, yet it is not necessary as the book stands well on its own. This adventure is a romantically turbulent ride to all-consuming love.

Violet Crenshaw’ parents want to sell her into marriage to the awful Lord Ware (the current highest bidder). So she makes plans to run away and make her living as a writer as she wanted. Lord Christian Leigh has loved Violet since he first saw her but also needs her inheritance to rebuild his Scottish home. After finding out her plans, he decides to go along with her in hopes that after spending time with him she’ll marry him. Are his motives entirely pure? No. But does he actually care for her, support her endeavors, and want to be an equal partner? Yes. So begins the chase!This book was so much fun! Violet and Christian are well developed and relatable characters. They communicate and have wonderful chemistry. Violet standing up for herself even though she wants to follow the rules was great and more meaningful than when August did it. Her parents continue to absolutely awful human beings.Our only issue is that in the last 50 or so pages we go where we didn’t think we were headed. After all the time spent building the characters and their great communication, Violet gets angry after giving him her virtue only to discover he has more secrets. Her reaction to the secrets, most of which she knew and the others had very little impact on her, is most definitely ridiculous. The lovers quarrel that follows is entirely pointless and really unlike either of the characters. It all works out in the end but was completely unnecessary and a waste of space.Overall, it’s a fun quick read and we cannot wait for Max’s book because at this point he may be out favorite sibling!