HEIRESS FOR HIRE is the first book in Madeline Hunter’s “Duke’s Heiress” series. Minerva Hepplewhite is a woman who has survived a lot and is suddenly and advantageously left a fortune by a duke. Although happy to be favored in that way, it is equally perplexing since she doesn’t remember ever meeting the late duke. The duke’s sudden death and his puzzling will provoke several people to investigate including Minerva and the charming former soldier-turned gentleman detective Chase Radnor. I loved this book! I enjoy books, like this one, that have a great and equal mix of mystery and romance. I also like banter between Chase and Minerva and their overall chemistry.

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I really enjoy stories with heroines who are widows. In Minerva’s case, her husband’s passing was a blessing and the experience has strengthened her contributed to her path to independence. This is a good book for readers, like me, who like an intelligent and shrewd heroine. Her life experiences have made Minerva cautious and a great observer – two things that are in an asset in the detective business. Since she is an unknown and surprising beneficiary of a hefty inheritance, it is to her benefit to investigate the duke’s death. There is a wonderful sexual tension as Chase and Minerva work the investigation separately before trusting each other to work together. I like that Chase eventually sees Minerva as a partner – both personally and professionally. I appreciate the way Madeline Hunter has Minerva sort through her emotional baggage and how the character doesn’t come across as hysterical and reactionary. Telling HEIRESS FOR HIRE from alternating perspectives gives the reader a better understanding of the main characters and makes for a richer story. Both Chase and Minerva are realistically flawed without being obnoxious. This story is told in such a way that almost every character can be perceived to be a plausible suspect. The mystery and the romance both evolve over the course of the book.

HEIRESS FOR HIRE is a beguiling mystery with a sensual and emotionally explosive romance. Madeline Hunter does a superb job of maintaining the tension – both romantic and otherwise – while also weaving it together with good storytelling and compelling characters. The supporting characters like Jeremy and Beth add another layer of depth to the story. I hope to eventually read a story about Chase’s cousin Nicholas. I am eager to read the next “Duke’s Heiress” novel.

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