Seducing an Heiress on a Train by Lauren Smith – a Review

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Book Depository

Description:
Seducing an heiress has never been easier…

Roguish Oliver, Viscount Conway, desperately needs money to save his family’s estate from debt collectors, and he knows just what to do – marry an heiress. When he sets foot on a train leaving Southampton, he bumps into Rayne, the most bewitching woman he’s ever met, and as luck would have it, she’s an American heiress. The woman swears she won’t marry, especially a fortune hunter. Oliver must win her for his bride at any cost, even if it means compromising the lady on a train and stealing her heart.

Avoiding fortune hunters has never been harder…

Rayne Egerton is happy to escape the New York ballrooms to travel with her father through England while he tends to business. What should have been an enjoyable Christmas vacation turns upside down with a moment of unexpected passion when a stranger in the cabin next to her steals a scorching kiss. The mysterious Lord Conway is everything that Rayne desires and fears in a man with his sinfully good looks, wicked smile and devastating kiss. As heiress to her father’s fortune, she isn’t going to give up her freedom for any man unless he can love her without her money. As the train rolls through snowy English countryside, she starts to wonder if Oliver may be the Christmas gift she’d been secretly hoping for.

Review:

Just in time for Christmas! Seducing an Heiress on a Train is a heartwarming Victorian Christmas story about finding real love in the midst of disaster. Lauren Smith, author of this marvelous tale has given everyone a real gift.

Now you all know I don’t do spoilers, and this is a quick novel, so I’ll give you the set up and let you know what I found so wonderful.

This is the story of Viscount Oliver Conway and an American heiress Rayne Egerton. It’s set in London 1888.

Viscount Conway (Oliver) has been trying to save his family from financial ruin after his father’s death. His father’s investments went bankrupt, leaving them owing a small fortune to pay off the debts and save their estate. There is no way for Oliver to find the funds to do that except for marrying an heiress, something he’s loathe to do. He wants a love match and a family like the one his mother and father had before things went wrong. However, to save his family, Oliver has set his mind to swallow his pride and do just that. They have a neighbor, Adelaide Berwick, daughter of Lord Berwick, and she’s always wanted to marry Oliver. Her dowry would definitely save their estate. However, she’s been a spoiled and cruel brat the whole time they’ve known her, and no one wants to have her around.

Rayne Egerton is an American and her father is in the oil and steel business. He has an enormous amount of money and would love to make a good match for his daughter. However, he also knows his daughter hates anything to do with fortune hunters. She wants to be loved for who she is rather than her father’s money.

They meet by accident at Mrs. Poole’s ball. Oliver went to the library to dodge Miss Berwick and having to propose for just a little while. Rayne was there to cool off after having had an argument earlier with Miss Berwick. Both are looking for solace and a quiet place to get their bearings. They both sneak into the library for a bit of respite at exactly the same time. Sharing the room to hide they talk and grow entranced with each other. Neither knows the other’s name or circumstances. They are so entangled already, and neither has a clue.

Later that night, Oliver’s sister told him about Rayne Egerton, the American heiress and about meeting her. She told him Rayne’s plans to visit Lord Fraser’s house in Scotland, the same party they were headed for in a few days. Oliver arranges to change his ticket and be on the train with Rayne. And the game is afoot!

This is a wonderful and light story that would make an excellent gift for those friends who love Victorian romance. Of course, it’s also a great gift for yourself to keep your heart fluttering!

The characters are well crafted, and you learn to love them all. The way it all works out is endearing and delightful. It’s an uplifting story and just in time for the holidays! Congratulations to author Lauren Smith for another magnificent story to fall in love with.

Reviewed by Georgianna  

Copy supplied for review