Heiress in Red Silk by Madeline Hunter is the second book in the Duke's Heiress series.While having read the previous book in the series (Heiress for Hire) will give readers more knowledge of the characters and larger story line, I think newcomers will be able to enjoy the romance as a stand alone well enough if they want.
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.
Heiress in Red Silk is a solid romance with characters that have strong personalities and points of view. I liked that they were both very smart- even though life and other people's perceptions made them feel like they might not be. I also like that they were both caring characters, although they both could get a bit caught up in their work of choice. I feel like there could have been more danger or intrigue, but I did like that both Kevin and Rosamund had to figure out their own place, and their own needs, rather than just falling into love or lust and ignoring all the work that would be needed to make their own happy ending. I liked that everyone had flaws and made mistakes, and that imperfection is what general makes characters feel more real for me. I did not get completely engaged in the story, and I am honestly more invested in the details of the larger story line than I have been in the romance portion of this book, or the first in the series. However, maybe that is just my brain telling me my next read should be a mystery.
