Story is greatly focused on Stuart and Edie's relationship and his wooing of her. Edie is traumatized by a rape she keeps secret from him, making it challenging for Stuart to figure out why she is so opposed to a reconciliation. Stuart was tender and patient, and also deeply affected by his own trauma in Africa, including the death of his valet. My biggest disappointment is with the lateness in which the couple's consummation takes place along with other issue resolutions culminating in a rushed and anti-climatic ending. Gotta love the overall tenderness throughout the story, though. 3.5 stars.

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Edie, an American heiress, has a serious problem. Her reputation is ruined in America and she is in England, hoping to find a solution. However, time is running out and she is no closer to an answer. At a ball, she sees a man who is just what she is looking for. Stuart, Duke of Margrave, is facing ruin. He needs hundreds of thousands to pay off his family's debts and he wants to return to Africa.

Edie and Stuart agree to a marriage in name only; she will pay off the debts and give him an annual stipend, so he can explore Africa to his heart's content. She will maintain and rebuild his ducal properties and Stuart is to never return to England.

However, in life, things happen. Stuart is mauled by a lioness (while his valet is killed) and he watches as his African companions dig his grave. He decides that he wants to go home and build a life with Edie. It takes six months to mend enough to return to England. Edie is underwhelmed; in fact, she is furious.

Stuart tells Edie that he wants children and Edie refuses and talks about an annulment or a divorce. When she returns from an unsatisfactory meeting with her lawyer, they talk again. Finally, they agree to a 10-day test; she wants to go back to America (actually, she doesn't, but she doesn't know what else to do) and he wants her to stay. Edie gives Stuart 10 days to change her mind about leaving.

This is a very moving story because Stuart doesn't really understand the true nature of Edie's ruination in America. When he finally figures it out, the story moves to a new level. Stuart is the epitome of patience and kindness. There are some errors in the book made by the author. I'm surprised that a copyeditor didn't catch the errors before production. The people in this book are interesting.

American Heiress in London
1. When the Marquess Met His Match (2013)
**2. How to Lose a Duke in Ten Days (2014)
3. Catch a Falling Heiress (2015)
4. No Mistress of Mine (2016)

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