Imagine, if you will, the late 19th and early 20th century London – a city steeped in tradition, heritage, and old money. Now, picture a battalion of young, vivacious, and incredibly wealthy American women, dubbed ‘Dollar Princesses,’ descending upon this stiff-upper-lip society with a mission: to trade their substantial fortunes for noble British titles.
This, dear readers, is not the latest plot twist from a historical romance novel; it’s a riveting chapter from our very own history!
These ‘Dollar Princesses’ were the daughters of America’s nouveau riche, who, despite their wealth, found the doors of the old-moneyed elite firmly shut in their faces. But across the Atlantic, Britain’s nobility were grappling with their own predicament – grand estates in desperate need of a cash influx. And thus, a ‘marriage of convenience’ between a Dollar Princess and a titled but impoverished gentleman was born!
From the grand halls of New York to the aristocratic manors of England, these audacious American heiresses boldly navigated the complexities of the British social scene. Their vibrant personalities, modern views, and extravagant parties sent ripples through the aristocratic landscape, forever altering the rhythm of high society.
Jennie Jerome, the mother of Winston Churchill, was one such Dollar Princess. She brought more than just her substantial dowry to her marriage with Lord Randolph Churchill; her dynamic spirit infused a fresh lease of life into the otherwise staid aristocracy.
In my latest novel, ‘The Heiress Swap,’ I’ve drawn inspiration from these fascinating women. Our heroine, Evie Jenkins, finds herself in the heart of London society, tasked with impersonating her American heiress cousin. Though she’s not a ‘Dollar Princess’ herself, she brings the same audacious spirit and charm to the British aristocracy, catching the eye of the dashing Duke of Hargrave.
‘The Heiress Swap’ is a delightful romp through history and across continents, inspired by the audacious American women who dared to dream of love, adventure, and an English title. So, join us for a fun, summer read that promises romance, hilarity, and a hearty dose of history!
The Heiress Swap is out now. Find out where to buy it here.
Evie Jenkins didn’t know what she was thinking by agreeing to switch places with her American heiress cousin. After all, she’s naught but a poor—and usually quite sensible—companion. All she has to do is spend six weeks among London society, pretending to be an heiress…and ensure that absolutely under no circumstances does she accept any proposals of marriage.
When his cousin declares himself in love with a new woman visiting from the States, Alexander Trenton—the sixth Duke of Hargrave—is determined to prove that the young lady in question is just another American “Dollar Princess” desperate for an English title. She seems innocent enough, but Alex is determined to expose her…by thoroughly seducing the lovely and fiercely intelligent heiress himself.
What he assumed would be just one simple kiss erupts into something wild, uncontrollable, and much too public. Now the duke must save her reputation with a betrothal…little knowing that his charming Princess harbors a secret that would certainly ruin them both.
Indoctrinated into a world of dashing rogues and feisty heroines when she was fourteen years old, Maddison Michaels is a prolific reader and writer of romantic suspense and historical fiction. She gets her daily dose of suspense from working as a police officer, prosecuting real-life villains in the Courts of Australia. A member of the RWA and RWA Australia, Maddison is as passionate about her writing as she is about her other two loves: her family and her cups of tea. Luckily, she gets a healthy dash of romance married to her wonderful husband, and her exercise regime is kept on track by her six-year-old daughter, who ensures Maddison is kept very busy chasing her around. Maddison’s debut novel The Devilish Duke is her way of time traveling back to Victorian London to experience a cornucopia of intrigue, romance, and debauchery all from the comfort of her living room!
You can follow Maddison on Facebook, Twitter, and check out her website to stay up to date on the latest news!
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