A review by onegalonelife27
A Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adriana Herrera

emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

 
There’s something beautiful about visiting the past in a story, especially in a way that isn’t common. Female business owners are not often talked about in historical novels, let alone women of color in a male dominated business. So that enough is catch a reader’s eye. After her father’s death, Luz and her friends sail first to Paris so she can compete in the World Exhibition with her family’s rum. Yet, she gets snubbed time and time again due to her being a woman. Yet one man inspired more than just the usual anger in her: James Evanston Sinclair, Earl of Darnick. 

Despite being an Earl, Evan would rather spend his days at his distillery and far away from his family’s legacy. His father claims that Evan’s mother left no will and thus the distiller belongs to him.Thanks in part to a scheme and collaboration that will lead to his father’s downfall, Evan is able to find the will. Yet, there’s a clause, a marriage clause. 

Luz also finds herself in need of a husband, if only to be able to access her inheritance that her guarantor refuses to give. So thus, we get a good marriage of convenience with plenty of sexual delight between these two, plus Luz gets plenty of respect from Evan who does not look down on her in the slightest. He often gets mad on her behalf, wanting to thrash any man that stands in her way. Yet Luz can stand on her own two feet, time and time again she does get the last word against those who look down on her. 

I also really enjoyed the side characters, such as Luz’s friendships with her fellow Leonas, and also a few hints here and there about their own lovelives. So thus I’m eager to read te rest of the series!

I did have one problem with the book, it was a matter of transitions. Rather than noting the date, it notes the different places the main characters are now in and then saying later how much time has passed. Which to me felt odd since it didn’t feel like much time passed between one place or another. I also like it when historical novels often start chapters with the month and year of the setting, to show time passing and it helps me keep straight how long the story has been going on. 

Over all, if you want a rich Victorian era that shows a diverse cast, a great romance with emotion and sexual tension, as well as some good revenge sprinkled in, I highly recommend this book!
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